Blog
Botanical Colors Joins Makers Row’s Roster of U.S. Manufacturers
Do you know about Maker’s Row? Well, Botanical Colors just got listed on it and we are so proud to be part of their online database for U.S. manufacturers. Maker’s Row wants to make it easier for businesses to access and produce their goods from companies in the United States. To help with that, the New York City-based startup launched an online database that seeks to provide “unparalleled access” to industry-specific factories and suppliers across the country. Its first offering, which targets apparel and accessory manufacturers, couldn’t have come at a better time. From automobiles to Apple computers, a “made … Read more
Talking Natural Dyes with Lissa the Shop
We were so excited that LISSA the shop contacted us for an interview! LISSA hopes to be an online leader for selling a curated collection of eco-conscious clothing for stylish women, “for that every day, relaxed elegance. Not too granola, nothing too fancy.” Part of Lissa’s eco-formula for success will be opting for clothing made from natural dyes so word around town was, we were the authority…which we loved.
Pantone 2013 Color of the Year: Emerald
This is an easy to make, beautiful green. I am including some guidelines – create your own version for a beautiful accent to your 2013 color palette. EMERALD On wool yarn, mordant with potassium aluminum sulfate. You may use between 10-20% on the weight of the fiber. -Use 5% fustic and 5% Saxon Blue. At first, this may look overwhelmingly blue. Don’t panic, we just need a little heat to bring up the fustic color. Simmer for 45 minutes and you should have a beautiful bluish green. -You may need to adjust either or both percentages to create the color … Read more
Woad Workshop and Master Class with Denise Lambert
Join us for a very special workshop this Fall in Seattle! Learn the ancient art of Woad dyeing from master dyer Denise Simeon Lambert, founder of Bleu de Lectoure in southwest France. Denise’s passion for traditional French Blue revitalized woad dyeing and cultivation in France and brought back the medieval techniques of the traditional woad vat, modernizing it for current day use. Denise will be joining us from Lectoure France and this promises to be a very special class. For our workshop, we will be gathering at Magnuson Park and setting up our woad vats outside in the Garden Amphitheater. … Read more
Make An Easy, Organic Indigo Vat
In 2009 and 2010 I had the opportunity to study with natural dye master Michel Garcia. He is a marvelous and knowledgeable teacher, fascinated with using the chemistry of simple ingredients to create natural colors. One of the things that he demonstrated to us was to be fearless about the indigo fermentation vat. What a gift! For me, the indigo fermentation vat has always been a mystery and I could never quite figure out all the details so I never pursued it. I was getting great and consistent color with my lye and soda ash and chemical reducing agents, so why … Read more