Intro to Botanical Printing and Dyeing with Lisa Binkley
Fri-Sun, March 12-14, 2021| 9am-4pm all three days
$375/person + $35 kit fee (Members save 10% on workshops!)
Ages 16+
Dyeing with plant pigments and other natural materials (insects, lichen, etc.) has been practiced and refined for thousands of years—for as long as humans have made cloth and wished to beautify it. Printing with plants has been practiced for generations through such traditions as Easter egg decoration and, in the past few decades, as a way to create pattern and imagery on fabric.
During this 3-day workshop students learn about the history of dyeing and printing with plants; how to prepare fabric/fiber for dyeing and printing; ways to secure and alter dye color on cloth; and many ways to get patterns and images on fabric with a variety of plant materials. We begin by gathering as many of our printing and dyeing plants as possible from the area surrounding the workshop (depending on location and time of year). Then we explore dyeing solid colors with botanical pigments both individually and in combination; printing plant material onto fabrics; eco-printing and dyeing together; and using some simple shibori techniques in conjunction with eco-printing and dyeing.
Students will dye and print pieces of fabric as well as a silk scarf already hemmed and ready to dye, print, and wear or give as a gift.
Kit fee includes: scarf blank, dyes, fabric swatches, and a booklet about the techniques and materials we’ll explore in class.
Each day will include a lunch break. Please bring food or be prepared to purchase (grocery store is within walking distance. Alas, the Blue Spoon Cafe is no more…)
