Learn the basics of dyeing wool fiber, including choosing and mixing dyes; processing for saturation and colorfastness; and tips and techniques for handling fiber without felting.  We will make samples using a variety of hand painting techniques to achieve different effects like semi-solids, stripes, and gradients.  You will leave class with a sampler of small balls of roving (great for needlefelting, and embellishments) and the skills to tackle larger projects. Equipment notes: Please bring an apron or wear clothes that you don't mind getting a little messy. If you have them, bring a pair of reusable kitchen rubber gloves that fit your hands pretty closely. Sloppy gloves are harder to work with. These gloves should only be used for dye projects. (Disposable gloves will be provided.) Projects will be wet when you go home.  We recommend that you bring a container to carry home your wet fiber so nothing drips in the car.  Great choices: a small bucket,dishpan, plastic shoebox

Learn to dye your own custom yarns with three techniques: semi-solid, hand painted, and self-striping.  We will dye mini-skeins using each technique during class as samples, then dye an additional skein (wool, alpaca, silk) for your own project.  Learn the basics of using acid dyes on protein fibers, tips for making sure your dyes are colorfast, and how to plan and create the yarn you want. Equipment note:  In class, we are going to dye small sample skeins so that you can have the opportunity to try many different techniques.  That way, you can see the results of the colors and processes and use those results to help you decide how to dye your own skein in the last hour of class.  Sample skeins and dyes will be provided as part of your materials fee.  You should bring one or two skeins of yarn to class with you to dye. Your yarn must be wool, silk, alpaca, nylon or any combination of these fibers.  If your skein has a small amount (less than 10%) of a fiber other than those listed, it is fine.  Superwash is fine. Your yarn should be a standard sized skein 2-4 oz. Your yarn […]

You've done yarn; you've done roving. This is the class for all of the other stuff that spinners and felters love to use in their work: wool locks, mohair, firestar, silk hankies and cocoons, wooden beads, freshwater pearls. We will dye small samples of many different unusual fibers and materials and learn tips and techniques for working with each one successfully. Supply list: Students may bring a small amount (1 oz) of their own unusual fiber to try out. Be sure you know the fiber content of what you are bringing so that we can come up with a strategy to dye it successfully. We will be working with dye; please wear clothes that can get messy. Optional: Bring along your own reusable rubber gloves and apron. We will have some disposable gloves available, but I like to reduce the trash anyway I can.