Q & A with Lisa from DippyDyes
With some outside help**, I’m getting things rolling (again) here on the DippyDyes blog! I thought I’d share some insights into my love for dyeing, my process, and me in general. Whether you love hoarding fabric, sewing, dyeing fabric, or all the above, I hope you’ll take a minute to get to know a little about me and what I love to do!
When did you begin your journey with dyeing fabric?
It was either the tie-dyeing kit my sister brought home with her in the 60s or the PBS Fons and Porter “Love of Quilting” episode where they showed how to dye a rainbow, but I fell in love with fabric dyeing decades ago! I didn’t start dyeing fabric with a specific project in mind, I just loved the process! Over time I have tried out many different crafts and few bring me as much joy and fulfillment as dyeing fabric. What crafts or hobbies have you tried, and what is your favorite? Please leave a comment below!
What was your career prior to dyeing fabric?
In college, I was an art major. Upon graduation, real life hit, and I worked in customer service. Later jobs included working for distributors of electronics and bus parts, for a museum, and for a private financial company. Getting laid off with the turn of the economy in 2007 gave me time to kick-start my business dyeing fabric. After taking two dyeing classes in 2008 I was able to really hit the ground running and have not looked back.
Who inspires you?
I have taken many classes with and am deeply inspired by Carol Soderlund, a fabric artist and master teacher. I am also inspired by art quilters such as Nancy Crow and Susan Lapham. My customer base also reflects this inspiration because I tend to sell more fabric to artists and art quilters. Some of them need fabrics that are available in many different values of one hue, and some want that odd thing that’s not available anywhere else!
What makes your business unique?
Not only do I have 26 years of fabric dyeing experience, but I have the best business name, DippyDyes! And DippyDyes is now trademarked!!!! I also have sewn and quilted which helps me know what quilters, specifically art quilters, are looking for in quality dyed fabric.
What is new with your business?
I am currently working on my solids subscription box program. I have been dyeing fabric in a single color 20 yards at a time and am excited to get it out into the world. My subscribers are the best! And in development is the DippyDyers’ Box Program – a monthly goody and lesson program that will give you everything* you need to dye your own fabric.
*Water not included.
Interested in learning more about my subscription boxes? Are you needing specific dyed fabrics? Be sure to click on Store in the menu above to see what I have available or feel free to contact me! And don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter! I would love to hear from you.
**Thanks to Mary Morningstar Johnson who interviewed me and wrote this post! Now I think I have seen enough pictures of myself to last the rest of the year!