Nature's Color: Using Botanicals to Naturally Dye Fiber

This is a class for people who are interested in learning how to use plants to dye all kinds of natural fibers. We will use plants that you probably have in your garden or can easily find in the wild. You will learn the essential information about how to prepare your fiber using mordants to get the most vibrant, long lasting color. You can choose to work with cellulose fibers (cotton or linen) or protein fiber (wool or silk) or both. Instructor will supply plant material and you are also welcome to bring botanicals to experiment with. In this one day class we will be focusing on the most ubiquitous color we can get from nature which is yellow with shades of orange and green. You will learn how to get more than one shade form the same plant using modifiers and changes in pH. This class will give you a solid grounding in the art and chemistry of natural dyeing and send you on you journey to the rainbow of colors you can coax from botanicals.

Level: Beginners 

Members: $100

Non members: $120

Instructor: Joyce Tromba  bio 

Materials fee: $10

Materials provided by instructor: Plants, mordants, modifiers, handout detailing easy to obtain dye plants and instructions for fiber preparation and dyeing

Materials students should bring: Dye plants (optional), fabric: either cotton or linen for cellulose fiber and wool or silk for protein fiber. You can bring small samples of fiber (1/4 yard or small skeins) or more finished items like napkins, scarves, etc. We won't be able to dye large items such as clothing. Please contact instructor if you have questions about what to bring.