Shaela Hill
Artisan, Maker, Creative
The Dandelion Dyer earned it’s name because of what the dandelion represents to me. A gardener’s worst nightmare but a dyer’s dream. Full of wishes and childhood memories, dandelions are a display of abundant strength and power and the return of life after harsh winters. It represents how much we overlook the beauty around us in nature and how little the average person understands what a simple weed can offer us.
My work is inspired by the natural world and tradition, focusing on hands-on processes. Cultivating from the garden and mindfully gathering from the land to create a variety of land-based products is fundamental to my life. The colours in my textile creations are derived from plants, trees, roots and minerals; dyed by hand to achieve variation and depth. I love to work most with sustainably-grown, ethically-sourced fabrics as well as re-purposed scraps, piecing it all together with slow hand-stitches.
Everything you’ll find here is made with imperfect, rustic stitches and variation of colours that can only be created by patient human hands. It is truly one of a kind and made with the most love and passion possible.
My Story
I began sewing in high school at the age of 13. It quickly became my biggest passion and everything I wanted to focus my life around. I spent many hours in my high school sewing class, headphones on, happily absorbed in my sewing projects. After high school I was accepted into the 4 year Fashion Design and Technology program at the Wilson School of Design. Through my time there, I discovered my love for natural dyes and had the opportunity to work hands-on with a variety of materials from an industry perspective. In 2021, I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree.
In 2019 I began working with small local businesses as a contract sewer while I was in school. After graduating, I continued this work and expanded to working as a pattern-maker and natural dyer as well for other small businesses. That work allowed me to freely explore and develop my skills and knowledge in the garden, with natural dyeing and with sewing and I am forever grateful I had the opportunity. Some of this work I continue today!
In 2023, I launched The Dandelion Dyer and began offering my own handmade, naturally dyed pieces on Etsy and at local markets. In 2024, I taught my first workshop, sharing the plants from my garden with others. My goal with The Dandelion Dyer from the beginning was to inspire and encourage hand-making and natural dyeing. Teaching workshops is without a doubt the best way to do this and the most rewarding, I can’t wait to continue!
The Dandelion Dyer isn’t all I spend my time on though! 2 days a week I work at a non-profit deadstock fabric store in Vancouver, Our Social Fabric. I love being part of the community there, working alongside like-minded creative people and being part of a good cause!
In 2025, I have big plans of expanding my garden, teaching more workshops and continuing with my Etsy shop, occasionally vending at local markets.