my intention for november: glow

I intend to GLOW in the darkness.

I write this on Hallowe'en night. 
A stranger one than usual.
We found other ways to trick and treat. 
Working with teens, I demonstrated the magic of dyeing.  

Process
(All equipment and additives are readily available and are no cost (but may need some prior preparation):
Scouring: thoroughly wash natural fabric by hand in laundry detergent or synthropol.
Premordant: heat scoured fabric in water with 2 tsp of alum until hot to the touch, turn off and leave overnight. You will see the alum settled on the fabric folds in the morning.
Tannin bath: cook and strain 2-3 pomegranate rinds (4-6 halves) to make a tannin bath, soak fabric in the bath overnight for maximum results.
Dye bath: cook and strain onion skins of any colour, soak fabric in the bath overnight for maximum results. 
Post mordant and Ph modifying: cook wood ashes in water for at least 1/2 hour, syphon off the water, and add 1/2 cup to pail of water, stir. Dip fabric in ash water and move around for most uniform effect, crumple for mottled effect. You will see the colour grow in intensity. Remove after max. 5 minutes.
Post mordant: soak rusted iron in a vinegar/water solution for 6 months to a year, add approx. 1 Tbsp to water, stir. Dip and move fabric around in this water for no longer than 5 minutes. You will see the colour "sadden". 
Wash fabric thoroughly in laundry detergent or Dawn dish detergent, use dryer to dry. 

Sharing making, hoping they will take a little mystery away.
​The tangible results: ​

"Who made your clothes?"

A growing chant from the slow fashion movement.
Who made the things that made your clothes? My question.
Lately, I have been making clothes out of other clothes. Remaking.
I would like something new to wear, but don't want to go to stores and don't wish to shop online. We have enough in this household to clothe us.

The clothes that deserve to be remade is now my study of interest. Fibres from nature: strong, durable, warm, full of life and energy. There's a part of me in them. Clothes handmade, natural colours, comfortable, classic, but not necessarily fashion. They have their origins in ecclectic and sometimes unlikely places: Eaton's, the Byward Market, Germany, a hardware store in US. Not online, from Toronto, from shows. Not from a shopping trip with friends. Not recent. 

What natural part of me is present in these clothes? Skill, pride, creativity, practicality, truthfulness, introspection, ok, a little exhibitionism. Good memories, cost forgotten. Things to look for in future purchases.

​Below, a collage of the labels in my most-loved clothes. Cotton, Ramie, Linen, made in Canada.​

GLOW Cami and Demi-brief, one of my Sanctuary Innerwear offerings. This dainty little thing is named GLOW because of the infusion: coffee, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. Warming herbs, almost as good as the beverage (better if you're trying to quit the habit). My Tencel is dyed with walnut shells and pomegranate rinds for a deeper shade, often a bit mottled as well, but without the post mordants (see above). This Hallowe'en I gathered my own treats from the lawns with brown-stained sidewalks, beating the squirrels somehow. 

I invite you to find ways to glow in the darkness this month, to find that which helps you be your most natural you and to share that mystery in your own way.