About Hudson Highlands co.

Who I am...

Gail Cunningham O’Donnell - I am a natural dyer, weaver, quilter and novice knitter who has lived in the Hudson Valley since 2016. Originally from Philadelphia, I got my BFA in Fibers with a concentration in Book Arts from Oregon College of Art & Craft in Portland, Oregon. I spent a number of years working as a cut paper artist and showed in galleries both locally and internationally, but in recent years I have returned to my roots in fibers.

 

 

How it all began...

I was introduced to indigo dyeing in college and I fell in love with the process. It took about 15 years before indigo drew me back into natural dyeing. I explored, played, and took copious notes. I read, researched, experimented, failed, and was often surprised. When I began I didn’t realize just how scientific and mathematical the work would be. I also didn’t realize how interested I would eventually become in wool. I am forever learning wherever I can. I tour fiber mills at every opportunity, talk with sheep farmers, watch shearing videos, and do my best to soak up as much as I can about wool. I started because I was interested in color and the dye process, and now I daydream about expanding my dye garden and taking chemistry classes. I didn’t see any of that coming when I began my adventure into dyeing, but I was hooked, and the business was born.