Led by this year’s SCG Artist in Residence, Ana Lisa Hedstrom, this workshop will introduce the best practices for the use of natural dyes as well as basic applications to dye both fabrics and wool yarns. The class will start with the classic dyes of madder and cochineal for reds, pomegranate for yellow, and indigo for blue. During the course of the workshop the class will also go over the use of local plant sources such as walnut hulls and golden rod. Students will learn an array of techniques: traditional Shibori (stitch resist), Itajime clamping, and Arashi pole wrapping to create patterns on a variety of fabrics. Students will learn to create a scarf and a collection of technique samples on different fabrics and yarns. Ana Lisa will be providing the fabrics, but participants are also welcome to bring some sample fabrics from their stash that they are interested in experimenting with. Quilters, dyers, weavers and knitters are sure to find inspiration in natural dyeing.

This two day workshop is the second in a series of programming during the Susan Cooley-Gilliom Artist in Residence and Teaching Program at Blue Line Arts from October 14th through the 26th, supported by the Placer Community Foundation through an endowed gift made in memory of Susan by her family.

Note: Registration fees includes gloves, aprons, scissors, needles, thread, seam ripper, cone of string, blue painters tape, measuring tape, dust mask, pvc pipe, clamps, all dyes, chemicals, 4 x 5 gallon plastic buckets with lids, tables, heat source (two hot plates), Irons and ironing boards, dye pots and utensils along with a variety of different fabrics such as cotton, silk and a scarf will be provided for each student.