Plant Dyes (English)

Plant dyed fibers are surprisingly vibrant and bright. With the right precautions they are a true and sustainable alternative to industrial and synthetic techniques.

Some of the ingredients can be gathered in nature or grown in the garden quite easily, others you probably already have in your kitchen. During this workshop of six hours we will teach you the basics of natural dyes.
We will review suitable textile fiber types and show you how to prepare and mordant them. You will either dye a skein of wool or a piece of silk (approx. 175 x 35 cm) – applying the Itajime folding technique – while you can choose between several dye baths, that we will set up together. Further, we will colour various samples of fabric and yarn with seasonal dye stuffs that you can bring along or collect on the spot. (A list of possible plants will be sent to you by e-mail beforehand.) Each person will be given a sample card in which all results will be archived and labeled.

We will have a look at the durability of certain colours, learn about textile care and discuss no-goes, possible alternatives and aspects of sustainability.

Duration total:
6 hours

Direction:
Anna & Juan (Luzius Schnellmann)

Language:
English. (Die deutschsprachigen Angebote findest du in der Übersicht.)

Level:
no previous knowledge required

Number of participants:
min. 5, max. 10

Price:
CHF 160 (regular ticket)
CHF 110 (KulturLegi* owners)

Material costs:
CHF 35
(Wool or piece of silk of approx. 175 x 35 cm, printed instructions, giveaway, snacks, tea etc.)

Total:
CHF 195 (resp. CHF 145 for KulturLegi owners)

* Please show your KulturLegi card to the course director prior to the start of the course.

Bookings