Creative Process

Once a scarf is dyed, Jane may use Shibori Clamping or Arashi Wrapping, techniques to create patterns on the fabric in second dye bath. Painting or silk screening also add graphic elements to her scarves. For mixed media scarves, embellishing with silk ribbons, antique laces, felting, or her handwoven fabrics create a collage of texture and pattern. Jane says that the collage process describes the many vectors of her life, her love the the arts, gardens, classical music and great design.

During the colder months, designing, spinning yarn, hand knitting, and sewing vintage silk kimono fabrics define her time. 

A celebration of color on gorgeous fabric is the hallmark of each Jane Porter scarf. Selecting silk, wool, cotton and linen for your comfort, each scarf is made one at a time. Jane works intuitively, creating, adding, subtracting elements as she goes along.

Dyeing fabric outside in her solar studio, Weld, Cochineal, Indigo, Osage, Madder Root, and Himalayan Rhubarb vats heat up slowly on slate. The fabrics simmer for days which allows the color to develop a rich, deep hue over time. Jane often mixes different natural dyes together to create unusual greens, purples, corals and pinks. The mystery of never knowing what will happen is what excites her.