Journal

As we mentioned in the post about La Cabaña, most of the natural dyes used at ÁBBATTE are plant-based, and some even come directly from our dye garden.   In the case of indigo, this dye is extracted from various plants, all of which yield blues of differing intensity. Some of the main indigo-producing plants include Isatis tinctoria, Indigofera tinctoria, Persicaria tinctoria, and Polygonum tinctorum. In every case, the process is a physical-mechanical one, not a chemical reaction. Indigo has been used throughout history; its use dates back to the Neolithic period. The word añil (indigo) appears in ancient languages...

Why are blankets for summer, too? In summer, we spend most of our time outdoors, and on its long cool evenings, there’s no more pleasant feeling than wrapping yourself in a natural fibre blanket to keep enjoying those cool evenings on boats, terraces, gardens, or even in the forest. That’s why we shouldn’t associate blankets solely with winter; summer blankets exist, and they’re made of alpaca and silk. These natural fibre blankets provide a unique sense of comfort and insulation from outdoor temperatures. They’re perfect for protecting against the humidity of seaside nights or the chill of mountain altitudes.The combination...

For Elena Goded, founder of ÁBBATTE, her favourite place to work is the dyeing cabin with a Scandinavian feel, home to the brand’s dye workshop and the most recent architectural addition to this artisan firm. Nestled in a pine forest on the northern slope of the Sierra de Guadarrama, this pinewood cabin, built from local Valsaín timber, houses the dyeing workshop where pigments are extracted from various plants and yarns are dyed before being woven into the brand’s pieces. With the help of Koto’s Emilio García Conde, craftsmanship has extended to architecture as well, creating a space of serenity and...

William Morris (Walthamstow, London, 1834–1896) is a reference point for all who cherish beauty, design, and artisanal traditions. He laid the foundations for the Arts and Crafts revival, advocating for an aesthetic rooted in individualism. For ÁBBATTE, he is a constant source of inspiration, not only because he revived the spirit of medieval arts and crafts, but above all because of his love for handmade textiles. He created rugs, cushions, upholstery fabrics, and tapestries, always using rich materials such as wool, silk, and linen. Colour was of great importance to him, and he achieved subtle tones using natural dyes—from indigo,...

At ÁBBATTE, in addition to the creation of handmade textile pieces, there is a strong cultural and educational dimension, including courses, lectures, and seminars related to textiles, colour, costume, and aesthetics. A key aspect of this work is the development of a botanical garden dedicated to dye plants, given their relevance to the textile world. Among the species present are Rubia tinctorum, Isatis tinctoria, Calendula, Ulex europaeus, and many other dye plants traditionally linked to textiles. A botanical garden is a living collection of plants cultivated for education, conservation, and outreach. In our case, it also carries a cultural heritage...

As Vogue Living puts it, summer is “the joy of the harvest.” To contribute to that joy, ÁBBATTE invites you to host gatherings with family and friends around a table dressed with our handmade textiles, like this placemat and napkin set, woven by a weaver from Collado Hermoso (Castilla) using the finest plant-based natural fibres. At ÁBBATTE, natural simplicity prevails, perfectly captured by Vogue España in this image of a summer table for their "Eco Mind" feature, where they share refreshing, healthy recipes paired with organic decor. In harmony with the selection of seasonal vegetables, grown in eco-friendly gardens, whether...