Beginning with the reclaiming and repurposing of fine textiles wherever and whenever possible. These are then imbued with dyes that are prepared at Emma’s home in the Isle of Man using reclaimed food waste, local flora and found objects.
This process embraces the values inherent in slow production, protesting our propensity for over-consumption and mass-made perfection while celebrating the beauty of hand-made ‘imperfection’, uniqueness and creativity.
The result are both beautiful and unique, each one capturing a glimpse of the natural and human environment that surrounds us.
Natural Dyeing
The Process
Scouring.
This is where Emma removes any excess oils and waxes created in the manufacturing of the textiles. Scouring is a crucial part of natural dying and by removing all manufacturing residue Emma is now giving the textiles the best opportunity to fully absorb the dye.
Mordanting.
This process helps the dye to bond to the fabric, ensuring the colour will last. Many natural dyes can fade over time or multiple washes without the use of a mordant.
Emma often uses natural dyes that are already high in tannin which is a natural fixer. When a stronger mordant is needed Emma will use Iron or Alum.
Natural Dyeing.
There are many ways in which to extract colour from plant materials. Emma’s main process involves bundling up fabrics with the desired natural goods and steaming or soaking in full dye baths for over an hour to extract colour. It is common to dye each piece multiple times with varying techniques until Emma achieves a unique result that she loves.
Finishing.
Lastly, each piece is then steam ironed, hand washed with a PH neutral soap, and line dried to ensure colour fast.
Something different
If you have an idea, or colour in mind that you don’t see in store, use the contact form to get in touch and we can try to make it happen.