Kathy Wood

I began dyeing in 2002, after seeing some play silks that the local Waldorf school was selling at a bi-annual street fair here in Tucson. My daughter was just over a year old and I wanted to make some silks for her. I bought MX Fiber Reactive Dyes and some 8mm Habotai 35 inch scarves from Dharma Trading and jumped right in.

Though the solid color silks were wonderful, I wanted to expand my knowledge of dyeing and the different techniques. In my research, I came across a community of dyers and tie-dyers who were very open in the sharing and exchange of ideas. With this wealth of information at my fingertips my interest in dyeing went into overdrive.

I learned some basic folds as well as some more intricate ones. The fold I was most drawn to was the mandala fold. You can see the result of my first ever mandala fold, it is Desert Dyeworks avatar. Since that moment, I have been experimenting with the fold and different color combinations to give each silk its unique and vibrant qualities.

I use a variety of silk and sizes to create my play silks and scarves. However, most of what I use is a selection of the 8mm Habotai scarves, including the 21 inch, 35 inch, and 45 inch scarves. I was also very excited when Dharma introduced the 5mm Habotai veils. This allowed me to create nice and big, yet light and airy canopy-sized playsilks.

Though I have tried other sources for my silk, dyes, and supplies, I cannot help but use Dharma Trading. Dharma provides everything I need in one spot and at the best prices around. Thanks guys!

I love what I do. Though sometimes I feel like a tie-dye geek, obsessed with color and the results of my efforts. My advice to anyone wanting to dabble in dyeing and tie-dyeing; do it, it's fun and actually pretty easy. My one warning; it's addictive!