Artisan, Maker, Creative
Shaela Hill
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.
A bit about me
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design and Technology in 2021 from The Wilson School of Design. Through my four years 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.
For the last 5 years, I’ve been working with small local businesses as a contract sewer, pattern-maker and natural dyer. On top of that work, since graduating in 2021, I’ve been working in the garden with native and dye plants, quilting and sewing for myself and my loved ones. These projects can been found through my portfolio and blog.
In 2023, I launched The Dandelion Dyer and began offering my own handmade, naturally dyed pieces on Etsy. My goal with The Dandelion Dyer is to inspire and encourage hand-making and natural dyeing, I have so much to share!