Événement

Girdwood Fungus Fair Dye Workshop

This 3 hour class will take an in depth look at using the natural, permanent dyes found in wild mushrooms, as a sustainable, safe alternative to commercial dyes. The brilliant pigments available from fungi and lichens span the entire rainbow, and this class will teach participants how to extract them for use. We will start with 10 different dye sources, and finish with about 20 colors in all. Participants will learn about safe handling, ethical harvest, mushroom and lichen habitats and ecology. We will talk about mordants; what they are, and when to use them to maximize color potential. As we begin the extraction process, we will discuss techniques used to target specific colors, and observe the different ways the pigments interact with fiber. While the dyes are simmering, I will walk students through a few shibori dye resist techniques, and set them free to create their own beautiful, uniquely patterned silk scarf. Participants will receive a five page handout that includes a brief history of mushroom dyes, the procedures for dyeing, and an introduction to working with lichens. At the end of class, everyone will have a recipe card with the rainbow of samples dyed in class, and a mushroom dyed scarf to add to their wardrobe. This class is a lot of fun and perfect for anyone; from total beginners (including supervised children) to experienced fiber folks.
You can read more about mushroom and lichen dyes at mycopigments.com
For questions, email Alissa at mycopigments@gmail.com