Johann Wolfgang von Goethe published Theory of Colours in 1810. He disagreed with Isaac Newton’s famous 1672 optical spectrum analysis, and was more interested in how colour is perceived. Enlightenment artists and scientists were very engaged with quantifying colour. In 1708, French painter Claude Boutet based the above wheels on Newton’s findings. In 1775, Austrian…… Continue reading Goethe’s mystic colour theory
year of the dragonfly
Chainstitch embroidery on hemp, in Canary’s natural dyed organic cotton thread.
organic hand dyed thread
Canary naturally hand-dyed organic cotton thread in a variety of colours is now available on Etsy. It’s a sturdy weight that works well for machine or hand stitching. It does not contain any synthetic dye or fibres. Spooled on kraft cardboard tubes. No plastic packaging or shipping materials.
why aren’t there all-natural winter coats?
Searching for one yields catch words like ethical, sustainable, eco, responsible, non-toxic, vegan, fair trade, organic. Yet the details under the slogans include nylon, “cozy polyester faux fur” and much recycled PET plastic. For every headline about the global rag trade trying to green up, another chronicles its minuscule advances. Allergies to chemicals used throughout…… Continue reading why aren’t there all-natural winter coats?
cornely machine
The Cornely A5 chainstitch embroidery machine hasn’t had much use in the past six years. After learning how to work with natural dyes, I’ve finally accumulated a pretty good range of thread colours. The machine itself is made in France. The rest was put together in New York City. It might be from sometime in…… Continue reading cornely machine
industrial disease
I have always loved natural materials and old technologies like natural dyeing, hand tailoring and organic fabric production. Going zero-synthetic, however, was due to a sudden onset of severe chemical allergies. I have to make a batch of gloves every few months, along with many other things.
400 year old colour
“The Bacton Altarcloth” was recently determined to likely be made from a dress that belonged to Queen Elizabeth I, c. 1600. It’s on display at Hampton Palace, with The Rainbow Portait of the Virgin Queen. Inscribed non sine sole iris (no rainbow without the sun) it’s questionable whether the eyes and ears on her saffron…… Continue reading 400 year old colour
Parwati Budha Rawat
Parwati Budha Rawat, 21, with marigold and makhamali garlands that are a big part of the annual Tihar festival in Nepal. Flower prices and domestic supply are closely watched in advance of the festival. On certain Tihar days, the garlands are draped on dogs, cows and other icons to honour them. The fifth day is…… Continue reading Parwati Budha Rawat
blue-tiful
I decided to see if there would be any colour in these woad leaves. They’ve been frozen a few times, which is definitely not according to textbook. No matter how much pigment is in the leaves, the vat, and the material soaked in it, are “indigo white”. The blue doesn’t show until the material is…… Continue reading blue-tiful
