Dyeing

Today my friend Colleen and I dyed some wool and fabric swatches. We dyed with the Indian spice, turmeric, walnuts, tea, and cochineal bugs. It was a long process and it made my apartment smell very interesting, not in a good way.

Our results were very successful.

Coffe Dyeing

A very easy way to dye or fade something is with coffee and tea. Depending on the intensity you want you simple just dilute the coffee or tea with water.Here is an example of coffee dyeing the legs of muslin pants.

Natural Dyeing by Jackie Crook

Rachel recommends this book to help guide you through the steps of natural dyeing.

Here is a link to buy it on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Dyeing-Jackie-Crook/dp/1600592228

Independent Designer Rachel

Rachel is an independent designer and former Parsons the New School for Design student who designs with more sustainable practices in mind. The majority of Rachel's fabrics and trims are either organic or vintage. Rachel works on her pieces in her apartment/studio in the Lower East Side. Rachel graduated from school last spring and has been working on her collection since then.
Rachel uses organic dye methods to achieve unique colors and patternsMany garments are finished with handmade embroideries and painted details. Rachel's mother is an artist and collaborates with her on many projects.

Rachel buys her natural dye materials at The Yarn Tree off Bedford Ave in Williamsburg, Bk
http://theyarntree.com/

In the city Rachels buys some of her organic fabrics at Mood on 37th St. Between 7th and 8th Ave or at C & J Textiles at 230 38th St. 7th floor, but for more variety and selection she buys online at http://www.nearseanaturals.com/

Urban Dyeing

This is a blog of the natural dyeing class from Parsons. They post some of their dyeing techniques using natural materials such as flowers, onion, and cranberries. They have some really interesting stuff! I took this picture from their blog of them dyeing with Marigolds.

http://urbandyeing.blogspot.com/