8600 w 60th st
merriam, ks 66202

913-722-2598

contact us

process

Christopher Leitch produces limited edition textiles uniquely patterned by molds and fungi cultivated directly in the surface of cloth. The random life activities of prolific natural colonies trace patterns and colors, shadowy echoes of their lives’ progress. Drawn by tiny living collaborators, the designs and patterns cannot ever be duplicated. The cloth is expertly finished and beautifully functional.

Yardage may be cultivated to order from specified fabrics or chosen from currently available fabrics shown here. Sample cultivations for custom work may also be ordered and are encouraged.

For special order textiles, please allow six to sixteen weeks for cultivation, harvest and delivery.

faq

• Yes, the fabric is printed with actual mold and fungus. Think of a blue cheese - you have the right idea. Most fabrics begin as neutral or lightly colored, and the entirety of pattern and color you see is the result of our unique biological printing method.
  
• No, there is no mold residue in the cloth after printing. The fabric is thoroughly laundered and carries only the colorful memory of its printing process.
  
• CLS fabrics are generally available as silks or woolens. Some cottons, linens and hemps are also produced. A wide variety of weaves are used - satin, shantung, crepe-de-chine, gabardine, broadcloth, flannel are just a few of the currently available items.
  
• Yes, we handcraft everything here at the Studio or we supervise carefully trained craftspeople in our region. All the Studio items seen here are made by American workers, in America.