Indigofera Tinctorum comes from the leaves of a shrub-like plant that is native to the Indian subcontinent. Several species of indigo can be used to produce the dye, but Indigofera Tinctorum is considered to produce the best colors. Unlike other natural dyes, which can be extracted by soaking in water, the process for using indigo dye is more complex, and generally involves the creation of a reduction vat.  There are many ways to make these vats, using iron, henna, however our preferred method is using fruit sugars or fructose, and a strong alkali such as calcium hydroxide.

Rubia Tinctorum is a perennial plant with evergreen leaves and yellow flowers that is cultivated for its long roots from which the dye is made of. The plants should be at least three years old before their roots, containing the active compound, alizarin, are harvested. Our madder powder comes from the Aegean region of Turkey and is grown and collected by farmers in a number of different villages, each farmer harvesting the roots carefully to maintain the crop for future years. After collection, the roots are left to dry naturally then powdered.

Avocado pits and skins create a natural pink dye ranging from delicate peach to a deeper salmon pink. We work with a local restaurant arranging regular collections from their kitchen. To make the dye, we clean the pits and skins, then simmer them in water until a rich, burgundy colour is achieved then soak the pre-washed, damp natural fabric in the dye bath until the desired shade is reached.