2 Day Class
Thursday, April 11th & Friday, April 12th
9am-5pm with 12pm-2pm break

Contrary to popular belief, dyeing plant fibers with natural dyes is not a labor intensive process with mediocre results.  Instead, new developments in scouring and fiber preparation have replaced the traditional 3 day mordanting process of cellulose fibers.  The result is better dye take up and wonderfully saturated colors.  Additionally this process can be applied to other cellulose fibers with similar results. In this 2 day intensive class you will dye approximately 115 color samples using the alternative alum acetate mordant for samples along with an iron modifier on some of the samples.

We will begin with a thorough discussion of dye theory as it applies to both synthetic and natural dyes.  Dye extracts will be made in 1% “equivalent” stock solutions for mixing colors. We will dye in color gradations using a variety of safe mordants, extracts, modifiers and a natural ferment indigo vat to create a pallet of colors.

We will work with an expanded pallet of 11 or 12 dyestuffs that are well suited to cellulose fibers.  In addition the stronger dyes will be used in formulas to mix colors.  A portion of the samples will be over dyed in our indigo vat.

Please note, these extracts have been developed for the commercial dye market and while relatively non-toxic are very colorfast.  Each student will receive a comprehensive dye notebook with workshop instructions as well as notes for working on your own to dye yarns.   Included in the notebook will be a set of dye samples produced in class.

Material Fee: $45

Level: Beginning – Advanced dyers.  Some familiarity with dye methods is helpful but not necessary.