The intention behind dyeing with natural materials and extracts is to utilize the resources that already exist from the Earth, to reduce the possibility for pollutant and toxic chemical waste and to practice techniques utilized more often by indigenous communities that share a more reciprocal relationship with the land.

The main dyes that were utilized in the natural dyeing process include dye of black bean, black tea and black walnut extract. The shades and hues of these dyes were altered with the use of iron and rust mordants and after baths as well as the use of baking soda and additional tannins such as sumac gall extract. While there were three main dyes that were settled on, experimentation occurred with turmeric and beets as well.

Each garment or piece of fabric was scorned to rid of any oils, dirts and impurities and was then mordanted with aluminum acetate to aid in dye adherence to the fabric. These pieces sat in their respective dye baths for at least 24 hours to ensure the fullest saturation was possible. They were then rinsed with a neutral detergent and fabric softener and hung to dry. Through trial and error, several pieces required several goes at the dye bath in order to achieve the ideal shade.

*Block printing and screen printing experimentation also took place but did not manifest themselves into the final garment development.