FAQ

WILL THE COLOR LAST?

Natural dyeing is an ancient practice of extracting colour from these natural materials to naturally dye cloth and fibres. Before the accidental discovery of a synthetic dye in 1856, natural dyes and pigments were the sole source of colour. All colours came from natural sources. All textiles such as tapestries, rugs, clothing - knitted or woven, were created with naturally dyed fibers. Just think about this long history of natural dyes! They have already stood the test of time.

Not every natural dyestuff yields equally stable results, but we have proof of the ones that produce the most lasting outcomes. In my practice I work preferably with the classic, ancient dye plants like madder for red, weld for yellow, and indigo for blue - they produce reliable and bright primary colours and are easily grown in garden.

There are many factors that will have effect on the longevity of the natural colors. But with the right preparing - scouring and mordanting, choosing the best dyeing technique, the right fiber, the best dyestuff and a proper care after, it is very much possible to achieve a long-lasting, light- and colorfast dyeing. On the other hand, it's important to mention, that the natural dyes are alive, will evolve and can fade gradually over time. No dye is absolutely fast under all conditions. The awareness of change is an inevitable part and can be a value of natural dyeing. Short-lived but recyclable textiles are more sustainable than synthetic materials with no possibility of renewal.

I can say with confidence, that during these past eight years of my natural dyeing research and practice I have gained a steady knowledge of the process and I have never been disappointed with what the natural dyes are capable of.

 

HOW DO I CARE FOR NATURALLY DYED CLOTHING?

Caring for naturally dyed garments is easy, there's just a few things to keep in mind.

Most natural dyes will react to acid, so please be careful when handling citrus juices or vinegar as they can remove or alter the color. If you accidentally splash your garments rinse them immediately with cool water and then do a gentle wash to minimise uneven tones. Please avoid spot cleaning and harsh scrubbing.

An ingredient in your deodorant can also cause different colored patches under the arms. With this in mind I choose very carefully which dye to use on a shirt, avoiding the most pH sensitive ones like logwood e.g.

Store all your naturally dyed garments away from direct sunlight and bright light - prolonged exposure may cause colours to fade. Do not hang or display in areas where sunlight falls on the garment for extended periods. For example, if you keep a naturally dyed shirt in an open closet on a sunny wall for months without moving or wearing it, you may see lighter folding lines appear over time - the same can happen if a pullover is left hanging in a brightly lit hallway for weeks. Put it somewhere more dark, please. ;)

 

WASHING INSTRUCTIONS

I recommend hand washing in cold or lukewarm water with a pH neutral detergent to protect the natural dyes - many of them can react to pH changes (like vinegar or washing soda).
That said, most of the upcycled pullovers can be machine washed too - use a gentle wool or hand wash cycle at 30°. To be honest, I rarely hand wash anything. :) Almost all of my naturally dyed clothing is machine washed, treating everything as if it were wool.
Turn garments inside-out. Wash separately or with similar colors, especially indigo and madder can release color during the first washings. Be careful that also synthetic dyes can rinse out of fabric and tint your naturally dyed garments.

Recommended detergents for SK/ČR:

Tierra Verde Soapnut washing gel for wool and functional textiles made of merino wool

Prací gél z mydlových orechov na vlnu a funkčný textil z merino vlny

(I wash all my naturally dyed garments with this detergent, regardless of the fabric type.)

Sonett Olive Laundry Liquid for Wool and Silk

Tekutý prostriedok na pranie vlny a hodvábu OLIVA

Dry flat or line dry in the shade, do not expose to direct sunlight for an extended time because it can cause a more rapid colour fading (just as synthetic dyes can bleach in the sun).
When washing woolen products never vary the temperature of washing and rinsing water by more than 5 °C and never wring wool – extract excess water by rolling in a towel. Dry flat.
You can do a bit for the environment by washing less frequently. Unlike synthetic fabrics wool takes sweat away from your body and neutralizes the smell. Therefore it’s enough to air out the garments.
If your garment becomes too stained, consider eco-printing, overdyeing with another natural dye color or a lovely technique called tatakizome (flower pounding).

 

Please note that some sewn-in labels may advise against washing or ironing woolen garments — this reflects older retailer recommendations from when the labels were made. Since then, I have found that all the woolen fabrics I use can be safely washed and ironed, even on medium settings. Any exceptions will be clearly noted.

 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE AND PROCESS A PRODUCT?

READY MADE ORDERS are processed and will leave my studio within 2-3 business days, excluding holidays & weekends. Shipping times may vary depending on the delivery location, but I work my hardest to get you your order as quickly as possible.

MADE TO ORDER - please allow 2-3 weeks for your garment to be processed.

NOTE: if an order also includes a product that is made to order, the order will only be shipped to you after the made to order product is also ready for shipment.

Processing does not include the shipping time of the ordered products.

 

IS IT POSSIBLE TO PICK UP THE ORDER IN PERSON?

Yes, it’s possible by prior arrangement at the DOT 'N' POT studio in Neded.

 

IS IT POSSIBLE TO RETURN OR EXCHANGE A PRODUCT?

Yes, it is, please see Returns in the Footer menu.