Handy-dyed
Jan 28, 2021
Connected to Colour: Pink
The cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus) is a gift from nature. It creates a glorious pink. Pink is often associated with love and romance. Often thought of as a feminine colour, pink is associated with the qualities of softness, kindness, nurturance, and compassion.
Dec 29, 2020
'Colours of Nature' with Charlotte Kwon
This amazing 4-day workshop was with master dyer Charlotte Kwon from Maiwa Handprints in Vancouver. An in-depth study and preparation of many different kinds of fabrics.
Sep 27, 2020
The Magic of Indigo
For anyone who has had the pleasure of dyeing with indigo there is a beauty and magic to this natural dye, derived from the indigo plant. If you work with indigo, you don't just dye with it, you have a relationship with it.
Oct 21, 2019
At the Cauldron - A Natural Dyer's Dream
I love dyeing with natural dyes. There are a number of steps involved in the dyeing of a wool scarf. In its simplest form this is the process (it varies with protein fibre - wool and silk and cellulose fibre - cotton, linen, hemp, etc.).
Jul 31, 2018
Natural Dye Workshop - Dyeing with Protein Fibre
I conducted a Natural Dye workshop for the Saskatoon Spinners and Weavers Guild. There were 10 students. We were welcomed by one of the Guild member's homes to have the workshop there in the country, over-looking the river just near Waneskewin National Heritage Site.
Dec 18, 2017
Caring for Your Naturally-dyed Scarf
Garment care labels can be difficult to navigate. In this blog post you can find a link to the Canadian website for care symbols and what they mean.
Sep 26, 2017
Dyeing with Cochineal
This amazing pink and dark red is achieved from small bugs called cochineal that live on desert cactus. See some of the dying take place in this video.
May 5, 2017
Print & Paint with Natural Dyes
A workshop of printing and painting with natural dyes. So wonderful to attend another workshop at Maiwa Handprints!
Feb 6, 2017
Silk Taffeta - Dyeing with Indigo
Silk taffeta has a lot of beautiful qualities, one of which is sound. It makes a swish sound when you wear it - another dimension that makes this fabric so exotic.