Bertha C Smoot's hands holding a woven basket filled with freshly foraged leaves, berries, and flowers, emblematic of local DC flora like oak leaves, sumac berries, and goldenrod, set against a soft, sun-dappled woodland background.

A Textile Terroir.

Discover one-of-a-kind fabrics and accessories dyed with botanicals sustainably harvested from our own local landscape.

The Philosophy of Foraging

At BERTHA C SMOOT, our connection to the land runs deep. Our commitment to ethical and sustainable harvesting isn't just a practice; it’s a reverence. We meticulously forage for color from the vibrant Washington, DC area, whether it's fallen oak galls from Rock Creek Park or spent marigold blossoms from local community gardens.

We only take what is abundant, what has naturally fallen, or what is considered a beneficial harvesting of 'weeds.' This thoughtful approach ensures the health and biodiversity of our local ecosystems remain undisturbed. We are not just creating textiles; we are stewards of the land, weaving its story and its spirit into every piece of fabric.

A close-up shot of a hand gently collecting fallen leaves from the forest floor, demonstrating respectful and careful foraging practices.
Gathering with respect: only what is given by nature.

This Season's Palette: Autumn Golds

Embrace the rich, warm hues of a Washington D.C. autumn with our latest collection, brought to life by the city's seasonal bounty.

A vibrant swatch of wool textile dyed a brilliant yellow, next to a fresh sprig of goldenrod flower.

Goldenrod

From the cheerful late-summer blooms, we extract a brilliant, sunny yellow, perfect for adding a touch of sunshine to wool.

A swatch of rich, dark brown linen textile, accompanied by several green, unripe black walnut hulls.

Black Walnut

The fallen husks of local black walnuts yield a deep, earthen brown, imbuing linen with a robust, timeless elegance.

A soft tan silk scarf sample next to a small pile of dried, autumnal oak leaves.

Fallen Oak Leaves

Even the most humble autumn leaves contribute a subtle, soft tan, a gentle whisper of the forests on pure silk.

Shop Foraged Color Textiles

Each piece is a limited edition, a direct reflection of nature's artistry and our meticulous hand-dyeing process. Discover a truly unique treasure.

A set of four linen dinner napkins, individually hand-dyed with black walnut, displaying slight variations in a rich, earthy brown hue.

Black Walnut Dyed Linen Napkin Set

Limited Edition | Hand-dyed

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A soft, flowing silk scarf, dyed a sunny, golden yellow with goldenrod, draped elegantly.

Goldenrod Silk Scarf

Unique Piece | Plant-dyed

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A small, delicate silk pouch, dyed a light, gentle tan using fallen oak leaves, perfect for keepsakes.

Fallen Oak Leaf Dyed Silk Pouch

One-of-a-Kind | Earth tones

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A Piece of My City

"I live in DC, and knowing my scarf was dyed with plants from a park I walk in every day is just so special. It's more than an accessory; it's a connection."

Jessica L., Washington, DC

Learn to Dye with Foraged Color

Interested in learning how to find and use dye plants in your own backyard? We're cultivating a community of natural dye enthusiasts.

Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming workshops, foraging walks, and special events in the DC area.