The Earth Looks Good on You...
The beauty of natural color.
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Natural dyeing is a slow, responsive process. Colors emerge through an ongoing relationship between plant materials, earth pigments, water, fiber, season, and time.
Every piece carries the particular character of its materials and the season in which it was dyed. Natural colors can continue to shift, deepen, or soften with time and use, becoming part of the living history of the piece. Subtle variations and unexpected colors are part of what makes natural dyeing so beautiful, each piece is entirely unique.
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How it works
Natural dye commissions are offered seasonally, with a limited number of projects accepted during each commission window. Each season is designed to allow enough time for consultation, dyeing, and shipping, so commission availability is intentionally limited.
Commission openings are announced through my newsletter and Instagram. If you have a piece in mind outside of a regular commission window, you are also welcome to reach out about a custom or special project. Depending on my current studio capacity, I may be able to accommodate requests outside of the seasonal openings.
Not sure if your piece is suitable? You’re welcome to reach out with a photo and a few details, and I’ll let you know if it’s a good fit for natural dyeing. -
Natural Dye Commissions + FAQ's + How it works.
Regular commission windows typically take place in February/March and August/September. Outside of these seasonal openings, I occasionally take on custom or special projects depending on my studio capacity. If you have a piece or idea in mind, you are welcome to reach out via my contact form.
What can be commissioned?
Several items can be dyed, some examples include:
Clothing: Dresses, shirts & blouses, Jackets & blazers, Denim, scarves
Home Textiles: Table runners, Napkins, Curtains, Bedding
Special Projects: Heirloom textiles, Multi-piece commissions, Bespoke projects
If you are unsure whether your piece is suitable, you are welcome to include it in your commission request.

Booking & Timeline
- Natural dye commissions are offered seasonally, typically in February+March and August+September.
- Once your booking is received, I will follow up via email to confirm your garment and color preferences.
- Dyeing is done during the booking season, and pieces are shipped once complete, usually within a few weeks of dyeing.
Garments & Materials
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Natural fibers only: cotton, linen, hemp, silk, wool
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Pre-wash your garments before sending them
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Synthetic blends may dye unpredictably, reach out if you are unsure

Colors & Palettes
Seasonal palettes available as inspiration:
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Earth Tones, Nudes, Browns: browns, nudes, grays
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Warm Peach + Speckled Pinks: peachy, light orange hues
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Warm Bronze + Yellows: golden, sunny hues
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Pinks, Reds + Purples: soft fuscia to deep red/purple tones
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Blue & green are not part of the usual palette, but can be integrated if needed
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Each piece is unique; natural variation is part of the process and dependent on the seasons colors.
Process & Collaboration
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Each piece is dyed slowly, intentionally, and in collaboration with you.
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After booking, you will share your garment details and color hopes
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Optional 20 minute color consultations are available virtually or in person (Rogers Park, Chicago) or by email for guidance.
Shipping & Pickup Options
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Clients cover shipping costs or can drop off locally in Rogers Park, Chicago
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You may also use events or shows as pickup points, just specify this at checkout in the little text section.
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International shipping available especially for South Africa, please inquire for rates and timing.
Care Instructions
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Wash cold, gentle cycle, mild soap
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Air dry out of direct sunlight
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Colors will naturally deepen or soften over time

Notes & Tips
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Each dye bath is unique, subtle variations are part of the charm

Client Transformations

1. Blazer Transformation
“Abena made me a beautiful blazer out of an old piece I had laying around the house for years. She brought it back to life. It is the most unique piece of clothing I own now. Thank you!” – Hristina P
Process Highlight:
The client gave me creative freedom, so we chose a soft pink and peach palette, accented with gentle eucalyptus leaf shapes. Each detail was hand-dyed to create a delicate, natural pattern that complements the original fabric.

2. Linen T-shirt transformation:
For this beautiful linen t-shirt we worked wiht a muted palette of bronze, soft pinks, and eucalyptus as well as some blue speckes chosen to compliment the natural warmth of the fabric and bring out the details of the linen texture.
Process Higlight:
Thick linens are beautiful fibers to work with because they carry natural dye in a way that feels alive. For this piece, we layered natural color to create depth while preserving the texture of the fabric.

3. Matching Denim Jumpsuits
We worked on matching denim jumpsuits for this piece "We absolutely love them and look so stylish together! Ps: Emma is going to be the coolest kid on the block in her naturally dyed jumpsuit!” Kat
Process Highlight:
We used a soft, muted rainbow palette to preserve the denim texture while adding a hand-dyed gradient effect. Each jumpsuit was carefully customized to create a coordinated but unique look for both the adult and the youth.

4. Cochineal & rose dyed top
This top was commissioned by a fellow maker who came across my work at the Glenwood Avenue Festival. After seeing a naturally dyed bandana displayed on my mannequin, she immediately knew she wanted that same vibrant, expressive quality for her own piece. The top had yellow staining along the straps, and she envisioned transforming it entirely in shades of purple.
Process Highlight:
We developed a rich, vibrant purple palette that transformed the original top while working with the existing stains and character of the garment. The finished piece has become one of my favorite recent commissions and a beautiful example of how a client's immediate response to natural color can guide the direction of a piece.
Thank you for trusting me with your garments, it brings me such joy to co-create in this seasonal, format with you.
