Intro to Dyeing with Jan Cole
Class, June 20, 2025, 9-12 am
The Wool’n Gardener will be offering a workshop on the basics of creating your own beautiful hand-dyed wool and offering some “tips of the trade” I learned along the way! The technique I use is “open pan dyeing” on top of the stove as opposed to “pot dyeing”. I consider myself a “casual” dyer who simply dyes the colors I love (most of the time) and doing experimenting as the mood strikes me! The first half of the class will focus on the supplies needed, different dyes available, wools used to overdye (weaves & weights and how that affects the final color), and, if time permits, different dyeing techniques (e.g. spot dyeing, shiborhi are two that I frequently do) and…. whatever else pops up! Each step of the process will be demonstrated in an informal format that will encourage questions and discussion. I would encourage you to wear older clothing or an apron just in case the dyes splash!
The second half of the workshop will focus on dyeing over a variety of base wools for that primitive rug (I am a primitive rug hooker so I started dyeing wool to use in the rugs I was hooking for our farmhouse). I love to “marry” wools in one dye pan and primarily dye over woven textures and plaids to “dirty” and tone down some wools while, at the same time, creating variations of the same color. What a great way to use up all those odds and ends in your stash!!!!!! The possibilities are absolutely endless as to what can be done in the dye kitchen! I will have samples of the different techniques I use so you can see, first hand, how a little change in a formula and/or fabric can make a difference!! And…..there are always goodies for you to take home!!
*Class includes - Instruction / demonstration
*Written and pictorial directions will be distributed
The class will be under the big tent in the backyard of The Old Tattered Flag.
Please check our Events/Classes section if you would like to purchase a lunch to enjoy before your class.
**Cancellations should be made by May 1st to receive a refund.
