
Growing \
Textiles NZ
From Soil to Textile: Growing a Local Fibre Future
Organic plant textiles and dyes for NZ makers
"[My] plants are more than just materials—they hold their own presence and story."
I'm Gina, a grower and maker working to restore a soil-to-soil textile system by cultivating linen flax, indigo, and other dye plants on certified organic land in Canterbury, NZ. My goal is to rebuild a local fibre production system using organic and regenerative principles, creating materials that support artists, designers, and makers.
These plants are more than just materials—they hold their own presence and story. I offer them to makers in many forms, from raw fibre to dye pigments, allowing them to continue their journey through the hands of artists and craftspeople.
I am currently exploring mechanised processing at a sustainable scale, ensuring that both the integrity of the plants is upheld and the craft of fibre-making is shared. Every piece of material that is not used will be composted and returned to the soil—completing the cycle.
Your support helps fund this vision, enabling the growth of a sustainable, small-scale textile system in Aotearoa.
Order Now \
Support our mahi & enhance your craft with our range of plant dyes, flower heads and range of seeds to grow your own!
AllSeedDyeFabricMade itemsArtFibreFlowersKitsSupport our efforts \
This project is self-funded so any purchase or donation you provide helps keep us going.
A small monthly donation of just $10 goes a long way!
The Project \
Discover what it takes to create a soil-to-soil textile system in New Zealand
Key Reads \
Read more in-depth about this project on the blog. From seasonal updates to processing of the produce, I try to share as much as I can with you! If there's anything specific you'd like me to write about, feel free to send me a message :)
March 1, 2025 · Project,FarmingRead more...It feels too soon to be writing this but, here we are! The poplars are raining their yellow leaves, mornings are full of dew and the quice is almost ready for harvest. In the hopes of creating a new routine, here's the first seasonal update since this project was started in 2023! It has been...May 24, 2025 · Project,Get InvolvedRead more...Please join us in celebrtaing a coming together of amazing artists and myself, a farmer of natural resources, as we open our exhibiotion, The Soil Addresses Us As One. Tuesday 27th May 2025 at 6pm at Te Ara Ātea, Rolleston. Initiated & hosted by curater, Erin Lee of Te Ara Ātea in Rolleston, to...July 10, 2024 · Project,Growing,IndigoRead more...Hi! I'm Gina, an organic fibre and dye farmer - Welcome to my blog! I'm excited to share my journey of growing Japanese indigo (Persicaria tinctoria) over the 2023/24 season in Lincoln, Canterbury. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, cultivating this beautiful dye plant at...Support our efforts /
We're working on developing the processing machinery needed for the next stage in this project.
If you would like to support our efforts, please consider donating. Our bank details are:
Gina Russell
38-9002-0605389-03
Thank you for your generous support.
© Growing Textiles NZ 2024