little b natural organics

My adventure learning to dye with organic, natural dyes on organic, eco friendly cottons.

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Little b natural organics

Try an eco friendly, alternative to harsh dyes and synthetics. Organic cotton and natural dyes all the way! http://www.etsy.com/shop/Littleborganics?ref=l2-shopheader-name

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Can you guess what makes this dye?

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Synthetic Dyes Can Be Harmful!

Did you know that your skin is the largest absorption organ of your body? Especially as it heats up, your pores will begin to breathe more, meaning that everything you put on your skin could potentially be absorbed by your skin. Synthetic dyes are used in almost everything we wear, so why not explore whether or not they are entirely safe? Synthetic dyes have enabled us to create beautiful colors at a low cost that are wash proof. However, they can pose serious problems for people. Synthetic dyes can introduce toxins to your body through your pores, into your blood stream and eventually to your organs. Skin irritation is much more common today than it has been in the past which could be linked to harmful synthetic dyes. Over 8,000 chemicals are used to produce the synthetic dyes that color our garments. These dyes can contribute to eczema, rashes, headaches and even nausea. For example, did you know that wrinkle free or easy care garments have formaldehyde in them? Formaldehyde is an embalming agent and in 2011, was deemed a carcinogenic agent (http://www.totalhealthmagazine.com/articles/allergies-asthma/consumers-beware-toxins-lurking-in-your-clothing.html). Many countries in the world forbid the use of formaldehyde in clothing because of how harmful it is believed to be. Two of the largest countries who do not ban it however are America and China. Dioxins and heavy metals (like copper) are also in synthetic dyes and are also considered carcinogens (http://greencotton.wordpress.com/2008/06/18/synthetic-dyes-a-look-at-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/).  Beware of the type of fabric you are wearing as well. Pesticides and strong herbicides and fungicides are all used in the production and treatment of cottons and wool. If you can find organic fabrics, it is best for you, especially if you have sensitive skin. An interesting fact about organic cotton is that only 1% of the world's cotton is grown organically. It is hard to be 100% green and to find organic, naturally dyed clothing. However, when you do find a company that produces this standard of clothing, it could be worthwhile to consider trying a few pieces. Some great resources on this are listed below: http://greencotton.wordpress.com/2008/06/18/synthetic-dyes-a-look-at-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/ http://www.totalhealthmagazine.com/articles/allergies-asthma/consumers-beware-toxins-lurking-in-your-clothing.html

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Can you guess what is in this dye bath? #naturaldyes #dyeing #dyeingathome

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Is Alum a Safe Mordant to Use for Dyeing?

Yes! I use alum in my mordant process. Mordanting is a means by which to help the fabric take the dye. Depending on whether or not your fabric is a plant based material versus an animal based material (wool), you will need to choose different types of mordants. Some dyes do not require mordants. Avocados and walnut hull dyes for example do not require mordants to adhere to the fabrics. 

Aluminum Sulfate (alum) is a substance found in the earth and can be used to help brighten colors. It can also extend the color life on the fabric. It however can be an irritant if applied to the skin. For my dyeing, only  a small quantity of alum is required. After I wash the garment, it is perfectly safe for an infant to wear.

To make sure alum was a safe mordant, I contacted the regional poison control center number listed on the Center for Disease Control website. The operator informed me that after the garment is properly washed, the alum should not be harmful to the child. He also informed me that large volumes of alum must be ingested in a child with kidney deficiencies, in order for it to have poisonous effects. 

It is very important when dyeing, that you make sure that all of the elements you use are safe for you or your family and friends. I recommend contacting the free poison control number (1-800-222-1222) to verify that all of your substances are safe. 

Happy and safe dyeing!

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Leaf pounding on textiles

Sorry folks! It has been a while since I have been able to update my blog. Recently, I have been exploring stamping on textiles to see what works best. Stamping on fabric is much different than stamping on paper because of how the fabric moves. You want the stamp to both be attractive and be able to move with the fabric and not stretch out.

Sticking with the organic and natural feel of my current endeavors, I decided to attempt to pound various plants onto fabrics to see how this would work out. Pounding is a great way to transfer natural colors onto fabrics. My first pounding attempt was with a pretty blue flower called a spider wart. I used a piece of cotton knit fabric and proceeded to try a couple pounding techniques. As with all my pounding projects, I placed the flower between two pieces of fabric. My first attempt was with a rubber mallet, which did not work for me. The color did not transfer. I then used a small rubber hammer, which transferred small crescent shapes. The larger hedge hammer worked the best for me. I made swift, short taps, and outlined the flower to transfer the color. The color was successfully transferred but the shape is a little distorted. Spider wart FlowerSpider wart flower pounding

My next attempt at pounding was with a Red Bud leaf. I placed the leaf between two textiles and pounded it with the larger hammer, with small, swift strokes. The color and shape came out very well. Red wood leafRed wood leaf poundHere is another experiment with some leaves I found outdoors. Hey, if anyone knows what they are, give me a shout out! I'm still trying to figure it out. I pounded them both on a knit piece of fabric and on top of one of my pink onesies that I dyed using... Can you guess? Fern leaves! Leaf pounding Fern dyed onsie with leaf pounding My last pounding attempt was with a miniature lilac stem from a bush. I used the same techniques for the pounding as before and also placed it on a fern dyed onesie. Lilac pounded design on fern dyed onsie So, how well do these natural stamps hold up you might ask? Well, I tried washing all of the garments and fabric clips after I finished them and believe it or not, the stamps stuck! This is a fun activity for you and your kids to try. You can make your own, nature inspired, stamped clothes at home. So go outside, pick a leaf or flower that intrigues you, and give it a shot.

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Little b's little model: Hyacinth dyed onesie with fabric paint stamp

Just wanted to share a picture of my inspiration for my onsesie creation adventure! Here is my Grandson, Erich, modeling one of my hyacinth dyed onesies with a bicycle stamp. I used a wooden handle stamp, a little sponge, and a black fabric paint. I sponged the paint on the stamp and then transferred the stamp onto the onesie. See my previous blog, on May 23rd 2013 about how to stamp garments. This onesie was washed and the color and stamp stayed. What do you guys think of fabric paints? Baby Erich in his onesie

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Learning to stamp

May 23rd, 2013

A lot has happened since my last blog.  Like the picture to the left, the recent addition of some stamps and products has led to some experimenting!  I discovered that too much paint on the stamp left a sloppy image.  After several tries, I found that using a sponge to apply the paint to the stamp worked the best.  You get a nice image this way.

I have also been experimenting with the removal of color.  The piece to the right has been stamped with a paint that is supposed to disappear when ironed and washed.  It has been ironed, but not washed so I can't say it will disappear, but I will let you know.

These two pictures show a bee stamp that was sponged with a product to remove color.  If you look closely, the one above shows the outline of the bee before ironing.  After being pressed, the image of the bee appears!

Look at this beautiful color!  It was achieved with hyacinth flowers.  It's so fun to see what you get depending on what you use.  The final outcome is below.  I love it!

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Here come the dyes!

Here Come the Supplies!

May 16th, 2013

The dyes are in and I can't wait to start!  The only problem is that I don't have the clothing yet.  I've learned that in order to get a demo garment to look at, you need to provide your tax or business ID and other state tax information related to your business.  It seems like there are a lot of forms to fill out and I still don't know if I have everything.  I guess I'll have to call and see if there is anything else I need. Soooo much to learn...........

I do have a couple of samples coming, but in the mean time I can experiment with squares of fabric.  One of the books I just received with the dyes calls for everything in metric, so I ordered a couple of other things:

Once everything comes in, this is what I hope to have cooking in my garage; beautiful isn't it?

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Learning as I go....

One of the reasons I started this blog was to record my progress, or lack thereof.  I realize as I continue to venture into the unknown, mistakes will be made.  Like the one I just learned about.  The subject of mordants seems to be vaguely confusing.  Case in point, the garments recently dyed with red tulips looked soooo pretty when I took them out of the dye bath.  My short-lived admiration turned to dismay when the beautiful color washed right down the sink and out of the garment.  What went wrong?  I scoured the onesies, then added the alum in the dye bath.  That got me thinking about the product I was using (alum).  One of my books said to use potassium aluminum sulfate.  The product I was using was simply labelled alum from the spice section in any grocery store.  Upon further investigation from the company of this product, I learned that the full name (not found on the label) was ammonium aluminum sulfate.  Ah hah!  Maybe this was the problem.  I also read that I should be adding cream of tartar.  I will do this with my next dye batch.  Right now I am waiting for my designated dye pot to come.  I will keep you posted!

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It’s a fact that baby clothes are pricey. Add that to diapers, car seats and feeding equipment, it just seems crazy to spend good money on clothes your baby will grow out of. For the most part, you’re right. But let’s take another look. A baby’s skin when it first arrives into the world is...

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A sweet, short little piece on why oragnic baby clothes should be considered. 

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natural dyes dyes dyes from oaxca, via here

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Some fun, natural dye ideas!

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What's in the Pot Part 2

What's in the Pot, Part 2

April 29, 2013 Today I have been working on scouring fabric, a method to remove any residual soaps or bleach. One of my cats was there to offer her support..... 

Take a look into the pot.  Water with a dash of ph neutral soap and washing soda.

Add the fabric....

Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for 2 hours...

  Once the fabric is scoured, it can be rinsed out and added to a dye pot.  Some of these may go into the red tulip dye.  Can't wait to see what that looks like!

Remember the onesies with the pink and rose coloring from my last post?  Did anyone figure out what the dye was?  Oddly enough, it came from ferns!

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What's in the Pot?

I love the way these top two pieces came out.  The first one was created by folding, then rubber-banding.  The concentration of color at the top has to do with how the item sat in the dye bath.

This is another onesie from the same dye bath.  It absorbed the color on the bottom!

Such a pretty color, right?  Any guesses as to what they were dyed in?  Stay tuned and I will tell you in my next post.

Now this is an interesting outcome.  The dye bath was created with onion skins.  As an experiment, I decided to add some metal clips to see what would happen.  Where the clip held did not allow the dye to have contact with the fabric, but the metal produced black lines on either side!  It's so much fun experimenting!

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The Beginning

Well, today is the beginning of my adventure! I have decided to launch a small brand and see where it goes. I had been working as a teacher for many years and have always had a special passion for nature. I loved the simplicity in its design that provided for all of its complex workings. I loved the raw, whole and organic beauty in our environment. As time passed and I evolved in my career, I noticed that something was missing. After the birth of my first grandchild, I knew I wanted to shift my career to something that allowed me to spend more time with him. After lengthy discussions with my oldest daughter about baby products, it occurred to me how many chemicals go into baby apparel. That is how I came up with the idea to naturally dye and create children's clothes. Today I registered my company little b natural organics, got a tax ID number, set up this blog and worked on some dye experiments.  Take a look below!