This Offering was inspired by the Sabbath Litha or Summer Solstice. I'm using the Wheel of the Year as a jumping off point for each offering to honor and deepen our relationship with the seasonal cycles in the Northern hemisphere but also as a connector to a system that is more in tune with the cycles of nature. My Offerings are an attempt to honor all the beings involved in the creation of a garment by acknowledging the heart or energetics of those present rather than just their physical or medical properties. My aim is that through communing from a more heart centered place a more synergistic relationship might emerge. It is my hope that through these offering we will connect more deeply with Gaia together.
Through 20 years of working and listening to the plant fibers and natural dyes I partner with to create garments I've become hyper aware of the systemic disconnect in modern society from the heart or spirit of Gaia, including the people involved with the making of a garment. This separation has become more prevalent around the globe as a result of a reductionist approach to the world around us, a belief that humans are separate and above nature, and a need to commodify nature (including humans) in a desperate attempt to survive social systems that have become increasingly disconnected.
Even writing about it is challenging for me because there are so few words in my English language that enlivens the heart and spirit of Gaia, which reinforces and perpetuates this same disconnect or algorithmization of Earth. These offerings are an exercise to help me recognize and then shift the spells of separation my own language locks me into.
I think of this as more of an open ever evolving exploration rather than a microphone drop idea where I have all the answers. It's a tiny start to try and heal the crisis of relationship I have with Gaia through challenging myself to be a better listener.
The Garment Design: The garment design for this offering is the Heart Origami Kaftan.
Physical: A modern and sweet design, that gathers at the center. The Origami Silhouette is a relaxed cut with pockets incorporated into front panel detailing, making this design highly functional yet sophisticated in its unique accent and cut.
Metaphysical - I've Chosen the Heart Style to keep our energy focused at the heart chakra while we listen and receive the unique message of the alchemy of this offering. The Kaftans open and flowy fit brings an energy of fluidity and space for this more evolutionary idea.
The Land
The land on which I currently live and make these offerings is Catawba Indigenous Lands.
Mugwort
Mugwort is the shaman of the plant world, a guide for both plants and animals to understand their own magic, their medicine, their souls. For Me Mugwort is a guide as I make each offering and it reminds me that all beings have a life energy, a “body” of sensitivity and feelings, and a spiritual essence or Self. Mugwort is also a guide for the other beings present to help them navigate their unique gifts to all called to participate in this offering.
Smokey Quartz
The quartz crystal holds and shares ancient earth information. They are here to aid in amplifying the history and voices of each being present. Quartz radiates at a very slow, powerful, and deeply grounded vibration. Put simply, they are our oldest earth ancestors and therefore embody very old magic that brings depth and balance to the offering. Smokey Quartz gently dissolves negative thought patterns, anger, and resentment.
Selenite
Selenite helps us to be both flexible in our nature but resolute in our decisions.
Organic Cotton
The energetics that come through when working with cotton as a fabric are I’m soft, open, and supportive while also having healthy boundaries. It’s a wonderful fabric to wear when the day calls for an empath shield or remaining in a state of comfort despite a challenging environment.
Hemp
There are so many things that I could say about the energetic and medicinal qualities of hemp but in an effort to keep it short and sweet I will touch on the ones that are most relevant when worn against the skin. Hemp has anti-viral and anti-fungal properties as a fiber, is strong and durable, and has a slight texture that exfoliates and stimulates the skin. It’s vibration is very calming, reducing stress, anxiety, and lowering cortisol and inflammation. It reminds us there is strength in mutability.
Cochineal
A deep thank you to the scale insect Cochineal for joining this Ritual. She is a parasitic insect that survives off the Prickly Pear Cactus moisture. So both the Spirit of Cochineal and Prickly Pear are present in this Ceremony. COCHINEAL – The body of Cochineal has been used by the Mayan and Aztecs for centuries to create a natural red dye only possible with her particular grace. Her presence reminds us of the unique divinity and potency of the female energy in all her forms and what it means to compose new life. PRICKLY PEAR – embodies what it means to share our own nectar to provide others with life while still maintaining proper boundaries as not to deplete our vital essence. They remind us that there is always a give and take in relationships but a balance can be found.
Flower Essence of Orchid
Orchid is here to assist us in moving past doubt and connect us to our Yoni Shakti Womb Power. We have entered into a time of great change and with it great power will rise to be in service of each individual. Orchid helps us to each find and cultivate our unique magic and share our divinity in the most effective way.
Flower Essence of Violet
Violet helps us to stay true to ourselves and deepen our connection to our deepest desires. Violet assist us in becoming better listeners both to ourselves and others. Violet opens space for self reflections and the strength to end relationships that no longer serve us. Violet assist us in times of transition when patience and trust are needed.
Flower Essence of Rhododendron
I have added One Willow Apothecaries Rhododendron Flower essence to the water of the dyeing process to help me locate and unfold my inner strength and ultimate heart, revealing myself as fertile, capable, and grounded in a place of self-sustainability that ultimately incites the growth of those around me.
YIN
Reishi, He Shou Wu, Pearl, Tocos, Ashwagandha, Pine Pollen, Artagulus
This is a tonic created by Sun Potion crafted to nourish feminine energy and harmonize the whole system. It balances Immunity, Creative Energy, Hormonal Balance, Mental Clarity, Stress Relief, Cellular Regeneration, Radiance, Healthy Circulation, Emotional Equilibrium, and Libido
Madder
Madder reminds us to be patient and grounded. It takes Madder Root 3 years to reach maturity and it waits and grows patiently through the seasons. Their roots are visually similar to our nervous system offering us comfort in waiting.
Indigo
Indigo, Madder Root, Yeast, Soda Ash, Water
I have added Indigo to this Offering because it is profoundly calming to the nervous system and it promotes physical and mental Rest. The color created with Vat Indigo balances the heart, stimulates the lungs, Liver, thymus, and lymph system. Indigo offers the energy of transformation and resolution.
Tannin (Oak Galls)
We use oak galls to pre-mordant our fabric. It is lovely for opening up plant fibers to help them receive the dye more easily. For this reason it is also energetically helping us be more receptive to the medicine of all present during this offering and softening our heart.
Cutch
Is a healer and has long been used in Ayurveda for skin problems, to lesson inflammation, and to help with obesity. Its Astringent Spirit is here to help all the Spirits present in this offering to find their balance.
Pomegranate
They are present in this Offering to help lesson the impact of stress in or bodies and for their rich anti-inflammatory compounds. Pomegranates are extremely healthy for those suffering from immune-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteroarthrits. They are also rich in vitamin C, which boosts antibody production and helps in the development of immunity. Pomegranate offers the energy of balance and protection.
Alum
Alum is another mordant used to help the natural plant dyes bond with the plant fibers. Alum offers the energy of connection and vibrates a feeling of preservation and assistance.
The Elements
Water, Fire, Either, Air, and Earth
I would just like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank the 5 elements and their crucial roll in making not only this offering, but life as we know it possible.
This Offering was inspired by the Sabbath Litha or Summer Solstice. I'm using the Wheel of the Year as a jumping off point for each offering to honor and deepen our relationship with the seasonal cycles in the Northern hemisphere but also as a connector to a system that is more in tune with the cycles of nature. My Offerings are an attempt to honor all the beings involved in the creation of a garment by acknowledging the heart or energetics of those present rather than just their physical or medical properties. My aim is that through communing from a more heart centered place a more synergistic relationship might emerge. It is my hope that through these offering we will connect more deeply with Gaia together.
Through 20 years of working and listening to the plant fibers and natural dyes I partner with to create garments I've become hyper aware of the systemic disconnect in modern society from the heart or spirit of Gaia, including the people involved with the making of a garment. This separation has become more prevalent around the globe as a result of a reductionist approach to the world around us, a belief that humans are separate and above nature, and a need to commodify nature (including humans) in a desperate attempt to survive social systems that have become increasingly disconnected.
Even writing about it is challenging for me because there are so few words in my English language that enlivens the heart and spirit of Gaia, which reinforces and perpetuates this same disconnect or algorithmization of Earth. These offerings are an exercise to help me recognize and then shift the spells of separation my own language locks me into.
I think of this as more of an open ever evolving exploration rather than a microphone drop idea where I have all the answers. It's a tiny start to try and heal the crisis of relationship I have with Gaia through challenging myself to be a better listener.
The Garment Design: The garment design for this offering is the Heart Origami Kaftan.
Physical: A modern and sweet design, that gathers at the center. The Origami Silhouette is a relaxed cut with pockets incorporated into front panel detailing, making this design highly functional yet sophisticated in its unique accent and cut.
Metaphysical - I've Chosen the Heart Style to keep our energy focused at the heart chakra while we listen and receive the unique message of the alchemy of this offering. The Kaftans open and flowy fit brings an energy of fluidity and space for this more evolutionary idea.
The Land
The land on which I currently live and make these offerings is Catawba Indigenous Lands.
Mugwort
Mugwort is the shaman of the plant world, a guide for both plants and animals to understand their own magic, their medicine, their souls. For Me Mugwort is a guide as I make each offering and it reminds me that all beings have a life energy, a “body” of sensitivity and feelings, and a spiritual essence or Self. Mugwort is also a guide for the other beings present to help them navigate their unique gifts to all called to participate in this offering.
Smokey Quartz
The quartz crystal holds and shares ancient earth information. They are here to aid in amplifying the history and voices of each being present. Quartz radiates at a very slow, powerful, and deeply grounded vibration. Put simply, they are our oldest earth ancestors and therefore embody very old magic that brings depth and balance to the offering. Smokey Quartz gently dissolves negative thought patterns, anger, and resentment.
Selenite
Selenite helps us to be both flexible in our nature but resolute in our decisions.
Organic Cotton
The energetics that come through when working with cotton as a fabric are I’m soft, open, and supportive while also having healthy boundaries. It’s a wonderful fabric to wear when the day calls for an empath shield or remaining in a state of comfort despite a challenging environment.
Hemp
There are so many things that I could say about the energetic and medicinal qualities of hemp but in an effort to keep it short and sweet I will touch on the ones that are most relevant when worn against the skin. Hemp has anti-viral and anti-fungal properties as a fiber, is strong and durable, and has a slight texture that exfoliates and stimulates the skin. It’s vibration is very calming, reducing stress, anxiety, and lowering cortisol and inflammation. It reminds us there is strength in mutability.
Cochineal
A deep thank you to the scale insect Cochineal for joining this Ritual. She is a parasitic insect that survives off the Prickly Pear Cactus moisture. So both the Spirit of Cochineal and Prickly Pear are present in this Ceremony. COCHINEAL – The body of Cochineal has been used by the Mayan and Aztecs for centuries to create a natural red dye only possible with her particular grace. Her presence reminds us of the unique divinity and potency of the female energy in all her forms and what it means to compose new life. PRICKLY PEAR – embodies what it means to share our own nectar to provide others with life while still maintaining proper boundaries as not to deplete our vital essence. They remind us that there is always a give and take in relationships but a balance can be found.
Flower Essence of Orchid
Orchid is here to assist us in moving past doubt and connect us to our Yoni Shakti Womb Power. We have entered into a time of great change and with it great power will rise to be in service of each individual. Orchid helps us to each find and cultivate our unique magic and share our divinity in the most effective way.
Flower Essence of Violet
Violet helps us to stay true to ourselves and deepen our connection to our deepest desires. Violet assist us in becoming better listeners both to ourselves and others. Violet opens space for self reflections and the strength to end relationships that no longer serve us. Violet assist us in times of transition when patience and trust are needed.
Flower Essence of Rhododendron
I have added One Willow Apothecaries Rhododendron Flower essence to the water of the dyeing process to help me locate and unfold my inner strength and ultimate heart, revealing myself as fertile, capable, and grounded in a place of self-sustainability that ultimately incites the growth of those around me.
YIN
Reishi, He Shou Wu, Pearl, Tocos, Ashwagandha, Pine Pollen, Artagulus
This is a tonic created by Sun Potion crafted to nourish feminine energy and harmonize the whole system. It balances Immunity, Creative Energy, Hormonal Balance, Mental Clarity, Stress Relief, Cellular Regeneration, Radiance, Healthy Circulation, Emotional Equilibrium, and Libido
Madder
Madder reminds us to be patient and grounded. It takes Madder Root 3 years to reach maturity and it waits and grows patiently through the seasons. Their roots are visually similar to our nervous system offering us comfort in waiting.
Indigo
Indigo, Madder Root, Yeast, Soda Ash, Water
I have added Indigo to this Offering because it is profoundly calming to the nervous system and it promotes physical and mental Rest. The color created with Vat Indigo balances the heart, stimulates the lungs, Liver, thymus, and lymph system. Indigo offers the energy of transformation and resolution.
Tannin (Oak Galls)
We use oak galls to pre-mordant our fabric. It is lovely for opening up plant fibers to help them receive the dye more easily. For this reason it is also energetically helping us be more receptive to the medicine of all present during this offering and softening our heart.
Cutch
Is a healer and has long been used in Ayurveda for skin problems, to lesson inflammation, and to help with obesity. Its Astringent Spirit is here to help all the Spirits present in this offering to find their balance.
Pomegranate
They are present in this Offering to help lesson the impact of stress in or bodies and for their rich anti-inflammatory compounds. Pomegranates are extremely healthy for those suffering from immune-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteroarthrits. They are also rich in vitamin C, which boosts antibody production and helps in the development of immunity. Pomegranate offers the energy of balance and protection.
Alum
Alum is another mordant used to help the natural plant dyes bond with the plant fibers. Alum offers the energy of connection and vibrates a feeling of preservation and assistance.
The Elements
Water, Fire, Either, Air, and Earth
I would just like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank the 5 elements and their crucial roll in making not only this offering, but life as we know it possible.
Meet the Makers
Each garment is made-to-order and ships in 3-4 weeks! We hand cut, sew, and dye all garments at our studio in Greensboro North Carolina based on your unique choices. We are a small team of artisans who are paid premium wages and work in a beautiful and peaceful studio space. Your purchase with us is a commitment to support transparency, sustainability, and a healthy work environment for the artist that make your clothing!!
Andrea
Founder + Designer + Seamstress + Dyer
Andrea
Founder + Designer + Seamstress + Dyer
kate
Seamstress + Dyer + Shipping
kate
Seamstress + Dyer + Shipping
Cynthia
Cutter and Seamstress
Cynthia
Cutter and Seamstress
nancy
Seamstress
nancy
Seamstress
Tram
Seamstress
Tram
Seamstress
bridget
Cutter and Seamstress
bridget
Cutter and Seamstress
Good Things Take Time
Our garments are carefully made to order for you, ensuring we utilize our organic fabrics in the most responsible way.