Grape Seed Extract
Source: White Grape Seeds (Vitis Vinifera L.) | Grape Seed Extract from Occitania

Grape Seed Extract is a 100% natural dye made from the seeds of white grapes, upcycled from the by-products of the wine-making industry. Produced sustainably through a water-based extraction process, this extract supports circular economy principles, offering an eco-friendly option for textile dyeing and beyond.

Main Components:

• Condensed Tannins > 70% (catechin equivalent)
• Eco-friendly, upcycled product
• Water-extracted for minimal environmental impact

Suggested Quantities (WOF - Weight of Fabric):

• Light Shades: Use 5–10% WOF for soft, pinky-beige hues (without mordant).
• Medium Shades: Use 10–15% WOF for more intense colour.
• Dark Shades: Use 5–20% WOF and combine with mordants such as iron for darker tones like grey.

Uses:

• Natural Dye & Textile Printing: Suitable for all types of fibres, whether mordanted or not. Typical shades depend on the recipe and mordant, including pinky-beige (no mordant), grey (with iron), and orange (with titanium). The extract is registered as "metal-free" and provides good lightfastness.
• Other Uses: Ideal for tannery processes, antioxidants, and more.

The Plant:
The vine (Vitis vinifera) is a woody, climbing plant, known for its long stems that can grow up to six metres. Its small flowers are greenish-white, and the fruits are grape clusters. Grapes have been cultivated for thousands of years in Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. They are used for fresh eating, drying as raisins, or fermentation to produce wine.

Upcycling of By-products:
Grape Seed Extract is produced through the upcycling of wine industry by-products, contributing to circular economy practices. The wine industry offers a wealth of natural ingredients such as wines, juices, concentrates, and polyphenols, while minimizing waste through innovation and new technologies. The producer is located in the heart of the South of France’s vineyard region and proudly contributes to this sustainable bio-economy.

Recipe for Dyeing with Grape Seed Extract:

Ingredients:

• Grape Seed Extract (use WOF formula)
• 1 litre of water to dissolve (adjust based on the amount of fabric)
• Pre-mordanted fabric (cotton, wool, silk)
• Optional: Iron modifier for grey tones

Instructions:

1. Dissolve the Grape Seed Extract in warm water, stirring well until fully dissolved.
2. Add pre-mordanted or not mordanted fabric to the dye bath.
3. Heat the fabric in the dye bath for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, leave overnight (optional).
   
4. Rinse thoroughly in cold water and dry in the shade.
5. Optional: For grey tones, dip the dyed fabric in an iron modifier bath.

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EUROPEAN MERINO WOOL ~ Small farm production, Europe only productions, dyed to high oekotext standards in Switzerland.

This European Merino Wool 27 micron wool roving is available in 60 trendy colours including 10 trendy mixed colours.This wool is dyed with synthetic dye from Switzerland according to the standards of Oeko-Tex 100 and EU Ecolabel for textile products.

Responsibly Produced

This soft wool is produced in Europe, closer to home than your regular merino wool! The wool is produced on small farms in Europe and is mulesing free. 

Perfect for Felting, Spinning and Knitting

This European Merino Wool roving is a soft, voluminous and affordable all-round wool. It is great for wet felting as well as for needle felting, spinning and of course for XXL chunky knitting. All fibers align in the same direction and the roving has a regular thickness, making it an easy wool to knit with.

How long is this roving?

Wool is usually sold per weight. But sometimes you want to know how long the wool roving is. We have calculated the roving length of the different packages below:

• 50 grams = approx. 2 meters
• 250 grams = about 10 meters
• 1 kilo = about 40 meters
• Bump of 4.5 kilos = approx. 180 meters

Please note that this is an approximation. The length can vary per type of wool, per colour or per production. And the harder you pull, the longer the roving becomes.

Would you want to make sure you get the wool roving in one piece?

We try our best to deliver the roving in one piece. But please count in that even when we try our best we don’t always succeed. Sometimes we have no choice but to deliver the desired quantity in two or more pieces.

ITALIAN WOOL WALK – KNITTED, WALKED & WONDERFULLY WARM

100 % Wool | Width: 130–150 cm (51–59 in) | Weight: 372g/sqm

This gorgeous Italian wool walk—also known as boiled wool or felted knit—is perfect for garments and soft furnishings in the cooler seasons. The fabric is first knitted, then walked (a traditional felting technique), giving it warmth, bounce, and structure without stiffness.

While slightly firmer than our softest felted fabrics, it remains gentle against the skin, breathable, and incredibly versatile. Like all our wool textiles, it is made with 100 % mulesing-free wool, dyed and finished in Italy.

✂️ Why we love it

• 100 % wool – warm, insulating, breathable
• Edges do not fray – no seaming required
• Made in Italy from mulesing-free wool
• Ideal for sewing, cutting, or shaping directly
• Available in 27 beautiful colours

🧶 Perfect for

• Coats, jackets, vests, jumpers, capes
• Skirts, dresses, cardigans
• Shawls, ponchos, hand warmers, leg warmers
• Baby wear, sleeping bags, hot water bottle covers
• Cushions, blankets, felt crafts & accessories

Even the smallest offcuts are useful for decorative or crafting purposes!

📏 In a nutshell

• Material: 100 % mulesing-free wool
• Width: 130–150 cm / 51–59 in
• Weight: 372g/m²
• Weave: Knitted then felted (boiled wool)
• Origin: Made in Italy
• Cut length: Multiple metres sent as one continuous piece
• Care: Brush or air out; hand wash cool with organic wool soap if needed

⚠️ Note

Please allow 7–10 days for dispatch if we need to produce or source additional stock (we will contact you if applicable).

EUROPEAN MERINO WOOL ~ Small farm production, Europe only productions, dyed to high oekotext standards in Switzerland.

This European Merino Wool 27 micron wool roving is available in 60 trendy colours including 10 trendy mixed colours.This wool is dyed with synthetic dye from Switzerland according to the standards of Oeko-Tex 100 and EU Ecolabel for textile products.

Responsibly Produced

This soft wool is produced in Europe, closer to home than your regular merino wool! The wool is produced on small farms in Europe and is mulesing free. 

Perfect for Felting, Spinning and Knitting

This European Merino Wool roving is a soft, voluminous and affordable all-round wool. It is great for wet felting as well as for needle felting, spinning and of course for XXL chunky knitting. All fibers align in the same direction and the roving has a regular thickness, making it an easy wool to knit with.

How long is this roving?

Wool is usually sold per weight. But sometimes you want to know how long the wool roving is. We have calculated the roving length of the different packages below:

• 50 grams = approx. 2 meters
• 250 grams = about 10 meters
• 1 kilo = about 40 meters
• Bump of 4.5 kilos = approx. 180 meters

Please note that this is an approximation. The length can vary per type of wool, per colour or per production. And the harder you pull, the longer the roving becomes.

Would you want to make sure you get the wool roving in one piece?

We try our best to deliver the roving in one piece. But please count in that even when we try our best we don’t always succeed. Sometimes we have no choice but to deliver the desired quantity in two or more pieces.

GUAR GUM ORGANIC
Use: Printing with Natural Dyes | Botanical Name: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba | Alternative to: Gum Arabic | Alternative Name: Guaran

Guar Gum is derived from organic guar beans and is an essential ingredient in natural dye printmaking. It is used to create a paste that works effectively with mordant dyes , allowing for precise application. Guar Gum thickens as it absorbs liquid, making it ideal for printmaking on textiles. Use a handheld blender or mixer to ensure even dissolution, and adjust the amount as needed for the desired consistency.

Key Features:

• 100% Organic Guar Gum
• Alternative to Gum Arabic
• Used for printing with mordant dyes & Indigo
• Thickens naturally for better application
• Helps create a mordant carrier for cellulose fabrics
• Best mixed with a handheld blender for smooth consistency

Function:
Guar Gum acts as a mordant carrier in natural dyeing. When combined with mordant-based dyes, it forms a rubber-like substance that can be drawn or printed onto fabric. Once dried, the gum must be removed with a Chalk and Wheat Bran solution, followed by a rinse. The fabric is then ready for dyeing. After dyeing, rinse thoroughly and boil with a small amount of organic washing-up liquid.

Basic Recipe for Guar Gum Mordant Carrier (for Cellulose Fabrics):

Ingredients for 100g:

• 10g Alum
• 5g Soda Ash
• 84g Vinegar (5% Acetic Acid)
• 1g Guar Gum

Storage & Usage:

• Once mixed, the solution will only last a couple of days.
• Store in the fridge and use fresh for best results.

Enhance your textile printing with this essential natural thickener, perfect for artists and dyeing enthusiasts.

What is not to love about silk? Delicate and transparent habotai silk in natural white. Perfect for clothing, silk cloths, dancing costumes, painting, dyeing and nuno felting.

Our Habotai silk is suitable for: 

Blouses & shirts, Dessous, scarves, summer clothing, bridal veils, Eurythmy dresses

In the home:

veils for  baby cribs, silk painting, crafting, felting

HANFA HEMP HERRINGBONE
100 % European Hemp | Width 150 cm | Weight 430 g/m² | Pre‑washed

“Hanfa” is a natural‑beige herringbone twill woven from pure, sustainably grown hemp. Though robust at 430 g/m², the fabric still drapes enough for relaxed jackets, structured trousers and tailored dresses. Pre‑washing softens the hand and removes most shrinkage; expect only 5–10 % after your first hot wash.

Uses

Apparel
• Jackets, blazers, waistcoats
• Trousers, dungarees, skirts, dresses
• Lightweight suits & coordinates

Home & Décor
• Cushion covers, slipcovers, light upholstery
• Table runners, tote bags, storage bins

In a nutshell

• Material: 100 % hemp, European production
• Weave: Herringbone twill
• Colour: Natural beige, undyed & unbleached
• Width: 150 cm
• Weight: 430 g/m² – sturdy yet drapey
• Pre‑wash: Pre‑washed; further shrinkage 5–10 %
• Vegan, plastic‑free, chemical‑free
• Cut length: Multiple metres sent in one continuous piece

Care
Wash 60–90 °C with eco detergent. Low spin; hang dripping wet to minimise creases. Hemp softens and lightens slightly with each wash.

Harvest Season ~ single printed pattern** 

As fields of wheat and barley are readied for the harvest, we know that summer is long gone. The days grow shorter, the air crisper, and even as we warm our faces in the golden glow of autumnal sun, we sense the hard winter ahead...

The Harvest Season hat is a lightweight beanie, knit in the round from the bottom up with fanciful eyelet repeats that resemble stalks of grain. Ideal for transitional weather, this fun to knit hat provides a lovely combination of warmth and ventilation.
Designed by Ailbíona McLochlainn 

MATERIALS & INFO

Yarn 
Apple Oak Fibre Works Alpaca Light, held double
1 skein 
shown in Laurel

Gauge
10cm x 10cm = 22 sts x 30 rows, in stockinette with needle A

Sizing
For stretch-fit, hat is suitable for head circumference as follows:
XS (S, M, L, XL)
50-53cm (53-55cm, 55-57cm, 57-60cm, 60cm-64cm)

Needles
Needle A: circular needle, 3.5mm in diameter
Needle B: circular needle, 2.5mm in diameter

Notions
tapestry needle

Pattern Support
For help with techniques mentioned in this pattern, visit:

Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

**a download link is available on the paper pattern.  For an electronic version only, please see Ravelry: Designs by Ailbíona McLochlainn

ORGANIC HEATHER DYE (Calluna vulgaris)
Dye Colour: Golden Yellow and Green-Brown | Country of Collection: Croatia

This organic heather dye (Calluna vulgaris) is wild-harvested in Croatia and includes the aerial parts of the plant—stems, leaves, and remaining flowers—making it a strong and versatile botanical dye. Traditionally used for colouring wool and tweed, it produces rich golden yellows and green-browns, especially when modified with iron.

Due to its natural tannin content, this heather dye is perfect for creating deeper, earthier tones that reflect the plant’s native landscape.

Colour Fastness: Poor - Medium

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio

• 100–200% Heather Dye (WOF) → 
• Produces golden yellow tones
  • Add 3% Iron for olive green or green-brown hues

Basic Recipe for Dyeing

Ingredients:
• 100–200% Heather (by weight of fibre)
• 10% Alum (for mordanting)
• Optional: 3% Iron

Instructions:

1. Mordant the yarn: Dissolve alum in hot water, add yarn, and leave overnight.
2. Extract the dye: Simmer heather in water at 85°C (185°F) for 1 hour. Strain.
3. Rinse mordanted yarn.
4. Add yarn to dye bath and heat to 85°C (185°F) for 1 hour or leave overnight.
5. Rinse and dry.

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HEMOLA HEMP JERSEY – NATURALLY VEGAN
100 % European Hemp | Width 100 cm | Weight 359 g/m² | Pre‑washed

“Hemola” is an undyed hemp single‑jersey knit with a smooth right side and a soft reverse. The cloth drapes easily yet has the body that only hemp can deliver—perfect for tees, loose tops, dresses and skirts.

Small flecks or shade variations are a hallmark of natural hemp and will even out after the first home wash.

Uses

Clothing
• T‑shirts, tanks, boxy tops
• Dresses & skirts with flow
• Lounge & activewear
• Baby & kids basics, underwear

In a nutshell

• Material: 100 % hemp, European‑made
• Colour: Natural beige, undyed & unbleached
• Width: 100 cm | Weight 359 g/m² (light‑medium knit)
• Pre‑wash: Pre‑washed; expect 5–10 % further shrinkage
• Vegan & plastic‑free
• Cut length: Orders of ≥ 0.5 m sent in one continuous piece
• Note: Single jerseys may skew; place pattern grainline parallel to selvedge to prevent twisting

Care
Wash 60 °C with eco detergent. Lay pieces flat, reshape damp and line‑dry. Hemp softens with every wash.

Hemp rope, plaited and untreated. Natural colour, 100% raw hemp 2.2mm. 

Listing stands for 1m. If you order more than 1, we will cut the cord in one continuous length. Thank you!

Made in Europe.

Hemp rope, plaited and untreated. Natural colour that varies between the colour shown and grey, please get in touch if you like to know beforehand what colour you might receive. 

 100% raw hemp 4.5mm. 

Listing stands for 1m. If you order more than 1, we will cut the cord in one continuous length. Thank you!

Made in Europe.

Hemp rope, plaited and untreated. Natural colour that varies between the colour shown and grey, please get in touch if you like to know beforehand what colour you might receive.  

100% raw hemp 5.6mm. 

Listing stands for 1m. If you order more than 1, we will cut the cord in one continuous length. Thank you!

Made in Europe.

Hemp Fabric Sample Pack | 6 Plant-Based Swatches for Eco Projects

Explore our full range of hemp fabrics with this six-piece sample pack — perfect for planning sustainable garments, homeware, or dyeing projects.

Each 10x10cm swatch is carefully mounted and clearly labelled with:

• Fibre content and weight

• Country of origin

• Certification (if applicable)

• Wash instructions and pricing

🌿 Includes one swatch each of:

• Hanfa – Heavy canvas hemp
• Hempa – Crisp natural plain weave
• Hempo – Lightly structured and breathable
• Hemola – Smooth midweight hemp
• Hemp Cheesecloth – Open and airy
• Hemp Single Jersey – Soft and stretchy

HEMP FABRIC SINGLE JERSEY
Material: 55% Hemp, 45% Organic Cotton | Width: Approx. 166cm | Weight: 199g/m²

A beautifully fine and lightweight single hemp jersey blended with organic cotton, offering breathability, softness, and durability. Ideal for comfortable knitwear, it drapes naturally and is already beautifully soft.

The Company:
Made from sustainably grown hemp and certified organic cotton, this fabric is produced with ethical and ecological considerations in mind, ensuring quality and responsibility in every thread.

The Fabric:
Hemp has long been valued for its strength, breathability, and sustainability, making it a superior choice for textiles. Blended with organic cotton, this single jersey fabric offers a soft touch with a natural texture. It is oxygen-bleached and comes in a milky white shade, ready for dyeing or use as is.

In a Nutshell:

• 55% Hemp, 45% Organic Cotton

• Oxygen-bleached (eco-friendly processing)

• Milky white natural colour with light colour variations

• Approx. 166cm wide

• 199g/m² weight – lightweight yet durable

• Shrinkage: approx. 5–10%

• Certified organic cotton (kbA)

Uses:
Perfect for crafting T-shirts, lightweight tops, baby clothing, breathable summer wear, soft loungewear, scarves, and more.

Care Instructions:

• Machine wash at 30–40°C

• Use mild, eco-friendly detergent

• Expect slight shrinkage after the first wash

Due to its natural and untreated nature, this fabric offers a beautiful texture that improves with time. Please contact us for bulk orders or further inquiries.

HEMP ROVING ~ Suitable for spinning

Available as oxygen bleached and natural

A beautiful, all natural, de-gummed, high quality hemp top for spinning and other art/craft projects. Hemp is an Eco friendly plant fibre than can either be dyed or left natural.

SUITABLE FOR:

Spinning

Orders of more than one piece will be cut in one continuous length unless instructed otherwise.

HEMPA — Knitted Hemp Fabric (Undyed, Oxygen-Bleached)

Source: 100% hemp | Made in Europe

HEMPA is an oxygen-bleached, undyed knitted hemp fabric produced in Europe. With a purl-stitch look on both sides, it’s a relatively light, breathable knit that delivers natural drape and everyday durability — perfect for clean, modern silhouettes and comfortable, skin-friendly pieces.

Main Features

• Soft, breathable knit with natural structure

• Purl-stitch texture on both sides

• Undyed, oxygen-bleached cream (no chlorine)

• Easy to cut and sew; edges behave well for a knit of this weight

Suggested Uses

Clothing: skirts, dresses, T-shirts, wide/oversized tops, jumpers, sport/leisure outfits, baby & children’s clothes, and more.

In a nutshell

• Material: 100% hemp

• Width (approx.): 98 cm

• Colour: Cream (oxygen-bleached, undyed)

• Weight: 390 g/m²

• Production: European manufacture

• Wash: 60 °C

Notes & Care

• Pre-wash before cutting to allow for natural relaxation/shrinkage.

• Sew with a ballpoint/jersey needle; consider a slight zigzag or stretch stitch for seams.

• Press with steam on the wrong side; use a press cloth to protect the surface.

• Oxygen-bleached = no chlorine, preserving fibre strength and a soft hand.

HEMPO HEMP CANVAS – LIGHT, SOFT & VEGAN
100 % European Hemp | Width 145 cm | Weight 215 g/m² | Pre-washed

“Hempo” is a lightweight plain-weave hemp cloth in an undyed grey-beige tone. Soft to the touch yet strong, it drapes beautifully for shirts, blouses and dresses, and hangs cleanly for curtains or table linens. Colour may show gentle flecks and shade shifts—true marks of natural hemp.

Uses

Clothing
• Shirts, blouses, summer dresses, skirts, relaxed trousers

Home & Décor
• Bed linen, cushion covers, table runners, curtains

In a nutshell

• Material: 100 % hemp, European production
• Weave: Plain weave (linen-look)
• Colour: Natural grey-beige, undyed & unbleached
• Width: 145 cm
• Weight: 215 g/m² (light)
• Pre-wash: Pre-washed; allow 5–10 % further shrinkage
• Vegan: Plastic-free, chemical-free
• Cut length: Multiple metres sent in one continuous piece
• Note: Natural tone varies slightly by batch

Care
Wash 60–90 °C with eco detergent. Low spin, line-dry, reshape while damp. Hemp softens with each wash.

Neutral Henna Powder ~ colourless henna. It is also known as Cassia Obovata

Netural Henna is made from pure henna leaves of different quality and neutralized chemicals.

Neutral Henna Powder gives little or no colouring effect. I personally find that it gives a more natural look to lightened hair. It is used for hair conditioning and gives a natural shine & lustre to hair. Safe and free from any side effect, this henna  is widely used by those people who desire to benefit from the medicinal uses of henna but do not want to colour their hair.

It also has a powerful antimicrobial and antifungal properties that have been used for centuries to treat common hair and scalp conditions such as lice, dandruff, psoriasis and ringworm.

- Adds volume
- Adds extra shine-
- Makes your hair feel and look thicker
- Deeply conditions and protects your hair
- Strengthens hair strands by filling in the damaged pockets in the follicles
- Elongates curls, giving hair more definition and length

USAGE
Mix ½ cup (50 g) of Neutral henna powder with ¼ cup (59 ml) of warm water. Double quantity for long or full hair. Stir to combine. Once you’ve mixed the powder and water, cover the bowl with plastic and let it develop at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Apply this paste uniformly on hair with the help of a brush or massage in.

Cover hair with a plastic cap and leave it for around 15 to 20 minutes for a little colour 1-2h.

Rinse off hair with plain water.

HENNA

This henna can also be used for dyeing yarn and hair, as well as for making tattoos.  Henna will give you browns, orange/red on hair.

 Colourfastness: Medium - good

A little info on Henna from Wikipedia: 

Henna (Arabic: حِنَّاء‎‎) is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis, also known as hina, the henna tree, the mignonette tree, and the Egyptian privet, the sole species of the Lawsonia genus.

Henna can also refer to the temporary body art (staining) based on those dyes (see also mehndi). Henna has been used since antiquity to dye skin, hair and fingernails, as well as fabrics including silk, wool and leather. Historically, henna was originally used in Egypt and then the Arabian Peninsula, Indian Subcontinent, parts of Southeast Asia, Carthage, other parts of North Africa and the Horn of Africa. The name is used in other skin and hair dyes, such as black henna and neutral henna, neither of which is derived from the henna plant.

 

------- 

Basic Recipe: 

100g dye, diluted in cold water.
100g yarn/fibre. 

Bring pot with dye to simmer For 1h. 
Strain through cloth, add yarn/fibre and dye bag to dye bath for 1h. 
Rinse.

HIBISCUS NATURAL DYEING KIT FOR WOOL, SILK, PAINTING & GREAT FOR KIDS
Dye Colours: Pink & Light Purples, Green (Great for Kids & Hobby Dyers)
Suitable for: 100-300g of Yarn/Fibre/Fabric

The Hibiscus Natural Dyeing Kit is an ideal choice for creating soft pink, purple, and green hues on wool, silk, and painting projects, making it perfect for both adults and children. This kit includes everything you need to dye up to 300g of fibre or experiment with painting, while enjoying a safe, fun, and creative process that's great for family activities.

What’s Inside the Kit:

• 100g Hibiscus Dye
• 30g Alum
• 30g Cream of Tartar
• 5g Iron
• Full, reusable dyeing instructions
• A "How to Care for Your Plant Dyed Items" card

Key Features:

• Ph Sensitive – The dye’s colours shift with pH changes, making it a fun and educational experience for children to explore.
• Not Wash or Light Fast – Best for decorative projects or temporary use.
• Multiple Dips – Dye several pieces! The colour will become paler with each additional dip.

Notes:

• For Wool & Silk Fibres – Tailored for protein-based fibres like wool and silk, making it perfect for beginners and hobby dyers.
• Not Suitable for Plant-Based Fibres – The mordanting instructions are designed for animal fibres and will not work on cotton, linen, or hemp.
• Great for Kids – The safe and simple process makes it a wonderful choice for children's craft projects, allowing them to experiment with natural dyes.
• Perfect for Painting – Ideal for creating soft-toned artwork with natural dyes, making it versatile for a range of creative activities.

Packaged in recyclable cardboard, this kit makes a fantastic gift for creative families or individuals. The dyes come in resealable stand-up bags, and the durable recipe booklet can be reused time and time again.

Whether you’re dyeing fabrics, painting, or enjoying a hands-on activity with children, the Hibiscus Natural Dyeing Kit is the perfect way to introduce vibrant, eco-friendly colours to wool, silk, and art projects.

Hibiscus, though best known as tea, is a surprisingly fun dye. It is great to do at home and with children. It will give you a multitude of colours, from beautiful earthy cool purples to warm pinks and dark greens. This recipe, PDF, walks you through the steps of home dyeing wool or silk based yarns or fabric with Hibiscus Dye. 

Hibiscus dye supplies? Not sure your calculations are correct? Contact us! ~ Or pick up the Hibiscus Dye Kit for Wool and Silk here.

Hibiscus is not colourfast and PH sensitive

Himalayan Nettle Fibre – softer than flax, hand‑processed, with a gentle sheen and natural lightness. A durable plant fibre that blends strength with softness, processed in harmony with people and nature.

• Hypoallergenic & Antibacterial: naturally odour‑resistant and kind to sensitive skin

• Sustainably & Ethically Made: wild‑harvested in Nepal, fair‑trade, retted in wood‑ash baths, and spun by hand

• Lightweight & Long‑Lasting: ideal for spinning, weaving, papermaking, dyeing, fibre art

• Naturally Soft: becomes even softer over time, breathable, with subtle sheen

Available weights (select from dropdown):
25 g · 50 g · 75 g · 100 g · 250 g · 500 g · 1 kg

Details & Care

• 100% Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia), wild‑harvested

• Hand‑processed with traditional Nepalese methods

• Storage tips: keep dry and away from direct sunlight

Horse Chestnut Bark – Cut

Source: Aesculus hippocastanum

Cut Horse Chestnut Bark is a lesser-known but valuable source of natural tannins, especially effective for cellulose fibre preparation, natural greys with iron, and historical dye practices. This bark contains condensed tannins, making it well suited for textile work on both plant and animal fibres.

Our bark is coarsely cut and ideal for slow dyeing, decoctions, or tannin-rich soaks. It can be used alone or combined with other tannins or metal salts for complex tones and improved mordant adhesion.

Main Components:

• Condensed tannins
• Flavonoids
• Saponins (minor)

Suggested Quantities (WOF – Weight of Fabric):

• 20–80% WOF for decoction or fibre soak
• Simmer for 1 hour or soak overnight
• Use hot or cool for varied tones

Uses:

• Pre-treatment of Cellulose Fibres – improves mordant take-up
• Iron Modification – yields soft greys and warm browns
• Natural Dyeing – use alone or as a tannin base
• Historical Dye Methods – suitable for re-enactment dyeing and archival processes

The Plant:

Horse chestnut is a deciduous tree native to southeastern Europe, now naturalised across Ireland and the UK. Its bark has long been used in folk medicine and traditional dyeing for its tannin content and gentle tones. When modified with iron, it reveals subtle grey-browns, ideal for grounding brighter botanical colours.

Light Fastness:

Medium to High (when used with a mordant)

Form:

• Coarse-cut bark
• Not water-soluble; requires simmering or soaking

🌿 Tip: Combine with iron sulphate for muted greys, or use as a base layer in multi-step dyeing on cellulose fibres.

Join The Natural Dyers & Growers Academy to share your experiences and get support from fellow growers.

Huck Embroidery Needles – Set of 3

Designed especially for Huck embroidery, these high-quality steel needles feature a blunt, angled tip that effortlessly slides under surface threads without splitting fibres. Their extra length allows you to stitch longer, sweeping lines with ease — making them perfect for decorative borders and traditional patterns.

Huck embroidery, also known as Swedish weaving, is a beautiful needlework technique that combines surface embroidery with weaving on huck fabric — often used to embellish table linens, towels, and home décor.

Features:

• Includes 3 needles
• Material: Durable steel
• Blunt, angled tip for smooth weaving
• Longer length for covering more fabric per stitch
• Ideal for huck embroidery, Swedish weaving, and decorative stitching

An essential tool for anyone exploring this elegant and timeless embroidery style.