Kettle dyeing is a versatile yarn-dyeing method creating semi-solid or variegated colours. It involves immersing yarn in a dye bath, allowing unique tonal shifts. Essential materials include yarn, a non-reactive pot, natural dyes, and protective gear. The process includes soaking, dyeing, and rinsing, resulting in visually appealing yarn for various projects.… Read More Kettle Dyeing: A Beginner’s Guide
This post explores common myths about natural dyes, clarifying misconceptions such as their toxicity, fixing methods, vibrancy, complexity, and relevance today. While not entirely non-toxic and requiring specific mordants, natural dyes are celebrated for their unique beauty and sustainability, making them increasingly popular among artisans and sustainable practices.… Read More Debunking Myths About Natural Dyes: Separating Fact from Fiction
Spatial awareness refers to a person’s ability to understand and interact with the space around them. It involves perceiving the relationships between objects, distances, and oneself in a three-dimensional environment. For many people, spatial awareness comes naturally, allowing them to navigate, organise, and position objects effectively. However, for people with dyslexia, challenges with spatial awareness… Read More Understanding Spatial Awareness and its Impact on People with Dyslexia
When I first learned that the earliest sewing machines were made left-handed, I was genuinely struck by this fascinating detail. For a tool that is so widely used and would go on to revolutionise the clothing and textile industry worldwide, the idea that its initial design might have unintentionally favoured left-handed users caught my imagination.… Read More The Left-Handed Origins of the Sewing Machine: A Surprising Tale
Sewing is often celebrated as a soothing and rewarding hobby, but for someone with dyslexia, it can present unique challenges that go beyond the usual frustrations of stitching and seam ripping. Recently, I decided to take on a seemingly simple project: sewing a zipped pouch. Despite my enthusiasm, the process didn’t go as planned. The… Read More The Trials and Triumphs of Sewing with Dyslexia: My Zipped Pouch Journey
Living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is incredibly frustrating, especially when episodes leave you questioning what’s happening in your body. Recently, I had an episode that left me homebound for a week, and it’s been a challenging and confusing experience. What Happened? The episode began with severe pain on my right side. At first, I… Read More Coping with the Frustrations of FND: My Recent Experience
The author shares their fascination with cochineal dye’s vibrant magenta colour and its sustainable qualities. However, after realising it comes from insects, ethical concerns emerged. Despite the reassurance of responsible sourcing, the experience highlighted the complexities of balancing sustainability with personal ethics, leading to greater reflection on future crafting choices.… Read More My Love for Cochineal Magenta: A Journey of Excitement and Ethical Reflection
The ethicality of cochineal dye is multifaceted, involving animal welfare, sustainability, cultural heritage, and consumer awareness. This natural dye, derived from insects, raises concerns for vegans but offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes. Ethical sourcing and supporting traditional practices are crucial for aligning with individual values on these issues.… Read More “Is Cochineal Dye Ethical? Exploring Factors and Considerations”
When dyeing, distinguishing stainless steel from aluminium is essential. Stainless steel is heavier, shiny, and sometimes magnetic, while aluminium is lighter, duller, and non-magnetic. Additionally, stainless steel is harder to scratch, heats evenly, and is non-reactive with dyes. These contrasts ensure optimal dyeing results when selecting materials.… Read More “Stainless Steel vs. Aluminium: Choosing the Right Pot for Natural Dyeing”
When embarking on a new creative project, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and make impulsive decisions. Recently, I experienced this first-hand whilst sourcing yarn for a product I hope to create using therapeutic textiles. This endeavour, which combines my love for organic and traceable materials, has been a valuable learning experience—both… Read More Learning from Mistakes: My Journey with Yarn Selection and Therapeutic Textiles
Rachel Bakewell 