April 2025 Community Dye Bath Details + FAQs

 

April Colorway: Weld

A Bright Sunshine Yellow / $1.79 per oz

Excited to present our first Community Dye Bath in collaboration with local natural dye artist, Andie Gwen of Esra Collective! Drop off your clothes to be dyed and pick them up in a fresh, bright, cheery yellow, all dyed with natural plants for vibrant color. This time, we're using Weld for a stunning, sunshine yellow!

Instructions for Drop-off & Pickup

Drop-off:

  • Drop off your garments in a reusable bag at Home Ec + Best Bud during business hours from Tuesday 4/22 to Tuesday 4/29.
  • Pay by the ounce at the register. (We will weigh your garments at drop-off!)
  • Choose between solid dye bath or tie-dye. All of your garments must be dyed with the same method (no mixing solid and tie-dye).

Pickup:

  • Come back starting Sunday 5/11 for pickup!

What is Weld?

Weld (Reseda luteola) is the most lightfast of the yellow dyes. Ancient tapestry weavers in Central Asia, Turkey, and Europe used this dye. The bright yellow flowers contain luteolin, a powerful flavonoid, which makes Weld an excellent dye material.

 Fibers Accepted:

Cellulose-based fibers (plant-based):

  • Cotton
  • Bamboo
  • Linen
  • Hemp
  • Flax

Fibers Not Accepted:

  • Wool
  • Silk
  • Synthetic materials

 

 

Color of Fibers Accepted:

  • White
  • Off-white
  • Cream
  • Light yellow
  • Very light pink
  • Tan

Color of Fibers Not Accepted:

  • Dark colors
  • Primary colors
  • Neon colors

 

 

FAQs

1. Do My Goods Need to Be 100% Cellulose Fibers?

No, as long as your goods are at least 70% cellulose-based fibers, they can still be dyed.
Example: 70% cotton, 30% rayon.
Note: The higher the amount of synthetic materials in your goods, the lighter the final dye color may be.

2. What Will Be Done to My Goods During the Dyeing Process?

  1. Pre-wash (scouring): To remove any dirt or grime.
  2. Pre-mordant bath: Metal salts and minerals help the dye bind to the fibers.
  3. Natural dye bath: Your garment will be soaked in the dye.
  4. Washing: Garment is washed in cool water.
  5. Line drying: Dried in the San Diego sunshine and packed for pickup.

3. How Should I Care for My Items When I Get Them Back?

  • Hand wash and line dry to preserve color.
  • If using a washing machine:
    • Wash dye bath items separately for their first wash.
    • Then wash cold with like colors.
    • Avoid the dryer to prevent premature fading.

4. Will More Colors Be Offered?

Yes! We plan to rotate colorways every few months, reflecting seasonal natural dyes.