A few years ago I was working on our latest fixer-upper project which was a small waterfront cabin only a short ferry ride away from Seattle. Transforming a dilapidated waterfront cabin on Vashon Island was no small feat, but the allure of its breathtaking view made it an irresistible challenge. Acquired in foreclosure, the neglected property had become a haven for moisture and local critters. The rehabilitation process demanded an exhaustive overhaul—drywall, floors, doors, windows—every surface had to go. Wiring and plumbing needed to be redone, alongside a laundry list of other repairs. Yet, amidst the laborious restoration, there came a moment of inspiration. As the upstairs took shape, I gazed out at the brooding Seattle sky and the deep indigo waters, and it hit me—this home would reflect the natural beauty outside. Thus, the serene shades of indigo began to weave their way into the interior design, capturing the essence of the Pacific Northwest within.

Delving into the origins of indigo revealed a captivating tale. This ancient dye boasts a storied history, and its transformation process is nothing short of fascinating. Unlike most dyes, indigo begins as a vibrant blue, morphs into yellow, then green, before finally oxidizing on the fabric to achieve the iconic deep blue we know and love. For the aficionados, the scientific name of the indigo plant is Indigofera tinctoria—a true gem in the world of natural dyes.

The benefits of cultivating indigo extend beyond its captivating hues; it’s good for both soil and farmer alike. Versatile enough to be grown alongside staples like wheat and corn, indigo’s nitrogen-rich properties rejuvenate the soil, enhancing the yield of food crops. With over 275 plant varieties capable of producing indigo, this dye has naturalized across diverse climates worldwide. No matter the plant, the ancient method of converting leaves into dye remains unchanged. By composting the leaves in alkaline water, the indigo pigment is coaxed out over 12-18 hours, turning the water a deep blue. This blue liquid is then aerated through vigorous beating, causing the dye to settle. The water is drained, leaving behind a bright blue sludge, which is dried and sold in chunks, preserving this age-old craft.

Crafting your own indigo dye is not easy, but thankfully, pioneers like Michele Wipplinger have paved the way. As the visionary founder of Seattle-based Earthues, Michele dedicated her life to demystifying the art of natural dyeing. Though she passed away in 2020, her legacy lives on through her husband Andro and their youngest son Misha, who continue to helm the company. Their spectrum of sophisticated colors is nothing short of extraordinary. You can find Indigo dyeing kits along with many other beautiful natural dyes on their website. https://earthues.com/collections/natural-dyes

Indigo is often synonymous with deep blue, but it also has a captivating array of hues, including the delicate blue-greens seen in this antique dress from Uzbekistan.  

The depth in color is dependent on the concentration of dye in the bath, and how many dips are made into the dye bath with oxidation occurring between each dip. Starting as a light green it then deepens into the deep azure blue that we typically think of as indigo.

The journey of breathing new life into the once-abandoned cabin wasn’t just a feat of construction; it became an odyssey of discovery. My deep dive into the history and science of indigo dye unraveled layers of knowledge I had never anticipated. From the vibrant blues to the subtle blue-greens, the myriad shades of indigo found their way into the heart of our home.

Every room now tells a story of the natural beauty that surrounds us—the walls echo the hues of the Seattle sky, the textiles mirror the serene waters, and even the smallest details carry the essence of indigo’s rich history. This transformation not only revived the cabin but also infused it with a unique charm that celebrates both the past and the present. Indigo, in all its glory, has become the thread that weaves our remodeled cabin into a harmonious tapestry of nature and design.

Images courtesy growingindigo.blogspot.com, national geographic, kahina-givingbeauty.com, naturalmedicinesofnc.com, greenmattersnaturaldyecompany.com