Natural dyeing - Make a sample book using different coloured dyes and mordants - Classroom based

What will I learn?

In this class you will learn how to prepare and dye fabrics with natural plant dyes and indigo and make a sample book in a rainbow of colours to use as a reference for your own experiments. The use of mordants for colour changes and over-dyeing will also be explained.,.

Content:

• How to use mordants to fix colour onto fabric and bring out the true colour of the plant dye

• The differences in colour and fastness achieved on fabric that has and has not been pre-mordanted

• What mordants can be used with different fabrics and the colours that can be achieved with them

• How to dye your fabrics in a genuine indigo vat

• How to set up and maintain your own indigo vat at home

• How to prepare and dye silk, cotton and wool.

• You will use natural plant dyes over-dyed with indigo, mordants and modifiers to produce a sample book containing a range of colours on silk, cotton and wool fabrics. (Sample book included).

• The dyes used will typically be tansy or Heather flowers or Dyers Greenweed for yellow, Madder for red, and Indigo for blue.

• Dyeing with Myrobalan, used as a base for other colours, will also be covered.

• We will also use an additional *mystery* dye to achieve another colour!

• NOTE: Limited to three attendees

Who is this class for?: Beginner / looking for an introduction to Natural dyeing

Duration: One day (6 hours)

Location: This class is available at the Artist’s studio in Muswell Hill only

What do I need to provide myself?

• Rubber gloves (these must cover the wrist and should be Marigolds or similar)

• An apron/old clothes (as dyes will stain if splashed onto your clothes)

All other materials are included in this class. Please do NOT bring your own fabric as the class is a busy one and there will not be sufficient dye to dye other fabrics.

Course availability