Naturally Dyed Flared Wave Skirt

I am just in love with this pattern.  Super easy to sew up and so comfortable to wear.  I really need to make a few more!

This pattern is from one of my favorite sewing pattern books, Shape Shape, Sewing Clothing Patterns to Wear Multiple Ways by Natsuno Hiraiwa.  I have made up a few patterns and really love the fit on me.  I should add that though I’m usually a size 6 off the rack I need to use the size large patterns (they are offered in s,m,l).

I made the Flared Wave Skirt out of Natural Sophisticate which is a really lovely mix of flax and silk with a nice hand that I bought from Near Sea Naturals.  I often shop from their online store (they’re out of Asheville NC) since they offer a great selection of sustainable, fair trade and organic fabrics and notions.

I then folded and wrapped my fabric along with some hand stitching to prepare it for the dye bath.  I first gave it a bath in a tannin solution and then used my alum to pre-mordant the fabric.  I went with red cabbages as my dye source since I live in a small condo with two kids and didn’t want to have any fumes to deal with.  I love how the color came out, a subtle mix of lavenders, blues ( I added vinegar to my second soak) and browns.  This pattern really shows off the dye pattern since it is cut on two different grains as it curves around the body.