See Jane Dye Stuff
Lately I’ve been working on a new project. I am revamping my line of textile and accessory design to be, among other things, a friend of the environment. It’s a total overhaul and quite an exhausting process, to be completely honest. But I think it’s well worth the effort. Some of what I’m doing includes working with textile designers who use all natural fibers, buying organic cottons and recycled or naturally tanned leather, and having my fabrics dyed using natural dyestuff. This last point brings me to the reason that I am writing this blog post: Noon Design Studio, a small natural dye house in Chicago, run by Jane Palmer. I was so excited to come across this one woman show. Noon uses everything from walnuts to madder to pomegranate to create a beautiful array of colors on all sorts of natural fibers. Upon discovering this company, I received a gorgeous color card highlighting the long list of hues that are available and cannot wait to start working with Jane, as I believe I am going to be truly thrilled with the results! But don’t take my word for it. Check out this Project Page to See Jane Dye Stuff!
Lately, as I become more and more active in the world of social media, I’ve had the pleasure of coming across all sorts of fantastic blogs written by or about independent textile designers; weavers, knitters, printers, felters, spinners, you name it. I really enjoy visiting these online design diaries and even though we consider ourselves here at StartUp FASHION as a blog focused on being a resource for industry professionals, I love the idea of sharing something that highlights the beauty and creativity of this industry; something that is simply lovely to look at. Initially, my idea was to put together one post listing all of my favorite design blogs. However, upon further reflection, I realized that that idea was not one of my better ones. I want to give these blogs the attention they deserve so each week I will highlight one new blog that is well written, visually appealing, and, quite simply, one of my Favorites!
Alpaca? Nah. Lamb? Uh uh. Cashmere? Whatever. Yak? Absolutely!
I’m always interested in design for a greater good; projects where people take their talent and creativity and apply it in a way that truly benefits others. So imagine how excited I was to stumble upon a company that uses hand woven textiles (one of my favorite forms of artistic expression!) to help make the world a better place. 
