As I build my Senior work focusing on the use of natural dyes and knitwear, I wanted to create a section highlighting the pieces I have created using natural dyes as I continue with my exploration of using 100% organic materials for fashion products.

Naturally Dyed Knitwear

Flower Power Sweater

Design Process

My design ideas come through when I sketchbook and create very loose sketches. I wanted to challenge myself to create this sweater for my knit class final by also naturally dyeing the yarns which I hadn't experimented with since I took "color lab" over a year before.

Prepping and Dyeing the Yarns

Using 100% cotton yarn, I started by scouring with soda ash and synthrapol and mordanting with Alum. I used pomegranate powder to tannin the fibers which I then dipped into Indigo to create the green shade for the leaves. I then took my other mordanted yarns and created a very light cochineal bath to create the pink color for the florals.

Knitting Process

Starting with the sleeves I used the Intarsia carriage to create the leafy design, I decided to switch to duplicate stitching on the body of the sweater.

The Seashell Set

Design Process

Starting with boards I decided to focus my sample collection and my final project on the colors and textures of the seashells I had recently collected on my trip to Costa Rica as well as shells I had found on the shores of Tybee Island.
After preparing my cellulose yarns by scouring and mordanting, I simmered 2 red cabbages for 8 hours each to extract the color. Then I separated the baths and added pH modifiers to create a range of shades. Naturally the dye was purple, I didn't have the right type of vinegar, so I made a light cochineal bath to achieve the pink I wanted, but I was able to get greens and blues by adding baking soda.

Prepping and Dyeing the Yarns

Using 100 % bamboo and cotton yarns, I experimented with the different dye baths to see how I could create variegated shades.

Sample Knits

Knitting Process

For the final garment, I used the knit machine with ladder techniques and changing yarns every few rows to create a variegated lace design.