The Magic of plant dyeing
Nature offers an incredible spectrum of colors—soft earth tones, radiant golds, and deep, soothing blues and greens. With the traditional art of plant dyeing, Seiden Atelier Frei from Gottlieben transform our undyed yarns into unique, naturally colored creations—sustainably, gently, and inspired by nature.
Step 1: Preparing the Yarn
Before the yarn can absorb the dye, it is soaked in water overnight. This ensures that the fibers are fully hydrated, allowing for an even uptake of color. Depending on the fiber composition, the yarn may also be treated with a mordant to enhance dye absorption and improve colorfastness.
Step 2: Creating the Dye Bath
While the yarn is soaking, the dye bath is prepared. Leaves, flowers, bark, or roots from carefully selected plants are gently heated to extract their natural pigments. This process can take several hours—the longer it steeps, the richer the color becomes.
Step 3: Dyeing the Yarn
Once the dye bath is ready, the pre-soaked yarn is carefully placed into the warm liquid. This is where the magic happens: Slowly, the fibers begin to absorb the natural pigments. Depending on the plant, temperature, and dyeing time, the results can range from delicate pastels to deep, vibrant hues. Some colors even continue to develop after drying!
Step 4: Drying and Setting the Color
After dyeing, the yarn is thoroughly rinsed and hung to dry. As it dries, the final shades fully emerge, sometimes shifting slightly due to exposure to air and light.
The result? One-of-a-kind, plant-dyed yarns that capture the beauty of nature. Every dye bath creates something unique—sometimes soft and subtle, sometimes bold and striking. With each skein, you hold a piece of nature in your hands.
We can’t wait to share our first naturally dyed Vaire Yarns with you soon!
