Hello, blog lovers, our last blog discussion invoked the question of whether "Peace" silk was actually safe for the animal which silk is made from.
Today's blog focuses on the question: "Just how eco-friendly can dyeing fabric really be?" when I ask Haberdashery's designer, Ashley Newsome, [who is quite knowledgeable about both fabric dyeing and fiber], how she dyes the fabric at Haberdashery, her response was a little unexpected. She told me she uses two different methods to dye the fabrics that are found in her store. Like many environmentally conscious individuals, her first method of dyeing fabric involved using natural dyes such as: Alkanet, Cochineal, Cutch, Fustic, Indigo, Logwood, Madder, and Onion Skin to dye her fabrics; however, when using natural dyes to change the color of fabrics, you must activate the fiber with chemicals which will make the color adhere to the fabric permanently.
These chemicals are known as mordants, which means "to bite,". These heavy metals can be very toxic to the environment and if not carefully handled to the user as well. Since the mordant is necessary when using natural dyes, I wondered if using natural dyes was really better for the environment? -Which leads us into the second method of dying fabric. By using Procion dyes and natural fabrics, Ashley furthers her attempt to achieve environmentally friendly fabric dying processes. Although Procion dyes are not natural dyes and can be toxic to the user if not properly handled, when using them on a small scale Procion dyes do not pose a large threat to the environment. From what I found during my research the soda ash, which is required to make the dye colorfast, is what makes the dye so harmful to the environment. When disposing of the dye, the soda ash in the dying solution can kill plants and fish;however, if you make sure you empty out the solution, in small amounts, into a draining system where the solution can be cleaned out then the soda ash should be no problem.
So as a final thought, I have come to the understanding that eco-friendly fabric dying can be achieved by either a combination of natural dyes and chemical agents or by using fabrics that are made from natural fibers and unnatural dyes. Ashley Newsome has chosen to use both methods and offers beautiful hand dyed fabrics in her store which can be constructed into lovely custom made clothing. Good job Ashley!
(Dress which was hand dyed and made by Haberdashery)
(Here are front and back images of a beautiful Haberdashery bridesmaid dress, designed and made in our studio)
These chemicals are known as mordants, which means "to bite,". These heavy metals can be very toxic to the environment and if not carefully handled to the user as well. Since the mordant is necessary when using natural dyes, I wondered if using natural dyes was really better for the environment? -Which leads us into the second method of dying fabric. By using Procion dyes and natural fabrics, Ashley furthers her attempt to achieve environmentally friendly fabric dying processes. Although Procion dyes are not natural dyes and can be toxic to the user if not properly handled, when using them on a small scale Procion dyes do not pose a large threat to the environment. From what I found during my research the soda ash, which is required to make the dye colorfast, is what makes the dye so harmful to the environment. When disposing of the dye, the soda ash in the dying solution can kill plants and fish;however, if you make sure you empty out the solution, in small amounts, into a draining system where the solution can be cleaned out then the soda ash should be no problem.
So as a final thought, I have come to the understanding that eco-friendly fabric dying can be achieved by either a combination of natural dyes and chemical agents or by using fabrics that are made from natural fibers and unnatural dyes. Ashley Newsome has chosen to use both methods and offers beautiful hand dyed fabrics in her store which can be constructed into lovely custom made clothing. Good job Ashley!(Dress which was hand dyed and made by Haberdashery)
(Here are front and back images of a beautiful Haberdashery bridesmaid dress, designed and made in our studio)
For a look at more of Haberdashery's unique clothing designs check out the website http://www.habsav.com/ and store which can be found at 311 W Broughton St. Studio A, Savannah GA 31401
I'm also very conscious about the items that I use, especially if it's something that can affect my health. Anyway, if I may share my personal preference my favorite brand of dye would probably be Key Colour. It's what I currently use for all my projects. And what I love about it is that it's completely safe to use and is made out of eco-friendly materials as well. I also love how they have a wide selection of dyes that is specific to what kind of fabric you'll be using it on.
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