The natural landscape offers many indigenous plants that, with the right extraction methods, can yield exquisite colours for dyeing textiles. These captured hues are utterly unique to a particular environment, reflective of particular soil types, weather conditions, time of year and a myriad of other factors.

In this two-day workshop we will explore the natural world surrounding the Cordwood Studio, foraging for wild plant materials that we can harvest and process into four separate dyebaths. With these we will dye four skeins of locally sourced yarn, from the Milkhouse Dairy, in Smiths Falls.

Participants will learn all of the necessary stages for effective home-based dyeing, including: selecting, scouring and mordanting protein-based yarn; identifying local dye plants; harvesting sustainably; preparing a dyebath; modifying dyebaths to achieve colour variations; and after-care for dyed yarns.

As we work, we’ll talk about natural dyeing as a sustainable craft, how to nurture a home-based dye garden, and how to use food waste in dyeing practices.

The subtle, yet striking, palette we produce during this weekend, along with natural dyeing’s inherent spirit of experimentation will surely inspire those involved.

Each participant will come away with four 50g dyed skeins.

$200.00

+$30 material fee

Lunches included. All dietary needs accommodated.

CALL TO REGISTER – (613) 464-2105