Instructors: Mimi Luebbermann & Marlie deSwart

Attention all felters, spinners, or knitters! This is a hands-on class that will open your world to the exciting skill of dyeing wool with vegetal or synthetic dyes. Students will leave with the knowledge and confidence to do their own dyeing at home. The results from dyeing yarns or roving are endless and with the knowledge and support of Mimi Luebbermann and Marlie deSwart, this class will demystify the techniques and teach the methods and tools needed to use both natural and synthetic dyes.

The first half of the class focuses on mordents for dye permanence and prepping fiber for the natural or vegetal dye bath. You will see how to make dye soups and receive recipes to make beautiful colors from leaves, flowers, and roots as well as after baths to further enhance dye colors.

After lunch, delve into the world of packaged acid dyes, those that use vinegar to set color. Through hands-on exploration and the guidance of Marlie, you will learn how to space, vat, steam, and hand paint roving or yarns. Whether using roving, hand spun yarns, or purchased yarns, these dyes open a dazzling world of opportunities to explore for all creative fiber projects.

Bring something to share for a potluck lunch.

$150 (materials included)