The Modern Natural Dyer Work-Along: Phase 2 Kit

In 2016, in celebration of her new book, The Modern Natural Dyer, Kristine designed a year long course of study to guide you through the book and the natural dyeing process. Kristine has found that project-based learning helps create a direct method for exploring technique. In the Modern Natural Dyer, there are 20 projects, each exploring a different part of the natural dyeing process.

Originally, with seasonality in mind, the Work-Along was broken into three phases. Phase 2 ran from May 2016 to August 2016. The main correspondence of the Work-Along took place on the Verb blog and on the Verb Instagram account.

In Phase 2, the focus is on the basics of natural dyeing and learning to use grown and gathered dyestuffs and to dye with indigo. We think these projects are good for the Spring and Summer when you can get into your garden to grow plants and to use your backyard for indigo dyeing.

These are the projects of focus:

Flowers at My Fingertips Sewing Kit
Fishbone Dress
Field and Forest Dress
Snapshot Quilt

By working on these projects you will learn:
+ the difference between fiber types
+ to naturally dye protein-based and cellulose-based fibers
+ to plan for projects
+ to work efficiently and effectively
+ which plants found in the garden and forest make great dye plants
+ and how to dye and print with these plants
+ to dye with indigo
+ to use iron
+ to dye garments
+ to create patterns using shibori
+ and more!

The Phase 2 Kit contains:

Fabric + Thread
Wool flannel fabric (3/8 yard)
Cotton fabric (1/8 yard)
Antwerp linen fabric (1.5 yards)
Essex cotton/linen fabric (3.5 yards)
DMC Embroidery Floss (2 hanks) 
Button & craft thread (1 spool)
Antwerp linen fabric (2.25 yards) [optional*]

Scour, Mordant, and Color Changers
Dishwashing detergent
Soda ash
Aluminum potassium sulfate
Aluminum acetate
Calcium carbonate
Ferrous sulfate

The Indigo Vat
Organic indigo extract
Sodium hydroxide (lye)**
Sodium hydrosulfite
Soda ash
pH strips + key

Tools
Mini-whisk
Verb pencil
Fabric marker
Clothespins
3x3" plastic squares
Sewing needles
and a beautiful seed packet using seeds from the Verb dye garden!!

*Our recommended kit includes enough linen fabric to sew any of the sizes of the Tendril Dress. If you do not have a copy of the pattern, you can purchase the PDF here. To order this version of the kit, select "Phase 2 Kit" below. If you already have fabric to sew your dress, or would like to use a pre-sewn dress that you already own, select "Phase 2 Kit: No Fishbone Dress Fabric".

++ This kit includes enough indigo to create two mothers (the concentrated indigo solution) which will dye many, many items beyond the Fishbone Dress and Snapshot Quilt. You will have enough to dye many skeins of yarn, yards of fabric, finished goods like clothing and table linens, and more!

++ Purchasing this one large kit, rather than a series of smaller kits, you will save over 25%.

SHIPPING NOTES:

+ Dye Kits will ship 10 -15 business days from time of order

+ Shipping lye: Since this kit contains lye, it will ship via UPS Ground. Please provide a physical mailing address (no PO Boxes). Please note that UPS Ground shipping times may be longer than expected. Please call or email us with any questions.

+ CANADIAN AND INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS, unfortunately we cannot ship sodium hydroxide (lye) out of the country, so you will need to source this on your own - it is a common ingredient for making soap. If interested in joining the AVFKW Work-Along, EMAIL US and we will give you a shipping quote.



+ For more shipping information please see our shipping page

Please take care when working with natural dyes. Always use separate pots and tools dedicated to the dyeing process. Wear protective eyewear and gloves. By purchasing these materials you are agreeing to taking all responsibility when using. 

When working with goods dyed with indigo, it is common and natural for the blue dye to rub off on one’s hands while sewing. This is called crocking. Although the goods have been washed, it takes pressured contact to release the extra indigo dye. Your handwork is part of the indigo dyeing process. The blue dye can be removed with hot water and soap. From working closely with indigo dyed materials through the making process, typically, the excess dye has been removed, and the crocking will cease.

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Once dyed, based upon the fiber content, follow the applicable instructions for the longterm care of them: 

Plant-based fibers such as cotton or linen - Machine washable on cool cycle. Hang or lay flat to dry.

Silk - Handwash with cool water recommended. Hang to dry.

Superwash Wool - Machine washable on cool cycle with pH neutral soap, though hand wash recommended. Lay flat to dry.

Wool and Wool blends - Handwash only in lukewarm water with pH neutral soap. Lay flat to dry.

This item is a final sale. Once purchased, there are no cancellations, exchanges, store credits, or returns. 

If you would like to add-to-order, please click here to review the instructions. Shipping charges are non-refundable.

If you would like to apply a discount code, please click here to review the instructions. We cannot refund discounts.

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Packages ship Tuesday through Saturday via USPS. If purchasing lye, it will ship via UPS Ground. Please provide a physical mailing address (no PO Boxes). Once shipped, you will receive a confirmation email and tracking number. Please use the tracking number provided and contact the shipping carrier directly with any questions about transit and delivery. 

US ORDERS

Please select the insured option at checkout to ensure compensation for a lost package. Once the package has been picked up by the shipping carrier, we are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged packages. We do not offer refunds or credits for lost or stolen packages.

If you select an insured option and need to file a claim with USPS, we will provide you with any documentation needed to complete your claim. Packages are insured for the order total. If your package is stolen, please contact your credit card company to receive any possible compensation. 

US orders $125 pre-tax and above:
Free - Ships in 5 business days, uninsured
$5 - Ships in 4 business days, insured
$12 - Ships in 3 business days, insured

US orders under $125 pre-tax:
$9.00 - Ships in 5 business days, uninsured
$11 - Ships in 4 business days, insured
$20 - Ships in 3 business days, insured

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS
Canada: starting at $28*
International: starting at $35*

*For natural dyeing kits, books, and packages weighing 2 pounds plus, we will invoice you for additional shipping charges. Contact us for a quote.

We cannot ship lye outside of the continental United States. All international orders are shipped uninsured USPS First Class Parcel Post. We are not responsible for packages which are held in customs or lost. International orders may incur customs fees. We are not responsible for fees you may incur. International shipments can take two months to reach their destination. We caution against placing an order if you live outside the United States. At this time, we are unable to ship to the United Kingdom due to the complicated VAT situation. 

CURBSIDE PICKUP
To pick-up your order at our shop, when checking-out, under shipping method, choose Pick up at our Oakland store - 6328 San Pablo Ave.

You will receive an email when your order is ready. Orders placed Tuesday-Saturday are typically ready within 2-3 business days. To pick-up your order, come to the shop between 11am-3pm, Tuesday-Saturday. Knock on the front door and give us your name. 

PREORDERS
Preorders will ship on the date listed on the product’s webpage. If you ordered additional items, all items will be shipped with your preorder. If you would like those items shipped separately, please place two separate orders.