Color in its Purest Form.
Handcrafted Sustainable Textiles.

Discover the soul of slow textiles with our unique collection of plant-dyed fabrics, scarves, and silks, all colored with the earth's own palette in Washington, DC.

Rooted in Craft and Sustainability

100% Plant-Based Dyes

Colors derived purely from nature's bounty.

Locally Foraged Colors

Inspired by the rich flora of the DC area.

Decades of Artisanal Experience

Mastery passed through generations of textile arts.

Slow Textile Principles

Thoughtful creation, minimal environmental impact.

Our Artisanal Offerings

Close-up of naturally dyed fabric with subtle textures in muted earth tones.
Natural Dye Fabric

Natural Dye Fabric

Richly colored, sustainable fabrics for your unique projects, perfect for apparel, quilting, and home décor.

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Indigo shibori fabric with intricate geometric patterns created through tie-dye techniques.
Indigo Shibori

Indigo Shibori

Experience the timeless magic of Japanese resist-dyeing, producing stunning patterns in various shades of blue.

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A collection of soft, plant-dyed silk scarves draped artfully, showcasing a spectrum of botanical colors.
Plant Dyed Scarves

Plant Dyed Scarves

Wearable art, each piece completely unique. Our scarves tell a story of origin, color, and sustainable luxury.

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Hands carefully placing botanicals onto fabric for an eco-dyeing process, with steam rising gently.
Eco Dyeing Services

Eco Dyeing Services

Collaborate with us to bring your sustainable textile vision to life through custom, earth-friendly dyeing.

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The Art of Slow Textiles

1

Forage & Select

We sustainably gather botanicals like flowers, bark, and roots from local, ethical sources.

2

Prepare & Mordant

Natural fibers are meticulously prepared to receive and permanently hold the rich, earth-borne colors.

3

Extract & Dye

Colors are gently extracted in warm baths, where textiles are lovingly submerged to absorb the dye.

4

Finish & Cure

Each piece is carefully washed, dried, and finished, revealing its final, unique, and vibrant character.

Bertha C. Smoot in her sunlit workshop, surrounded by natural dyes and textile samples, with a warm, expert smile.
Bertha C. Smoot, Artisan

Meet the Artisan

From a lifelong passion for botany and textiles, BERTHA C SMOOT was born. Based in the heart of Washington, DC, I am dedicated to reviving the ancient art of natural dyeing, bringing nature's own palette to contemporary textiles.

My work at BERTHA C SMOOT is a celebration of the ephemeral beauty of the natural world, captured on sustainable fabric. Each fiber, every swatch, and every finished piece tells a unique story, honoring both tradition and innovation in eco-friendly craftsmanship.

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Bring a Piece of Nature Home

Whether you're looking for a unique wearable piece, sustainable fabric for a special project, or custom dyeing services, let's create something beautiful and meaningful together.

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