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, 8 oz. of wool yarn, cotton squares, and two silk scarves dyed “shibori” style with colors from nature. This course is open to students ages 13+.

Required Tools

• old clothes