OUR STORY

Wolverski Dyes is a celebration of the timeless connection between earth, craft, and creation. Each garment is a unique expression, a tapestry woven from ancient natural dyeing techniques . Crafted with care and intention, these pieces honor the purity of nature’s materials—whether they be protein or cellulose fibers, with little trace of synthetic intrusion. Every garment undergoes a meticulous process, beginning with a deep cleansing and followed by a patient journey to capture the essence of nature’s palette. Colors emerge, not from chemicals, but from the land itself—from foraged plants or from my carefully cultivated dye garden, each hue imbued with the quiet wisdom of the earth. These are more than garments; they are living artifacts, each one a reflection of nature’s resilience, humanity’s ingenuity, and the beauty found in the slow, deliberate act of creation.

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Natural dyeing is an ancient method of coloring fabrics using materials derived from plants, insects, and minerals. It's a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes, and has a rich history that spans cultures around the world. Here's an overview of the general process:​

1. Choosing the Dye Material

Natural dyes are sourced from various plants (roots, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits), insects (like cochineal), and even minerals. Some common natural dye sources include:

• Plants: Indigo (blue), madder (red), walnut (brown), onion skins (yellow), and goldenrod (yellow).

• Insects: Cochineal (red, purple).

• Moss, Lichens, and Algae: Some lichens can produce soft purple, lilac, or grayish tones.

• Mushrooms: Some fungi can produce rich, earthy tones.

2. Preparing the Fabric

Before dyeing, the fabric usually needs to be cleaned and prepared to absorb the dye effectively. This typically involves:

• Scouring: Cleaning the fabric to remove any oils, dirt, or impurities. This is often done by boiling the fabric in water with a natural detergent or soap.

• Mordanting: A mordant is a substance that helps the dye bond to the fabric, ensuring the color is vibrant and long-lasting. Common mordants include alum, tannin, and iron. Different mordants can also affect the final color outcome.

Some fabrics, like cotton, may require a stronger mordant than others, like wool.

3. Extracting the Dye

Once the dye material is chosen, it needs to be prepared. For plants and flowers, this often means:

• Chopping, crushing, or grinding the plant matter to release the pigment.

• Simmering the plant material in water to create a dye bath. This could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the strength and richness of the color desired. The water should turn a rich, concentrated color.

For insect dyes (like cochineal), the insects are often crushed, and the color is extracted by boiling.

4. Dyeing the Fabric

Once the dye bath is ready, the prepared fabric is submerged into it. The time spent in the dye bath determines the intensity of the color. Fabrics are usually left in for anywhere between 30 minutes to several hours, and they can be removed intermittently to check the color. Some people even use a second or third dip to build up a more saturated hue.

The temperature of the dye bath is also important. Too hot, and the fibers might be damaged; too cold, and the dye won’t adhere properly.

5. Setting the Dye

After the fabric has reached the desired color, it’s removed and rinsed in cool water until the water runs clear. To help set the color and ensure longevity, the fabric might be soaked in a mordant solution again or treated with a fixative like vinegar or salt (for plant-based dyes).

6. Drying and Finishing

The dyed fabric is then air-dried, usually away from direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading too quickly. Depending on the type of dye and fiber, some colors can continue to deepen or shift as they dry.​​​

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The name Wolverski carries with it the weight of generations, a thread woven through the fabric of history. It originates from Hannah's great-grandparents, Russian Jews who crossed oceans in search of a new life, their identity reshaped by migration. From 'Wool' to 'Grant,' each name change was a chapter in their story, a quiet rebellion against the forces of time and circumstance. Hannah’s great-grandfather, who once ran his own textile business, stood as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of his people. In reclaiming the name Wolverski, the family honors not only the journey of their ancestors but also the enduring spirit that built their legacy—a name that now carries the weight of heritage, tradition, and the ever-present call to connect the past with the future.

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We hope that the clothing we create doesn’t just stand out for its uniqueness and beauty, but that it also sparks something within you. Our hope is that it encourages you to pause—take a moment to appreciate nature, to recognize the beauty in everyday life, and to connect with your own passions. In doing so, we also hope it helps you recognize the passions and creativity of those around you, creating a shared sense of inspiration and appreciation for the world we all share.