The COSMAKI overdyeing service with local plant dyes
When white T-shirts turn yellow, light-colored blouses get small stains, or cream-colored dresses simply lose their shine—what then? Throw them away? Not with our new overdyeing service for Spring and Summer 2025.
From waste to vibrant color: Our circular principle
The story doesn't begin in our studio, but in the kitchens of Cologne restaurants. While avocados are being processed for guacamole, onions are being peeled for delicious burgers, and tea is being brewed for guests, "waste" is created: avocado pits, red onion skins, and tea residues that would normally end up in the trash.
This is precisely where our circular economy comes in. In collaboration with local partners such as the restaurant " Los Carnales " and " Die Fette Kuh ," we collect this supposed waste and transform it into valuable natural dyes:
- Avocado seeds turn into a surprisingly delicate peach pink
- Red onion skins produce – hard to believe – a fresh olive green
- Black tea creates a soft, warm sandy tone
- The palette is complemented by gerbera acacia extract for a warm terracotta
What is waste to most people becomes vibrant pigment in our hands, which in turn breathes new life into textiles. A double cycle is created: We rescue food scraps and use them to transform garments that would otherwise be thrown away.
More than just dyeing: A transformation
Overdyeing is more than a simple color change—it's a complete transformation. Each piece is treated individually, carefully immersed in dye baths, and slowly transformed. The natural texture of the fabric is preserved and even emphasized.
Unlike industrial dyeing processes with synthetic dyes, plant-based dyes develop their own vibrant character. They react with the textile, adapt, and become more profound over time—just like good stories.
The result: The yellowed T-shirt becomes a characterful favorite in "Peach Blossom," the stained blouse shines in "Sun Earth," and the faded dress takes on a completely new identity in "Olive Grove" or "Sandy Beach."
Which textiles are suitable?
We achieve the best results with:
- Natural fibers such as cotton, linen and hemp
- Light or white base colors
- Garments without synthetic applications
What's particularly exciting is that small stains or slight discolorations usually disappear under the new color or are harmoniously integrated. Seams or decorations in contrasting colors can undergo surprising changes during dyeing—often with unexpectedly beautiful effects!
The process: It's that simple
- Selection: Select your light-colored clothes that need a change
- Order: Choose your desired color in our online shop
- Shipping: Send us your parts (shipping details will be provided after ordering)
- Transformation: We dye each piece individually by hand
- Return: After about 14 days you will receive your transformed favorite pieces back
Doing good together: The community effect
It's especially sustainable when friends or family order together: Order 5 or more items and you'll automatically receive a 15% discount. This way, you can conserve resources together – both in shipping and in the dye baths.
This community idea fits perfectly with the basic idea of our project: strengthening local cycles and contributing together to a more conscious use of resources.
A look behind the scenes: The dyeing process
The magic happens in our Cologne studio, where each piece goes through an individual process:
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Preparation of the dyes: The collected avocado seeds, onion skins, and tea leaves are processed and boiled in large pots to extract their color pigments.
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Dyeing the textiles: To improve absorption, the fabrics are pretreated – a crucial step for long-lasting, intense colors.
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The dyeing process: Depending on the desired intensity, the textiles remain in the dye baths for different lengths of time, are moved, turned and later slowly dried.
We work with care and respect at every step—both for the materials and the environment. We use no harmful chemicals and minimize water consumption.
Frequently asked questions about the overdyeing service
How wash-resistant are the colors?
Plant dyes have a different character than synthetic dyes. They develop over time, often even becoming more beautiful. To preserve them, we recommend gentle washing with natural detergent and avoiding direct sunlight when drying.
Why is pre-cleaning so important?
Even "clean" clothing can contain invisible residues from detergent, fabric softener, or body oils. These can interfere with the dyeing process and lead to uneven results. We therefore thoroughly clean each garment before dyeing – using natural, plant-based cleaning agents. This ensures the fabric can optimally absorb the plant-based dyes.
What is "mordant" and why is it so important for plant dyes?
Mordant is a traditional preparatory process that improves the bond between fiber and dye. Without this pretreatment, many plant dyes would adhere weakly or unevenly. During mordanting, we use natural minerals and plant extracts that create a bridge between the fiber and dye. We select specific mordants for each dye source and fiber type to achieve optimal results. This step is crucial for the color depth and washfastness of the finished textiles.
Will all textiles be exactly the same?
No – and that's the beauty! Each piece reacts individually with the dyes, depending on the material, its history, and its texture. This natural variation makes each piece unique.
Can I also send in patterned clothing?
In principle, yes, but keep in mind: The original colors and patterns will remain visible and will be overlaid by the new color. This can create interesting effects, but the original pattern won't disappear completely.
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Join in!
Do you own a local café or restaurant and want to donate your "waste" for our dyes? Do you have ideas for further collaborations or dyes? Or do you simply want to learn more about natural dyeing processes?
We welcome any form of collaboration and exchange. Together we can strengthen local cycles and contribute to a more conscious use of our resources.
Note: Our overdyeing service complements the popular indigo dyeing service, which is still available. With indigo, we also offer various patterning techniques, such as traditional shibori. You can find more information about this in our shop.