The Natural Dye Process

Sourcing

Sourcing sustainable fabrics (organic cotton, bamboo, linen, and hemp)

or 

Sourcing used clothes from second hand stores to upcycle. 

Estimate time - perpetually looking for new fabric suppliers and popping my head into vintage stores

Producing

Working with a local seamstress to make small batches of new clothes and mend the pre-loved items if necessary.

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Estimate time - about one week (Fatima is a busy woman :) )

Scouring

Boiling the fabric to wash away excess oils and starches that will cause uneven coloration on the fabric.

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Estimate time - 5 to 10 hours depending on fabric needs

Mordanting

Preparing the fabric to bind with the dyes using proteins or mineral salts. On vegetable fibres, this includes a pre-mordant process to introduce tannins to the fabric.

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Estimate time - 24 to 48 hours

Curing

Leaving fabric to cure after mordanting so the fabric completely binds with proteins or minerals.

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Estimate time - 1 week to 1 month depending on the mordanting method

Dyeing

Dyeing the fabric using various techniques and plant-based pigments. Depending on the desired outcome, this process can be one step or many steps if the garment is dyeing using multiple techniques.

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Estimate time - 24 hours to multiple days

Curing Again

In order to ensure maximum wash fastness, I like to allow the fabric to cure for at least a week before washing. 

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Estimate time - 1 to 2 weeks