Natural Dyeing Workshop with Knits-Ann-Graces

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Zoom into the Knits-Ann-Graces dye-kitchen two Saturday’s explore botanical shades on natural yarns: Saturday 26 September & 03 October running from 10:00.

The workshop will follow the structure of a demonstration and discussion of the process (preparation and extraction of dye, mordanting of yarn etc.). Following which participants will work independently and then regroup around 14:30 in the ‘zoom-kitchen’ to share and discuss results.

The fee of R 350.00 per participant covers the tuition of both workshop sessions; and the pre-workshop communications, briefing you on the dye materials and equipment required.

It excludes the supply of the natural dye materials, which you will need to ‘forage’ for; and the yarn – ecru yarn kits are available.
If you require a yarn kit – head over here

Please confirm your participation via email ASAP.

Workshop Format: 
The workshops take place via my ZOOM platform from 10:00am to approximately 14:00/15:00. On confirmation I will send you invites for both workshop sessions.
I will also require your cell number to add to a WhatsApp group, which I will use to send reminders prior to workshops. 
 
Each workshop will be based on a seasonal dye and an additional dye option:
 
A herb leaf dye will be the main focus. I call this dye, ‘Scarborough Fair’ as it consists of Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, & Thyme. But this is not prescriptive, you could use marigold or dandelion leaves and stems, spinach, and other herbaceous leaves that you may have access to. This will constitute the main focus of the day; with a further optional dye – I will be making a marigold flower dye.

You would need to forage the herb leaves, approx 500g; and marigold flowers if you have access, approx 500g. If not you can propose another spring flower dye option that you have access to – I will supply what relevant extraction & mordanting info I can. 
 
A blueberry dye will be the main focus of the workshop, exploring a range of mordents and modifiers with a further optional dye;  I will be making a further berry dye, depending on the availability – blackberry, cloudberry, cranberry, elderberry, ariona berry, huckleberry, raspberry, buckthorn berry, etc.
 
You would need to forage blueberries approx 500g; and another berry variety that you have access to, approx 500g.
 
You will require the following mordants & modifiers for the span of both workshops:
* White spirit vinegar;
* Table salt;
* Bicarbonate soda;
* Cream of Tartar
* Aluminum Sulphate (ex-pharmacy);
* Ferrous Oxide (ex-pharmacy) – you can also soak rusted iron objects in water to extract this mordant;
* Copper Sulphate (ex-pharmacy) – you can also soak copper objects in water to extract this mordant. It is quite toxic and optional if you are uncomfortable.
* You may require another mordant depending on your optional dye (TBA).
 
Yarn or other textile required for the workshops:
You may use any ecru (undyed) 100% natural unbleached yarn or textile that you may have available, or will need to purchase. 
 
Remember that animal fibres take colour with far greater vigor than plant fibres, which will also require an alternative mordanting procedure. As such I would recommend the use of an animal based fibre as a primary medium for this workshop. But you may include other fibres and textiles in your pots; and may exercise your discretion by all means – I will supply you with cellulose mordanting info as required.
 
The dyes we will make are capable of dyeing much more than a mini-skein, so you could use them to dye further wool and textile at your discretion.
 
The dyes can be frozen in plastic bottles to be thawed and used at a later stage; and/or can be used for solar dyeing in up-cycled glass bottles. 
 
Further equipment required for the workshops:
* 2 x stainless steel pots.
* You can use aluminum pots if the mordant base is aluminum sulphate, which it will be for the herb and marigold dye on 26 September
* You can also use cast iron pots if the mordant base involves Iron/ferrous oxide, which we will explore in the berry dyeing session on 03 October.
* Ceramic slow cookers are good for all dyeing applications, but do take longer. 
It is good practice to reserve these pots for dyes only!
* 2 x steel, plastic, or wooden spoons;
* 2 x plastic buckets for mordanting;
* A strainer;
* Rubber gloves;
* An apron;
* Access to two gas or electric hobs;
* Nearby access to a sink & running water

Confirmation
Confirmation and payment of the workshop fee of R350.00 is due by 14 September into the following account:
A P Tully | Standard Bank | Killarney Branch | Branch Code: 007205 | Account No: 203699947 | Ref: Name | Please send proof of payment to [email protected].
Fees are not refundable. I will supply you with a recording of the workshop to complete in your own time, if you cannot attend.
 
Please contact Ann-Marie with any queries.:)
 
Ann-Marie Tully 
Knits-Ann-Graces
Botanically Dyed Natural Yarns & Fibres | Textile-Arts | Knits & Linens

 

If you require a yarn kit – head over here

 

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