Carding, Spinning, & Dyeing

Our wool is left raw, which means it is not treated with any synthetic chemicals or processes. Instead, it undergoes a careful washing process with water, salt, & natural soap to purify the fibers and sanitize the wool. Then, it is carded by hand using successively fine metal teeth to brush the fibers, detangle, and smooth them into one direction. 

Many brands emphasize their reliance on 100% natural wool, but you should always ask what treatments that wool underwent. Only 5% of the materials used in textile production actually remain in the garment itself, and that invisible 95% so often enacts terrible violence on our bodies and earth. In addition to toxic bleaching, fire-retardant, insect-repellant, water-repellant, and softening chemicals, the vast majority of wool in the fashion& textile industry is synthetically-dyed which results in massive pollution to the soil and our waterways. You can read more about that here, here, and here.

We rely instead on 100% natural plants and herbs for our vibrant colors, even avoiding any synthetic mordants (substances used for color preservation) and using local minerals and iron. Plant dyes are difficult to work with and require precise calculation in terms of weight, temperature, time, water quantity, and careful stirring. No two dye pots ever produce exactly the same color, and even the same tree gives leaves that result in different colors depending on the season, time of year, and how recently it was watered. We embrace this beautiful variance, which keeps us always connected to the passage of time, the cycle of the seasons, and the ultimate reality that the creation of the world is not under our control, but that of Another. 

For an inside look into our artisanal wool carding, spinning, & dyeing with plants, see below:

Shortcomings & Ongoing Efforts to improve:

At present, some of our herbs & plants used in our natural dyeing are not 100% traceable. Our fig leaves, pomegranate, and chebb mineral are all local and traceable, mostly from our own artisans trees and land. However, our madder root, which produces our coral colors, as well as some other in & out of season herbs for dyeing are purchased from the local souq and we are not sure of their origin. We are actively searching for traceable and 100% organic sources for these plant dyes.