Enjoy the “thrill of discovery” in the many colors which can be achieved, and the variation of color that can be found in nature's palette, by learning the complete subtleties of dyeing with natural materials. Dyeing with natural plants is more than a craft, it's a fascinating and inexpensive hobby. Students will learn how to gather their own plant materials and learn how to prepare dye baths to extract the color. We will cover the process of using different mordants - the mordant sets the color to prevent fading and determines the color of the final product.  We will dye wool, silk, and cotton fibers too.  Along the way, you will learn how to grow dye plants, and get tips on pruning, harvesting and storing plant materials to get the color you want.  Students will leave the class with recipes, handbooks, many samples of dyed wool yarn, silk samples, fleece samples, and cotton squares.

You will need the following tools for this class:

• old clothes
• apron
• heavy rubber glove
• 2 old towels
• small baggies
• marker
• calculator
• pen and paper
  
   

Feel free to bring any 100% wool yarn to dye for samples of color.