October 7 – October 8, 2023
9 am to 5 pm
Overview:
During this weekend workshop, students will learn the basics of eco printing and cyanotype
printing on both fabric and paper, as well as beginner sewing and quilting techniques to create
miniature patchwork quilts and journals through mindful stitching. This class offers an
amalgamation of outdoor foraging, printmaking, photography, bookmaking and fiber processes,
thereby offering a realm of possibilities that allow for full exploration with each mode of
making. Students will first learn how to properly prepare different fabrics to mordant; a crucial
step to ensure consistent lightfast and washfast eco prints. After an introduction to mordanting,
students will create their own unique eco prints and cyanotype prints. With eco printing we will
utilize seasonally foraged plants, food compost, and natural dye extracts to print on cotton, linen,
and silk fabrics as well as watercolor paper. For cyanotype printing we will again utilize
seasonally foraged plants, dried/pressed plants, as well as everyday objects that hold memory or
visual intrigue to print with on coated cotton fabric and watercolor paper. Cyanotype prints will
be created using either the power of the sun or an indoor UV exposure unit, depending on the
weather. Once printed and dried, students will engage in mindful stitching techniques in response
to the prints on fabric. Students will have the option to either hand or machine sew (or both) their
various fabric samples to create miniature quilts, helping to unify printed imagery through color,
shape, and experimentation. Students will be encouraged to work intuitively by embracing
mistakes and releasing perfection. In addition to learning the basics of sewing, embroidery, and
quilting, towards the end students will create hand-bound pamphlet stitch journals using their
printed papers. These meditative processes yield unique, one-of-a-kind results, and provide
opportunities to let go while collaborating with nature. All levels of experience are welcome!
Skills and Techniques:
● Sustainable & mindful foraging techniques
● Suggestions for proper plant identification & safety
● Basics of mordanting (fabric preparation)
● A basic understanding of the eco printing and cyanotype process through recipes &
step-by-step instructions on fabric & paper
● How to create both indoor and outdoor prints with eco printing & cyanotype
● Bundling and fabric preparation techniques that yield different printed results
● A list of suggested regional plants to utilize seasonally
● Basics of hand & machine sewing
● Basics of quilting & binding
● Pamphlet stitch book binding techniques
● How to care for your printed fabrics
● Resources for continued making & learning on your own
Materials Fee: $50 Paid directly to the instructor.
Special Tools or Equipment:
● Apron & rubber gloves (optional to keep clothes & hands clean)
● Sketchbook or phone for note-taking (optional; full recipes & instructions will be
provided digitally and in print)
● Foraged plants (Optional; many will be provided – A full list of suggested plants will be
provided prior to the workshop)
● Personal objects to be cyanotype printed (flat ones work best, but 3D ones also work
depending on the weather with outdoor printing)
● Sewing machine (two are available for use at SMF, but if you’d like to machine sew your
mini quilt I suggest bringing your own if possible)
● Additional cotton fabric to be used for the back of the quilt (can be solid or patterned)
● Any personal sewing supplies desired to work with (please note basic materials such as
sewing needles, sewing and embroidery thread, marking pens, and rulers are provided)
● Cutting mat (SMF has a couple, but you are welcome to bring your own)
● Rotary cutter, fabric scissors, and sewing pins
● Though some will be provided, please bring your own cotton sewing thread and
embroidery thread if you are passionate about utilizing certain colors
Instructors COVID preference: Your instructor reserves the right to require safety requirements depending on the state of the pandemic at the time of the workshop.
Workshop Policies
Please be sure to read our policies before you register for a workshop.
Age Requirements
The minimum age to attend a regularly scheduled workshop is 16 years. We have set this age to ensure a safe, productive, and community-building experience for all of our students. There are no exceptions.
Accessibility & Accommodations
If you have questions about accessibility or would like to request reasonable accommodations, please contact our main office at 603-435-7314.
Student Cancellations
Cancellations must be made at least 30 days prior to the start date of a workshop in order to receive a refund.
Registration and material costs will be refunded, minus a non-refundable $25.00 registration fee.
A full refund will be made for any amount paid for overnight housing.
Sanborn Mills Farm Cancellations
Each workshop must have a minimum number of students to be held. If Sanborn Mills Farm finds it necessary to cancel a workshop, we will notify students two weeks prior to the scheduled workshop start date.
A full refund will be provided to registered students. Refunds for a workshop purchased as a gift will be made to the purchaser only. Sanborn Mills Farm cannot be held responsible for any refunds for travel expenses or for off-site housing expenses incurred as the result of a cancellation of any kind.
Housing & Meals
Please refer to our housing page for more information.
Safety
Each workshop has its own safety procedures. Your instructor will review the specific safety requirements at the start of your workshop and throughout your class. Sanborn Mills Farm is a rural setting. If you are allergic to insect bites, please alert your instructor of your allergy and bring an epipen with you. For draft animal workshops or courses requiring time in the woods, be sure to review tick safety procedures from Tick Free NH. We advise students to wear comfortable clothing, comfortable and secure shoes, and consider your personal needs for a day or extended stay.