Natural Dyes
Apr 3, 2022
Dyeing Merino Wool Scarves With Cochineal
Natural dyeing is complicated and time consuming but the outcome is so worth it. This week I've been dyeing Merino wool scarves with cochineal.
Jan 28, 2021
Connected to Colour: Pink
The cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus) is a gift from nature. It creates a glorious pink. Pink is often associated with love and romance. Often thought of as a feminine colour, pink is associated with the qualities of softness, kindness, nurturance, and compassion.
Jan 4, 2021
2021 Colours of the Year
I've never been one to follow trends, however it's always interesting knowing what's out there and what informs a lot of design trends in the world. Have a look at some of the decision-making behind the Pantone colours for 2021.
Dec 29, 2020
'Colours of Nature' with Charlotte Kwon
This amazing 4-day workshop was with master dyer Charlotte Kwon from Maiwa Handprints in Vancouver. An in-depth study and preparation of many different kinds of fabrics.
Nov 15, 2020
Connected to Colour: Orange
Nature is a refuge where we connect with our essence and open our senses, seeing, hearing, smelling and feeling more vibrantly. And we revel in the stunning colours of nature - greens, yellows, blues, reds, pinks, and, yes, the colour orange.
Oct 21, 2019
At the Cauldron - A Natural Dyer's Dream
I love dyeing with natural dyes. There are a number of steps involved in the dyeing of a wool scarf. In its simplest form this is the process (it varies with protein fibre - wool and silk and cellulose fibre - cotton, linen, hemp, etc.).
Sep 23, 2019
Wool: The Warmest of Fibre
I have always loved wool. And if you are as crazy about wool as I am, here are a few interesting things to know about it.
Jun 16, 2019
Tea Plantations and Finding Indigo
The Tata Tea group set up its natural dye unit in Kerala, India in 1995 and will celebrate its 25th year anniversary in 2020. The green and lush hills were breathtaking and it became clear why it's called "God's Country".
May 3, 2019
A Master Revives Textile Traditions in Cambodia
This post in an ode to my memorable trip to Cambodia in 2010. I was on a mission while there, and it was to meet Dr. Kiku Morimoto.
Oct 22, 2018
2018 Saskatoon Fashion Design Festival
This past weekend was a great time at the Saskatoon Fashion Design Festival. I presented ten looks of my designs. I like cropped jackets and layered looks.
Jul 31, 2018
Natural Dye Workshop - Dyeing with Protein Fibre
I conducted a Natural Dye workshop for the Saskatoon Spinners and Weavers Guild. There were 10 students. We were welcomed by one of the Guild member's homes to have the workshop there in the country, over-looking the river just near Waneskewin National Heritage Site.
Dec 18, 2017
Caring for Your Naturally-dyed Scarf
Garment care labels can be difficult to navigate. In this blog post you can find a link to the Canadian website for care symbols and what they mean.