In this workshop participants will gain knowledge and experiment with the time honored art of natural dyeing. Participants will learn about the many plants, roots, berries, minerals, and insects that have been used for thousands of years to create color on cloth. Historical context as well as proper procedure to achieve the most vibrant and long lasting results will be covered. Liz Spencer of The Dogwood Dyer will discuss the innovators and pioneers in the modern day natural dye renaissance and how to work with natural colors in a sustainable, low impact way. Creative shibori and resist techniques to create pattern will be demonstrated while participants will have ample time to experiment and play with surface design. There will be 3 primary dye baths (red, yellow, blue) on hand, and when combined a whole color spectrum is attainable!
Each participant will leave with silk and organic cotton scarves as well as comprehensive handouts outlining natural dye techniques, resources, and recipes to practice this beautiful art at home. Please also feel free to bring small to medium sized garments of natural fiber content (wool, silk, cotton, linen, etc.) to dye at the end of the workshop.
About The Dogwood Dyer:
Liz Spencer is owner and operator of The Dogwood Dyer, an all-natural dyeing service that uses locally grown and foraged plants as well as ethically sourced dyestuffs to help create sustainable accessories, garments, and home goods. Her process involves minimal water consumption, with 80 percent of the refuse water recycled back into her gardens. An advocate for the education of ethically conscious design, she teaches sustainability, fashion, and natural dyeing at FIT and Parsons The New School for Design, and she spent a year as a venture fellow at the Brooklyn Fashion + Design Accelerator. Spencer holds a BA from Linfield College, in Oregon, and an MA in sustainable fashion from the London College of Fashion. She teaches workshops independently in southern California and the New York City area.
Follow her colorful story on Instagram where she posts about upcoming workshops and events: https://www.instagram.com/thedogwooddyer/