Meet the Makers Using Natural Dyes
MEET THE MAKERS
USING MAIWA'S NATURAL DYES
COLOUR FROM NATURE
Meet the Makers — where we shine a light on how artisans are using Maiwa Supplies.
In this feature we call out makers who are using Maiwa's natural dyes. From production dyeing to paint-making; starting with natural colour gives craftspeople an edge. Craft is storytelling with objects, and these colours have a story unlike any other. These are exceptional craftspeople - check out their websites and instagram feeds.
───────────────
───────────────
GREEN MATTERS NATURAL DYE COMPANY
They naturally dye yarns for the Ranch 01 line of Brooklyn Tweed (among other clients) ... and they are one of the most inspiring young companies we know. Tyler Stoltzfus and Winona Quigley started the Green Matters Natural Dye Company with a 3 gallon stock pot and an idea: to bring pollution-free colour to the textile industry by using all natural dye ingredients. They grow many dye plants themselves, they source from local, sustainable options, and when they want to access classic dyes that are unavailable locally — they get them from Maiwa.
See also Brooklyn Tweed's profile of Green Matters Natural Dye Company
and Knitting with naturally-dyed yarn.
────────────────────────────
CATHARINE ELLIS
Catharine Ellis made a name for herself early on with the publication of her book Woven Shibori. In 2016 it was revised and updated to combine this groundbreaking resist process with natural dye technique. For many years now Catharine has pursued natural colour. We highly recommend her blog, Natural Dye: Experiments and Results. Her two most recent posts evaluate oak galls and describe the indigo harvest in Okinawa.
Catharine has a long-term teaching and researching partnership with the Danish dye chemist and textile engineer Joy Boutrup. We are happy to say that when they reach for natural colours that can't be found locally, they reach for Maiwa's natural dyes. Keep an eye our for their forthcoming book: The Art and Science of Natural Dyes.
───────────────────────────────
CAITLIN FFRENCH
She travels the world modeling her popular knitwear designs. She can put together a beautiful natural dye palette on cloth or yarn; in paints or inks. She spends a lot of time on dramatic beaches, windy hilltops and deep in the forest where she finds inspiration for her colour. She is a teacher, photographer, and publisher. Where does she get her classic dyes? Maiwa.
──────────────────────────────
SABAHAR
Sabahar is an Ethiopian company that hand weaves cotton and silk textiles. They raise the wild silk themselves from eri moths. When they add colour - all of it is natural.
Kathy Marshall, a Canadian by birth but a twenty-year veteran of Ethiopia, founded Sabahar in 2004 and still works as its General Manager. Her passion for preserving and celebrating the rich weaving tradition of Ethiopia combined with her desire to create respectful and ethical work opportunities for marginalized people have laid the foundation for the company. Maiwa is proud to supply Sabahar with all their non-local colour.
There are two videos about Sabahar we recommend. Check them out in the links below:
───────────────
───────────────
OUR NATURAL DYES ARE AVAILABLE AT:
Maiwa Supply on Granville Island 7 days a week between 10am and 7pm
and
Maiwa East: 1310 Odlum Drive Vancouver, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
and
Online at maiwa.com
0 comments
We moderate comments to keep posts on-topic, avoid spam, and inappropriate language. Comments should appear within 24 hours.