What is natural colouring?
Imagine that your clothes are dyed with tropical mango leaves that were just picked up from the tree. It sounds surreal right? It's not!
Natural fabric dying has been used for centuries around the world.
Fabric is dyed naturally with things like tree bark, leaves and flowers.
Natural dyeing is different than synthetic dyes because of the way they're made. They don't use acid baths or harsh chemicals to dye fabrics.
What is the process? Slow!
Here is how it's done:
#1 Creation of a colour palette
The company that we're working with, has mastered the use of 5 plants (Mango leaves, Umbrella leaves, Mahogany leaves, Indigofera leaves, Sappan wood Bark), each one providing a “primary” color. The different combinations of these colors can create over 500 different tones.
#2 Preparation of the fabric
The fabric is soaked in warm water – 30 and 40◦C degrees- to open the fibers. The soaking lasts for 1 and 4 hours depending on the thickness of the fabric. This step is necessary to facilitate the dyeing process and for the colour to bond to the fabric.
#3 Fix the colours
The next step is to fix the colours. The fixation process uses limestone, vinegar and sea salt. Here again, the colours can be altered during fixing. What is the most beautiful thing about this is, that you'll never get the exact same colour, which means that every piece is unique and different.
We decided to work with this particular colour dying company because of their values. They use the organic dyes which have little impact on the environment and yet produce beautiful fabrics. Leftover fabrics are used for re-dyeing.
What is more, all dying is happening in holistic way giving as much value to the dyeing process itself as to the natural raw materials that make the dye.
Wearing something you know was so thought-through feels special.
Clothing is often more than just a piece of fabric – it can also be a form of self-expression and a way to make a statement about who we are and what we value.
When we put thought into the clothing we wear, we may feel more confident and comfortable in our own skin, and it can be a way to show appreciation for the people and processes involved in creating the garments we wear.
