It is this commitment to sustainable ways of working that first attracted us to Cloth Collective, and the reason we invited Founder Charlotte Lawson Johnston to join Haines Curates, our community of eco-friendly independent designers.
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What are natural dyes made from?
Dyes can be extracted from a range of naturally derived plant sources such as berries, leaves, flowers, vegetables, fruit and even spices. The colour is determined by the source product and how it takes to the base cloth (natural dyes work best on natural fabrics), meaning every batch is unique. And, just like in nature, the colours are rich in movement and depth.
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Cloth Collective forage botanicals and food waste all year round, collecting, drying and storing so-called ‘dyestuff’ according to the seasons. They also share our passion for minimising waste, reusing old dyes and reducing new ones down to create print pastes and pigments for future use.
Did you know?
Naturally-dyed fabrics contain antimicrobial properties such as antibiotics and antifungals, which are used to treat infections in humans.
We’re fascinated by the potential of natural dyes and using botanical waste as part of the creative process. And with sustainability becoming a greater focus for businesses, brands and buyers alike (and accountability thereof), it’s exciting to see industries of all kinds exploring and adopting alternative techniques that are less harmful for the planet.
Further reading
Follow natural dye artists @babsbehan and @kateturnbullalchemist on Instagram
Book a workshop with Botanical Inks
Be inspired by A Textile Garden for Fashion Revolution at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
