About the farmer

We love working with indigo and since three years back we also cultivate indigo in a large scale at Capellagården, Öland in south Sweden. We mostly use it in our own textile practice and for educational purpose. We dye with plant indigo exclusively and pure natural vats.

We can offer organic indigo pigment, grown in a farm at the foothills of Himalaya, India. Purchase by sending a Mail to; info@boomcraftstudio.se  From 2022 you will also be able to purchase pigments from our web site; www.boomcraftstudio.se

We collaborate directly with farmer Kiran Sandhu. The indigo cultivation has a long history in her family. Both the cultivation, harvest and extraction of indigo takes place at the farm. And by purchasing indigo pigment directly from Kiran, we also support a sustainable chain that gives works opportunities in rural areas as well as supporting small scale business and collaboration without any intermediaries.

About Indigofera Tinctoria

The leaves are placed in pairs along the branches and these are harvested several times a year before the plant blooms. New cultivation is important after a couple of years when the color weakens. The plant thrives in hot and humid climates with many sun hours, but there are also varieties of indigo that can be grown in temperate zones. Harvesting and extracting the indigo from the leaves is a time- and labor-intensive process. Harvest can be done two or three times a year depending on climate.

Pls. see short film from Uttrakand where Kinny is explaining the extracting process; www.youtube.com

Courtesy for film and pictures of harvest below @kinnysandhu and @love_mandal

NATURAL INDIGO VAT – With the 1 2 3 method

There are several different methods for setting an indigo vat. As well as many ways to extract the indigo pigment from the leaves. For my workshops I work with a reduced indigo vats, with the 1-2-3 method that I have learnt from Indigo Master Aboubakar Fofana. With 1 part indigo, 2 parts slaked lime (clean) and 3 parts fructose. I always prepare the vat 24 hours before using but I prefer if the vat can rest for even 48 hours before start dyeing. The start temperature should always be around 30-32 °c.

An indigo vat shall be alkaline. The pH should be 10-11 for a healthy active vat. The indigo rose also tells you a lot about the conditions of the vat. By looking at the texture and colour of the rose you will find out if your vat is active and healthy. When you start the vat the rose should to be purple blue and metallic. The foam should also be thick and stick together. The surface of the vat should also be covered with a thin metallic surface. 

When you participate in on of my workshops you will learn about the history of indigo and all the steps included in this method. You will also be able to purchase organic indigo or a starter kit for a 20 Liter vat