On Tuesday (17 feb 09) we visited an Las Azulinas, an Indigo factory in Santa Ana, El Salvador. The dye comes from pressing the leaves of the Añil (or Xiquilitl) tree. The white cotton is prepared by twisting and banding the fabric or garnment with thread (similar to tye-dye) prior to dipping it. The first dip, lasting about on minute, turns the fabric a shade of green. Then after the dye oxydizes, it turns a shade of blue. After twelve dips with three minute pauses in between, the garnment is finished. The gloves shown here are used to keep one´s skin clean during the process.
Naomi
