Let me tell you the story of a time, not long ago, when two fabulous maker kits locked eyes across a crowded (internet) room. One motioned for the other to come hither. The other pointed to their chest mouthing, “Who? Me?”. With an affirmative nod of the head, true love blossomed. They knew immediately they were meant to be! This is approximately what happened when Julie Sinden of The Love of Colour and I met on Instragram. It was a typical “Your kit?”, “My Kit?”, “Yes!” situation. The result is the Clay Resist and Indigo Dyed Espadrilles Kit!
I’m over the moon excited to launch this as the Artist Series for October! I just cannot get over how interesting and fun this process is.
You use a clay resist mixture to create your own design (of your own or use the constellation stencil in the kit), let it dry and then dip it into an indigo dye vat. Voila! You have created your own design. The indigo dye’s unique chemical composition doesn’t wash away the impact of the clay resist. Julie Sinden has years of experience with this, in addition to a variety of natural dyes, and her expertise shines through in her thorough instructions. Check out her Instagram highlight for a great video of the resist and dye process. I can promise you will fall in love and your fingers will twitch to try it for yourself.
This kit comes with all the standard espadrille kit components including the shoe sole, needle, yarn, pullers, etc. as well as the following:
+ Exclusive, detailed, step by step instructions from Julie of The Love of Colour
+ Prepared to Dye White Hemp & Organic Cotton Fabric in White
+ 1/3 yard Organic Cotton Fabric in Salmon as a lining fabric
+ All the necessary pre-measured powders including Clay, Indigo, Epsom Salt, Fructose and more
+ A high quality constellation stencil
Julie created two pairs of espadrilles to highlight the fabulous options in the kit. You can create any design you’d like (though I discovered that it’s nice if the design is big and bold as tiny details don’t show up as well). Her dots and stripes show off her own design while the constellation pair uses the included stencil. Both options are great! And there is no shame is totally stealing Julie’s dots and stripes design…which is what I’m considering for myself. 🙂
It occurs to me that this would also be a super fun project to work on alongside a kiddo. You could work on a design together!
I procured a white organic cotton & hemp blend fabric that is prepared to dye so it doesn’t require any washing before you get started on the project. We decided on a salmon colored lining fabric to play off the beautiful indigo blue.
All you need is a plastic bucket, water and whatever you want to use to create your design from a foam brush to a block print! The sky is the limit.
The process of clay resist and indigo dyeing takes bits of time but over the course of a few days so this is a wonderful project to have going on a weekend or over a holiday break. Especially, if you are working on it with kids.
You may have noticed Julie’s kit offerings in my list of ultimate maker kits but be sure to also check out her other natural dye kits including indigo block printing!
I really hope you enjoy the clay resist and indigo dyed espadrilles kit as much as Julie and I enjoyed pulling it together. Sale of these kits starts today and ends on November 1, 2021 so definitely pick it up now.
Julie Sinden
is a textile artist and educator living in Toronto, Canada. After 15 years of making her popular line of felted wool winter hats and accessories, she began a second business, called The Love of Colour. A celebration of colour, textiles and especially natural dyes, The Love of Colour draws on Julie’s twenty years of studying natural dyes, and more than ten years teaching. The line includes a small range of our favourite plant dyes, as well as ever popular beginner kits, which contain the pre-measured ingredients and comprehensive instructions to try a specific technique for the first time.
I love the idea of making my own espadrilles using your kits! I am 74, and find I need a little lift in my shoes — I find shoes much more comfortable when they have a heel of at least and inch or so (less than 2 inches is OK). Do you have slightly raised platforms or can you advise where I might find them? We are planning a trip to Italy this summer (YEAH!!!!!) and espadrilles would be perfect.
Thanks for your help.
Best,
Louise Billingsley
Great question Louise! Sounds like such a fun plan. You might find what you are looking for at a company called Diego’s Boutique (just be aware, their women’s sizes run narrow). Have fun!