FAQs | Understanding & Caring for Your Naturally Dyed Items
What items are available through ‘I Found the Colors?’
Scarves! Naturally dyed in a wide range of colors. Select from single colors, ecoprints (contact printed with flowers and leaves), shibori/tie-dye (patterned by scrunching, bundling, tying, and folding), or creative combinations.
Apparel Including tee-shirts and vintage garments.
Yarn For your creative projects.
Surprises Including cards and prints using natural watercolors, heritage-inspired items, and other creations celebrating nature.
Are the colors I see on my device true to the colors of the actual items?
We make every effort to create photographs that are true to the colors that appear in person. We have set up a studio with special balanced lighting for indoor photos and we also shoot outdoors in natural light. Nevertheless, it is impossible to guarantee that the photos on your screen are completely identical to what you’ll see with your own eyes. In fact, they may seem to subtly shift in different light conditions, similar to how wall paint seems to change on different walls depending on the angle of the light. Color is delightful, mysterious, and difficult to tame!
What if an item I love is out-of-stock?
Items in the Shop may catch your eye because of the colors or the patterns or the plants that were used (maybe marigolds are some of your favorite flowers!). If an item you love is out-of-stock, don’t worry. You can email your interest and we’ll let you know when to expect a similar one-of-a-kind item.
Where are ‘I Found the Colors’ items dyed?
Marja’s creations are dyed in small batches in her own kitchen or outdoor dye studio. Items from other makers are created either in Marja’s facilities or in their own spaces.
What if I have items I’d like to sell through ‘I Found the Colors?’
If you have naturally dyed or nature-inspired items you’d like to sell through ‘I Found the Colors,’ please email us. Include detailed descriptions and photos, plus background information about yourself.
Can I make a special order?
Yes! Maybe there’s a garment in your closet you’d like to have naturally dyed. Or you’re planning a large knitting project. Or you’d like some naturally dyed fabric for your next sewing creation. Let us know! We’ll work with you individually, discuss options, timing, and costs. We love supporting your natural creativity!
Does ‘I Found the Colors’ offer Gift Certificates?
Yes! Gift Certificates are available in the Shop. They can be used to purchase items or register for classes.
How do I care for my naturally dyed items?
Washing: Wash by hand, if possible, and hang to dry. Use cool water and mild soap, pH neutral if possible. If you’re machine-washing larger items, use the gentlest cycle available and tumble dry low. If machine washing small items, place them in a bag for delicates. Wash only when needed. Gentle infrequent washing will help preserve colors and designs. Be aware that some dye sources, especially those that create deeper more saturated colors, may bleed during the first few washes.
Storage: Always store naturally dyed items out of direct sunlight. A dark cupboard or closet is best.
Our commitment to you: If the color of your item changes more quickly or more dramatically than you’re comfortable with, please contact us and we will discuss circumstances and options. We want you to be thrilled with your naturally dyed items!
Is natural color different from synthetic color?
While natural dyes are far safer and healthier than synthetic dyes, their qualities are slightly different. Since color comes directly from living sources, every item is truly unique. ‘Solid’ colors may have variations reminiscent of a watercolor wash. Ecoprinted and shibori or tie-dyed items will have delightful and sometimes surprising markings that are the signature of ‘living color.’
Also, unlike most synthetically dyed items, naturally dyed items will fade over time, some faster than others. A term for this in natural dyeing is ‘fugitive.’ However, since the word ‘fugitive’ can be applied to a fleeing criminal, Marja prefers to call these color sources ‘ethereal,’ which is defined as “extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world” (Oxford Dictionary).
Some natural dye sources are more colorfast than others and certain methods of care (see above) will lengthen the life of the dye. Also, ‘ethereal’ color can be renewed by dyeing it again! We can teach you how! This invites us to participate and engage with nature, recognizing that – unlike static synthetics — nature is always changing.
Important note regarding yarn: If you are ordering yarn for one project and you want essentially the same color throughout, it is important that you order enough so that it can all be dyed in one batch.
Why is natural color safer than synthetic color?
The first synthetic dye was accidentally discovered less than 200 years ago in the 1850s. It came from coal tar, a by-product of processing coal. Before that, all dye sources came directly from nature, typically in the form of plants, insects, and shellfish.
As the textile industry exploded in Europe, so too did use of synthetic dyes that reliably provide the inexpensive, uniform, and long-lasting colors we’ve come to expect and enjoy. But there’s a dark side. Synthetic dyeing is hugely water intensive and incredibly polluting. Some types of dyes, including azo dyes, are known to be carcinogenic. According to Dr. Farah Chequer and colleagues, “Considering the fact that the textile dyeing process is recognized as one of the most environmentally unfriendly industrial processes, it is of extreme importance to…find alternative, eco-friendly methods.”*
With knowledge, natural dyeing can be done safely at home, with little-to-no impact on water systems and humans. Through purchasing naturally dyed products or learning natural dye techniques, we can help keep our environments cleaner, our own bodies healthier, and natural dyers supported.
*Chequer, Farah Maria Drumond et al. 2013. “Textile Dyes: Dyeing Process and Environmental Impact.” IntechOpen. https://www.intechopen.com/books/eco-friendly-textile-dyeing-and-finishing/textile-dyes-dyeing-process-and-environmental-impact
FAQs | Commitments & Services
What is a Social Purpose Corporation?
A Social Purpose Corporation – SPC – is a form of incorporation that has existed under the laws of Washington State since 2012. A state registered SPC operates its business to either promote positive effects or minimize adverse effects on (1) people, including employees, suppliers and customers; (2) communities from local to global; and (3) the environment.
What are the sustainability commitments of ‘I Found the Colors?’
We have established sustainable practices that will expand as we grow our skills in business.
Natural dye sources: All dyes are either gathered locally or purchased through regional businesses committed to sustainable sourcing such as ‘Botanical Colors’ in Seattle, Washington https://botanicalcolors.com/ and ‘Aurora Silk’ in Portland, Oregon https://aurorasilk.com/wp/
Fibers & Fabrics: Our silk scarves come mainly from Dharma Trading Company in California. While many of Dharma’s scarves are made in China, the company has a wonderfully transparent history and a strong commitment to its guiding principles. You can read their story here: https://www.dharmatrading.com/home/dharma-trading-co.html?lnav=home.html Other fabrics, vintage items, and yarns have come from a variety of sources.
Packaging: Our padded mailers are made from 100% recycled materials sourced from ‘EcoEnclose’ https://www.ecoenclose.com/shop/clear-bags/100-recycled-flap-seal-bags/. We also use eco-friendly poly envelopes inside the mailer to ensure your item is protected during shipping, along with recycled tissue paper.
Labels: Our labels are produced by a small local business, Olympia Copy & Printing.
Why do you have a Community section and who do you include in it?
‘I Found the Colors’ is committed to elevating individuals, groups, and businesses that are committed to social, environmental, and climate justice. We view our work as collaborative not competitive. We believe that the more people who step into roles that support one another – and the earth – the better.
In our Community section, we feature natural dye artists and businesses, herbalists, and Indigenous creatives and projects. Let us know if you would like to be featured or to write a piece! Send us an email about yourself and your work. Include photos!
What kinds of Classes do you offer?
With the onset of Covid, Marja discontinued the in-person dye classes she had been teaching in her home. In 2022, classes resume, both in-person and online. Classes consist of a ‘Before You Dye’ video workshop recommended for anyone without prior experience before attending other classes that feature different themes, plants, and methods throughout the year. See the Class section as information becomes available for 2022.
Also, if you’d like to tailor a class to the specific interests of a small group, just talk to us. We can create a class with a focus you’d especially enjoy.
What topics are included in the blog?
Our Blog offers posts about many topics including dye plants, medicinal plants, cultural dye traditions, the importance of natural dyes, how-to-dye tips, and more. You are invited to submit suggestions for future topics as well as to ask questions.
Do you give talks and demos?
Marja loves to share her enthusiasm about natural color, plants, and entrepreneurship with a focus on social, environmental, and climate justice. If you’re interested in scheduling a talk or demo, please email us.
