Natural Dye Study Group
Saturday September 19 1-2:30 pm
We’re starting up the natural dye study group on Saturday Sept. 19 with an organizational meeting at Marie's house and over zoom. We have a few ideas, but want the group’s input. One idea is to modify the flow chart in the book Indigo, Madder and Marigold - it’s an exploration of mordants and after treatments. I’ll attach a picture. We’d want to make modifications with respect to toxicity and our interests.
We also want to discuss what we’ll be doing for the studio tour - ideas include an indigo and shibori, indigo with marigolds and eco printing. Or a combo!
I’ll have a pot of mordant to get things started with - hopefully aluminum acetate if it gets here on time, if not alum. I’ll let you know later in the week so you’ll know if you should bring cellulose yarn or wool! I’ll send the zoom link then too.
The study group's original focus is natural dyes that can grow in Texas. That includes native species, non-natives that can be found or cultivated in Texas. It includes barks, nuts, lichen, invasive plants, etc. I.e. It's anything that can grow, or just happens to grow in Texas.
Note that members of the study group do not need to actually grow anything. Source the dye material however you need to but, when sharing your information, do explain how it can be grown in Texas.
Study group does not meet in July, August, or December. Our November meetings may be reserved for the guild's annual studio tour participation and natural dye demonstrations.
