MIRTH: The Art of Indigo

Some of the most beautiful pieces in Round Top come with a story woven into every thread.

At MIRTH, many of the brand’s signature indigo textiles are created using a centuries-old technique known as dabu, or mud-resist block printing. The process is entirely done by hand and has been passed down through generations of artisans in India. 

It begins with a carefully prepared mud paste. Using hand-carved wooden blocks, artisans stamp the mud onto fabric, creating the pattern that will eventually emerge. Sawdust is then sprinkled over the design and the fabric is left to dry in the sun. The sawdust helps stabilize the mud before the next step: dyeing. 

Once dry, the fabric is dipped into natural indigo vats. Each immersion deepens the shade of blue, with artisans relying on years of experience to determine the perfect color. Some vats remain active year-round, becoming part of a tradition that stretches back centuries.

After drying in the sun, the mud resist is washed away, revealing the intricate pattern beneath. The fabric is then washed and dried again, setting the dye and creating the rich variations of blue that make each piece unique. No two garments are exactly alike. 

For Round Top shoppers, Mirth’s appeal goes beyond craftsmanship. The lightweight cottons, airy silhouettes, and breathable fabrics make these pieces ideal for the ever-changing Texas weather. Cool enough for a warm afternoon of shopping and easy to layer when temperatures shift, they’re the kind of pieces you’ll reach for long after the show is over.

In a world of fast fashion, Mirth reminds us that great design often begins with tradition. Every block, every dip in indigo, and every finished garment carries the mark of the artisan who made it. Next time you're in their Blue Hills booth, take a moment to look at their designs come to life.