The first beginning natural dyeing workshop offered on February 24th was great fun, and the stated goals were met. Everyone in attendance left with an idea of how they might set up dye pots using natural materials with animal fibers at home.
Carol, Gretchen, and Jeanne organized the day and did a great job. There were warm beverages and homemade banana bread (thank you Jeanne) available for everyone as registered attendees gathered at Jeanne’s house. Carol went over mordanting and prepared fiber samples were distributed. Everyone tagged their seven samples with their names; two white yarn mini-skeins, two gray yarn mini-skeins, two bits of wool roving in bags, and a silk scarf. The group was organized into four groups, one for each dye pot. The group members were responsible for overseeing the four dyestuffs: apple bark, avocado pits and skins, mahonia, and onion skins. Attendees decided which pots would receive their samples. Pots were heated and when ready, the samples were added.
At noon, everyone took a break and had lunch. The weather was perfect and everyone had a chance to chat and enjoy the sunny day. There was also an opportunity to take a peek into Jeanne’s weaving yurt. Afterwards, the samples were lifted from the pot liquor and attendees were given the opportunity to take some of the dye liquid home in their quart jars. Instructions were given for rinsing and drying, and any lingering questions were answered.
Many thanks to Carol, Gretchen and Jeanne for organizing this great workshop. Thank you, too, to Louisa for sharing her extensive knowledge of dyeing.
Because this workshop was so popular, a second was added on March 24th. Brenda offered to host at her home in Nevada City. It is sure to be as much fun as the first.
Photos are available online at the Recent Workshops page. https://foothillfibersguild.wildapricot.org/sys/website/?pageId=18167