Natural Dyeing 101

Service Description

During this 6 hour workshop folks will gain the confidence & knowledge to recreate the experience at home. A garden lunch will be provided. In this workshop we will discuss the foundations of natural dyeing, learn what plants around the area are suitable for natural dyes and how to identify them. We will spend time with our feet on the ground and hands in the earth, immersing ourselves in the forest and the garden to understand the lessons of the dye plants. Upon returning to the studio we will make a couple of dye baths and experiment with different dyeing and resist techniques. Each participant will leave with some samples to add to their dye journal and one of the following: a set of 4 organic cotton napkins or 1 organic cotton bandana. It is recommended that you bring a journal with you to start your natural dye journal. There will be some available for purchase. This workshop will cover: - Cellulose vs protein fibres - Alum vs tannins - How to prep your fabric - What is scouring? What is a mordant? - Harvesting from a decolonial lens - Harvesting, plant ID and working with plants ethically and responsibly - What plants grow here in the West Kootenays that can be used for natural dyeing - Making the dye baths - Resistance dyeing and immersion dye baths This class recognizes the importance of working with plants through a decolonial lens & will ensure that participants think carefully about the impacts of harvesting and foraging on Sinixt Territory. Note on cancelations: *Workshop registration fees are non-refundable. If you need to cancel your workshop, you can use your credit towards a different class date or towards items in the online shop. *There is no fee to switch your class as long as we are given 7 days or more notice. With less than 7 days notice, up until the day before your class begins, there is a $20+HST class transfer fee to switch your class. *If you are cancelling the day your class starts, or after your class has begun, we can still move your registration, however at this point the transfer fee will be $35+HST. *If you need to cancel or switch your class, please email us at earthborntextiles@gmail.com (notice is counted from the time you send an email). Thank you for your understanding and I look forward to learning with you!