Designed for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, this workshop is an exciting exploration into the art of creating dynamic patterns and prints on fabric using natural dyes. We’ll cover a variety of surface design techniques using stamps, stencils, and brushes in combination with a diverse array of natural dye sources and mordant pastes. We’ll extract dye baths from a variety of natural sources, including food waste, locally grown plants, and traditional historic dyes, and use shibori resist techniques and dye modifiers to create vibrant colors and intricate patterns on cloth. Several methods for the direct application of natural dyes onto fabric will also be covered, including bundle dyeing and eco-printing. Gain a comprehensive understanding of natural dyeing techniques and their applications in surface design and discover the endless possibilities for creating works of art on fabric with natural dyes.

All levels of experience are welcome. This class is perfect for those interested in exploring the beauty and versatility of natural dyes in textile surface design. You’ll leave class having created a variety of patterned textiles with natural dyes. Additionally, you’ll transform a cotton item of your choice, such as a shirt, baby onesie, or tea towel, from start to finish using one of the introduced natural dye techniques.

What you will learn:
1. How to properly scour fabrics prior to pretreating with mordants.
2. The selection and application of different types of mordants based on the fiber and dye processes you want to use.
3. Immersion dyeing, eco-printing, and bundle dyeing with natural dyes.
4. Shibori resist techniques for creating patterns on fabric.
5. Stamping, stenciling, and painting with mordant pastes to create multi-colored prints from the same dye bath.
6. Methods for shifting colors and creating prints using iron and pH modifiers.

Please note: Class will not meet on Tuesday, September 23 in observance of Rosh Hashanah.