Welcome to Kaliko Journal
how this publication works
My name is Ania and I'm the person behind Kaliko—a natural-dye studio based in Berlin.
In November 2017 I decided to quit my day job as an architect and pursue my own business. I am a self-taught weaver and natural dyer, with a special love for sustainable and minimalistic living.
Kaliko Journal is where I share my natural-dyeing knowledge (Plant Dyeing section), and talk about running a business while trying to honor my creativity (Studio Practice section). All posts are free of charge.
I'm glad you decided to join me on this journey. It means a lot to have you on board. Thank you!
Ania xx
Calico (in Polish "Kaliko") is a plain-woven textile made from unbleached and often not fully processed cotton. It was made by traditional weavers, then dyed and printed in bright hues.
Kaliko is a line of botanical textiles for the body and home
I use (mostly) local plants to dye organic fibers in my Berlin-based studio. All my pieces are handmade and unique, each one slightly different from the others, yet all equally beautiful.
My goal is to make nature-friendly products that respect the planet and its people.
I also weave, both on a frame loom and on a big vintage floor loom.
To learn more about my process, click here. To see my art, click here.
I wrote and illustrated this ebook to help you make sense of plant dyeing in an easy way. It covers all the basic info about mordanting natural fibers and dyeing with plants. It's a short and sweet summary of all the process steps, two basic mordanting recipes, and useful extraction tips. It will be great for absolute beginners who want a compact look into the world of plant dyeing.
Find Pocket Guide to Natural Dyeing here
This comprehensive ebook covers all the basic info about mordanting natural fibers for the plant dyeing process. I share my take on metal mordants, the way I approach it in my personal practice, and in my dye studio business, as well as the recipes I use and recommend. I also included a chapter about alternatives to metal salts, like soy milk and tannins, and useful tips for making patterns with mordants.
Find Mordants for Natural Dyes here
My Domestika course is now available.
In this course, you will learn to dye different materials using a diverse range of plants, techniques, and designs. Harness nature's potential and extract unique dyes from plants to then apply them to your fabrics. Get ready to work more sustainably and in harmony with the environment.
In May 2018 I moved my business outside of my kitchen and living room.
I now work from my studio in Berlin-Wedding.
I share the space with my twin sister: Basia of Monti Pots. Here we work, showcase our products and offer workshops. Visit us if you can!
Exerzierstraße 8
13357 Berlin
Visits by appointment
Learn more at https://www.kaliko.co/pages/about
If you want to support me on my journey to a sustainable business, have a look at my shop. I also offer my products on a wholesale basis.
And what is your story? I would love to get a message from you and connect. If you feel like sharing your thoughts with me, leave a comment. The best part of having a small business is getting to know the person on the other side of the screen.
I can't wait to hear from you, xx