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

PLEASE NOTE: Eventbrite charges a booking fee which will be added to the prices quoted for classes when you book. You can pay directly through me if you want to avoid these charges. Contact me at rob@romordesigns.com for details should you wish to do this. Payment will need to be via Bank Transfer.