Mamie’s Schoolhouse on the Road, at Fern’s School of Craft in Edmonton
Saturday, May 23, 2020
10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Sky Office (map)
There has been a significant growth of interest in natural dyeing in recent years. However, the internet is awash in misinformation about reliable natural dye sources and methods, leading to a still widespread myth that natural dyes are not durable. In this workshop, students will learn safe, ecological best practices used for millennia to ensure that results are both long-lasting and beautiful, and will gain confidence in the easy to understand basic science behind why certain methods and materials work, and others don’t. All materials will be provided along with a detailed handout of the methods used in the workshop.
INSTRUCTOR: Mel Sweetnam of Mamie’s Schoolhouse ($135)
PROJECT: In this hands-on class, you will be guided through the process of proper fibre preparation to maximize dye uptake. You’ll create a series of samples, utilizing several classic dye sources with high fastness (don’t wash out or fade easily) and representing the primary colours - Indigo (blue), Madder (red), and Fustic (yellow) - to demonstrate the ways in which different fibres (both plant-derived, such as cotton, and animal-derived, such as wool), mordants, assists, and over-dyeing can vastly expand the palette of colours that you can achieve (greens, purples, etc.). You’ll learn to record variables, so that results are reproducible, and to feel confident discerning between colourfast natural dyes vs sources of fugitive stains. You’ll leave with approximately 40 samples (2” x 2” fabric squares & wool yarn samples), neatly organized on record cards, a detailed handout, and skills in managing the entire fabric preparation and dyeing process.
PREREQUISITE: None! This is an intro class, no experience necessary
NOTE: Class size limited to 14 people. All materials provided, cancellations must be made 48 HOURS BEFORE class date for full refund. Class subject to cancellation if minimum registration of 10 people is not met. Class end time may vary by 15 minutes. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before class start time.