004. Only Through Shadows
An inspiring story of starting over and finding true direction.
What began as an experiment with leftover food skins has blossomed into a unique sustainable business venture for Verity de Yong, the Founder of Ved Cooks.
Here’s a peek into Verity’s world.
When I noticed how much food waste I was generating from every recipe at home, I started to experiment with the leftover skins and translated these into natural dyes for fabric.
The table linens and accessories are made of the finest 100% Irish linen from a mill based in the UK that is run solely by 100% renewable electricity and is ISO 14001 certified.
The handcrafted linens are organically pre-soaked, hand dyed, cut, frayed and made into items to wear and for the home. Each item made is eco-friendly, unique and dyed in small batches on top of the small kitchen stove. The linens follow the seasons and new colours are created as new foods come into fruition.
I focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly methods to create vibrant and lasting colours. My work involves experimenting with a variety of natural materials to discover the best techniques for dye extraction.
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I am a one woman band! I make all the natural dyes, prep the fabric, sew and create the products. The packaging is all made in the UK too, being true to the sustainable brand messaging.
I work from home and one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is my natural dyeing outdoor kitchen lean-to.
Constructed using reclaimed doors and other sustainable materials, this space is not only a workspace, but reflects my commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Surrounding the kitchen, I grow dye plants as well as vegetables and fruits that are integral to my dyeing process. This allows me to maintain a sustainable cycle, where the resources I use are continuously replenished.
One of the most tranquil parts of my routine involves venturing into the local fields and wood to explore, forage and harvest.
Being surrounded by nature, listening to the birds and hearing the flow of water brings a deep sense of relaxation and peace.
The beauty of the countryside inspires my work, filling me with creativity and calm.
Natural dyeing is the process of using natural materials, such as plants, fruits and vegetables to colour fabrics and fibres.
Unlike synthetic dyes, natural dyes are eco-friendly and often non-toxic making them a sustainable choice for both the environment and our health.
My products stand out in the market for their unique combination of sustainability, craftmanship and individuality. Each item is hand-dyed and handmade, ensuring no two pieces are exactly alike.
The uniqueness makes every product extra special for customers, offering them a one of the kind piece highlighting the beauty of nature.
My mission is to promote sustainability and creativity through handcrafted dyes.
As a sustainable brand committed to reducing food waste and promoting eco-friendly practices, I am are eager to partner with local restaurants, delis and food wholesales by using their surplus fruit and vegetable waste.
Natural dyeing is a slow process, but there is so much wastage when it comes to food and plants.
I want to continue to expand the range and become even more sustainable with the brand as well as my day to day life.
I am excited to explore and create new dyes and see what I can create!
An inspiring story of starting over and finding true direction.
A story of two friends with a shared vision for creating safe cleaning products.
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