News — guide
Plants with Pigment
Below is a list of common plants and botanicals that you can gather / buy / forage for and save up for dyeing. It's best to let these items dry out completely, then store them in a jar. If you are finding juicy berries like elder berries, it's best to dye them fresh, or save them in a plastic bag in the freezer until you are ready to use them. With flowers, I lay them out on a tray to dry, then store them at room tempurature out of direct sunlight and they will keep for years. SNAPDRAGONS HIBISCUS PRIVET...
After Class Care & Overdyeing
Today... Hang your fabric, unwashed, out of direct sunlight and let it cure for 1 day (longer is fine). Tomorrow or the next day... Gently hand wash your fabric in cold water with gentle soap and hang dry. Ironing works great to flatten it out once dry. Care... Natural dyes will last longest when washed in cold water with gentle soap. Washing machine on gentle is fine, or hand wash. Dryer ok. Softer with time... Because we stripped our cotton to dye it, it’s raw now and will naturally get softer again with wear from our hands and natural body...