Aurora SilkNatural Dyes, Fabrics & Fibers
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Natural & Plant Dyes

Natural & Plant Dyes

Natural dyes are made from plants, minerals, and in the case of Cochineal, an insect. Here is our selection of the most colour-fast natural dyes available.



Indigo



Fusticwood



Cochineal



Lac



Logwood




Madder




Mungeet

(Indian Madder)




Catechu
(Cutch)




Brazilwood




Osage Orange




Weld




Ratanjali
(Sandalwood)




Tannic Acid
(Tannin)

   


Instructions
Customer Comment

I just wanted to thank you and let you know that the Logwood I purchased from you was wonderful. This is the first time I have worked with natural dyes, and I must say from this experience forth, natural dyes will be the only thing I will use. Thank you for turning me on to the theraputic artistry of natural dyeing.
Best regards,
Shari Strmac, SewBlue, LLC

Cheryl Kolander, who IS Aurora Silk, is the senior Natural Dyer in the world today.  39 years of professional, daily experience with these dyes has taught her the best: “And I only use the best, because my life as an artist is too precious to use anything but the best!”

indigo gownThe dyestuffs above are the “Major Dyes of Commerce”, dyes that have been used by silk and textile artists for thousands of years.  They are precious commodities and are increasingly rare.  Cheryl is constantly looking for new sources for these dyes, and encouraging increased production of the finest grades of these quality dyes.

All dyestuffs are “raw material”.  The dye must be extracted by boiling in water.  The cloth must be prepared to accept the dye by the use of a pre-mordant.  Please see Tutorial on Natural Dyeing if you are new to the process. INDIGO is an exception, with it's own special Natural Fermentation living process.

Cheryl is always searching for new sources for quality Natural Dyes. All the Natural Dyes sold by Aurora Silk are tested by Cheryl Kolander personally. All the Natural Dyes sold by Aurora Silk come from reputable sources. They are grown in de-facto Organic conditions or are wildcrafted (which means necessarily Organic). All these Natural Dyes are also Natural Medicines. Working with them and wearing clothes dyed with them will benefit your health. Purchasing these dyes will also benefit all the individuals and communities whose efforts bring them to you. Aurora Silk is a 100% sustainable business, 100% socially responsible. Cheryl Kolander is a lifetime practitioner of Kindness to People and the Planet. She is 63 years in 2008. For over 40 years her business practices have been the forerunner of such ideas as "Fair Trade", "Eco" and "Sustainable". Her actual practice exceeds all standards.