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Weekend reading: Ballet, wildflowers, and lovely US-made clothing
Last weekend, I took an amazing class on natural dyeing at Wildcraft Studio. If you are in the Portland or Hood River areas, I highly recommend taking one of Chelsea’s incredible classes. I also took a textile design class with her a couple years ago, and she is a phenomenal, inspiring woman.
In this class, we took a short hike and collected wild lupine, which we used along with other plant material (like onion skins and wild fennel) to dye silk, cotton, and wool. I am so excited about all the possibilities (even though my silk scarf came out a rather uninspiring khaki due to overdyeing with too many colors).
Here are a few good links I came across this week. We’re off on a short trip to Victoria, BC to do a little orca-watching! Whatever you’re up to, have a good one.
- So enamored by Julia’s Kimono. And it’s free! I might have to make one of these real soon.
- The New Inquiry reviews The Worn Archive. I love Toronto-based Worn, and must pick up a copy of this compendium for myself.
- I came across this brand called The Reformation, and was totally floored. A wide array of pretty, sexy clothing made in the US from sustainable materials… What could be more perfect? Well, maybe a few more things that would allow bra-wearing.
- Speaking of Made in the US, I also happened across this big list of brands that manufacture domestically. Interesting!
- Anabela has behind the scenes photos from The National Ballet of Canada, and you must see them. The costumes!
- Oona is a babe. That is all I want to say.
Comments
maddie
June 6, 2014 #
Have you ever read the book, “Harvesting Color: How to Find Plants and Make Natural Dyes.” Fascinating if you’re into dyeing. After a great weekend, Sarai!
Sarai
June 10, 2014 #
No, but I think Chelsea had a copy in the class? I have a couple natural dyeing books from the 70s though.
Katie
June 6, 2014 #
Fascinating reading, yet again. The photos from the ballet are wonderful… I loved the pic of the pumpkin props. Maybe I should sew a stuffed velvet pumpkin for my living room…pumpkin-pillow. :)
Have a fun weekend!
Miss Crayola Creepy
June 6, 2014 #
I’d love to see your scarf! :)
Julia’s kimono is soooo awesome! And I love that it used so little fabric.
Sarai
June 10, 2014 #
Eh, it’s not that pretty (my scarf, not the kimono!). Maybe I’ll post my next attempt instead. ;)
Julia Bobbin
June 11, 2014 #
Oh lady, you complete me :)
Stephanie
June 6, 2014 #
I always look forward to your Friday roundups. Always great reading. Did you see this one from Huffington Post? It’s about how even retailers can’t be sure where their goods are being made. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/04/clothing-retailers_n_5440350.html?fb_action_ids=10152481789258210&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582
I was also wondering if you had any resources on ethically sourced/made in the USA fabrics? Most fabric e-tailers I visit never post a country of origin for the fabrics they sell. In the knitting community has made some good strides towards having more transparency about where fibers are grown. Has the indie sewing community started doing this as well? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Sarai
June 10, 2014 #
I hadn’t seen that, thanks! I’ll give it a read!
I don’t know all that much about where fabric yardage is being milled, but I’d love to hear from someone who is more of a fabric industry expert on that.
Chantal
June 7, 2014 #
I’d love to see your scarf too! I’m so interested in natural dyes. It seems like all the coolest stuff is in Portland. If there’s ever a sewing/natural dyeing/other cool craft retreat, I would definitely make the trip!
Sarai
June 10, 2014 #
That would be pretty amazing.
oonaballoona
June 9, 2014 #
hahahaaaaa sarai!!! i need you behind the table in my auditions! that, or we need to finally have a cocktail together. that sounds like WAY more fun.
Sarai
June 10, 2014 #
For sure.