naturaldyes

In episode 226, Kestrel welcomes Matty Hickey, the founder of Be Kind Vibes, to the show. A social impact brand, Be Kind Vibes creates ethically-made goods that inspire love & compassion for each other and our natural world.

“Kindness is a way forward for us out of these times — it’s a chance for us to be able to reconnect with ourselves, and then, that way, we can kind of express that out into the world and to others. It’s one of the values, one of the pillars of the brand, and it’s how I guide the direction of the brand in everyday decisions — it’s a powerful thing, and I think if we can really tap into it and use it, it is a way forward and I think it’s a way that can unite all of us, really.”
-Matt Hickey, Founder of Be Kind Vibes

On this week’s show, we take a little journey down memory lane, as Matt was the person who suggested Kestrel start a podcast over 5 years ago now. The two discuss those early ideas, and how Matt really helped spark the early idea for Kestrel to build out this audio community.

The two explore several facets of "kindness”, as that is the driving force behind Matt’s work. Also, Matt shares a bit more on his future vision for the brand, and how his priorities have evolved over the years, bringing him further back to a place where natural materials, natural dyes and hyper localized production are king.

• Promoting The Power Of Kindness, story from CBS Sunday Morning that Kestrel mentions, that discusses a new documentary called “The Antidote”

• “I think kindness and being kind — it’s an action word and phrase — it’s doing. It’s a way to express and show others compassion and love, and that also extends to our natural world and the environment. I see it as a common thread that connects all of humanity — it’s something that is inside of all of us and it’s something that we can all turn to and begin to express to others.” -Matt

• BKV “Of The Earth” Bandana Capsule, created in collaboration with Kristin of All Species and Paul Cannon of Iron Sage Wood

• Follow Matt on Instagram >

• Follow Be Kind Vibes on Instagram >

Textile designer, Lydia Crespo, talks about the art and chemistry behind her work and why you might find her collecting produce scraps from the local grocery store. 

With a name like Lydia, learn why she was born to work with natural dyes from the start. 

The last part of the three part fiber dyeing series discusses my experiences with using walnut leaves (and mordants) to produce the lovely colors shown in this photo.  I also talk about making and using the 'quick' version of an indigo dyepot, a totally magical dyeing experience, since the fiber comes out of the pot one color and turns blue as it sits in the air.

I also spend a bit of time talking about just how fiber feels after it's been dyed and dried, how not to felt it, and how to get it back in shape for spinning.

Music in today's podcast is from the podsafe music network 

The interlude music is called Living Color by Doug Astrop

The closing song is So Color Me by Tenth Hour Calling

Thanks to all my wonderful listeners for your comments, suggestions and questions!

Until later....happy spinning.

Part 2 of the cotton dyeing discusses how I dyed the roving using a natural dyestuff.  And a very unusual dyestuff too.

There are photos, and a detailed description of the process on my blog.

I've included two songs in today's podcast, both from the podsafe music network.  Be sure and check out the musicians webpages if you like the songs.

Copper Box  played Need a Little Squeezin   It's a great tune, and is featured on their website too.

Clare Dowling  of Moot Music opens every podcast for me with her spinning song, and for this podcast, closes with Go With the Flow.

Hope you have enjoyed these two podcasts of dyeing cotton. Comments are always welcomed here or on my blog.  And if you use Itunes, and could look me up there, searching under Yarnspinners Tales, leave a review.  It'll help more spinners find me.

Until next time, hope all you fiber colors are wonderul.