In the summer of 2019, we started growing Japanese indigo in the parking lot at Westtown Center. The following year, we added marigolds, madder and Hopi Black Sunflower. The following year, we added Red Foliated Cotton, Weld, Broomcorn and a few others. The following year, we added Flax and Mississippi Brown Cotton. Each year we’ve built more raised beds in the parking lot and learned who wants to grow where, and how.

Some of our harvest is getting processed and used for dye projects. Some of it is just for fun. Some of it is waiting for the right moment to turn into something. Most of it is harvested for seed and distributed to friends near and far to start their own fiber and dye gardens.

Mother nature is generous and abundant— it is in this spirit that we open our seed library to anyone interested in trying their hand at raising these plants. If you would like to request some seeds from our seed library, please send a S.A.S.E. (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) along with a list of your requested seeds to:

The Weaving Mill, 1801 North Spaulding Ave, Chicago IL 60647

Seeds generally available:

Natural dyes: Japanese Indigo / Madder root / Weld / Coreopsis / Golden Marguerite / Hopi Black Sunflower / Misc Marigolds
Fibers etc: Red Foliated Cotton / Mississippi Brown Cotton / Flax / Hungarian Black Broomcorn
Just plain fun: Celosia / Love-in-a-Puff / Surprise-me-Beans

Payment not required but donations are gratefully accepted.