Rediscover colours with our special collection of organic cotton project bags hand-dyed and handmade in our atelier in Alsace, France.
*The cotton is organic*
This collection is made entirely of organic cotton, both the outer fabric and the lining. The cotton is sourced from European suppliers extremely conscious and aware of all the ecological and social problems involved in the supply chain.
*The dyes are fiber reactive*
The dyes I chose to create my colours are fiber reactive dyes: they blend with the fiber and will permanently stay there. No bleeding, no fading! I have longly debated with myself if to use natural dye or chemical dyes: I have read tons of literature on both choices, considering both the tinctorial proprieties and the ecological impact.
At the end I have chosen fiber reactive dyes: they last longer, they environmental impact is minor (see below), they do not fade and are light fast.
*The Technique is Unique*
The technique I have developed to create all these intense colour nuances is rather unique.
Each bag is dye individually, making it exceptional and distinctive.
I cut and wash all cotton before beginning the dyeing process. I then batch dye similar colours in small sessions. Each piece of fabric is dyed by itself: it is the only way I can control the effect I want to achieve and the intensity of the colours.
*The Process is Mindful*
In developing my dyeing technique I have payed the uttermost attention to use as less water as possible.
Each bag is dyed with less than 10 cl (3.5oz) of water. As I apply a special technique I have developed, before each dyeing session I calculate exactly how much dye I should make and use.
If there is some dye left I then use it to dye the lining fabric or even some bags pieces and handles.
*The Final Touches are conscious*
Once every bag is dyed and cured for 48 hours (at least), I plan the last fixing wash.
I batch similar colours together, saving not only water but also electricity.
I use my handmade unscented Marseille Soap washing liquid, and vinegar to fix the dye.
Once the rinsing water from the washing machine is completely clear, the fixing process is complete and eternal. I then let each bag dry before the first ironing.
*The Sewing is by Me*
Once the dyeing process is done, then there is the sewing left.
I sew everything myself, with the occasional help of my mother, in my atelier in Alsace, France.
I decide colour pairing, thread colours (all cotton!) and handles.
Each bag is sewn with the highest attention to details: each stitch is loved. The occasional rogue stitch can escape our watchful eyes, but there is no end to the perfect finishing touches.