Dye Harvest Weekend

Join us to learn how to harvest color from the world around you! Students will learn how to create a variety of natural dyes from plants grown right here in New England. On the first day, the class will harvest dye plants from the Sanborn Mills Farm dye garden and prepare them for dyeing. Students will work with a variety of dye plants, including weld, marigold, rudbeckia, coreopsis, calendula, and madder to yield a wide range of beautiful yellows, oranges, and reds. On Sunday, students will learn basic shibori, Japanese resist dye techniques, to dye with the prepared dyes. Students will then be free to experiment with cellulose and protein fibers, in some forms such as napkins, placemats, and bandanas, in the dye pots. An indigo vat will be available for students wishing to try overdyeing.

PLEASE NOTE: This course has an optional, no-fee, prep session on Friday, August 20th, 2021. Sara Goodman will mordant and scour fibers in preparation for the weekend’s dyeing. Registered students have the option to attend the Friday prep session to learn mordanting and scouring techniques with Sara. Contact Molly Bolick molly@sanbornmills.org to attend the Friday session.

Students Should Bring:

• Scissors
• Garden clippers
• Garden gloves

Registration for all courses will open in April 2021.