Working with Natural Dyes

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll create a beautiful scarf using dyes extracted from natural sources such as indigo—one of the most historically significant dyes in early American craft. As the nation marks its 250th year, this class offers a unique opportunity to connect with the skills, materials, and traditions that shaped daily life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Instructor Diane Keesee will explore the historic uses of natural dyes in early America, from the role of indigo in colonial trade to the ways communities relied on local plants for color long before synthetic dyes existed. You’ll learn how to identify dye-producing plants in your region, along with responsible harvesting practices that honor both the land and the traditions passed down through generations. Participants will be guided through preparation and dyeing techniques using natural mordants and modifiers—methods that would have been familiar to early American artisans. By the end of the workshop,… View Source