Instructor: Marilyn Firth, Almost Urban

Details: Botanical-dyeing is the art of taking natural plant materials and colours, and transferring them from the flower or plant onto fabric, to create wearable art or fabric pieces for other projects.

In this workshop, you will learn all about which fabrics are suitable for botanical dyeing, how to prepare the fabric for success, and which plants and other natural materials make good dyes. During the workshop, we will demonstrate dyeing a silk scarf with locally grown plants, so that participants can see first hand the process and ask Marilyn questions.

At the end of the workshop, kits will be available to purchase to take home for your own project, with two options available:

· Mini kit $22 includes a 6” x 24” piece of hand-hemmed and prepared habotai silk fabric, a bundle of locally grown plants and flowers, and full instructions.

· Regular kit $48 includes a 11” x 60” hand-hemmed and prepared habotai silk scarf, three separate packages of plants for dyeing, and full instructions.

(Kits are purchased directly from Marilyn, who will be able to accept cash, debit and credit cards)

This class includes: Small group instruction with Marilyn, including a demonstration of preparing botanical dyes and using them to dye a silk scarf. Botanical dye kits are available separately, after the class. 

As a bonus, all participants will be entered into a draw for three packs of Sage Garden organic seeds to grow your own botanical dye plants! Draw to take place at the end of the class. 

Registration: This class requires pre-registration and has a maximum of 10 spots available. Please use the add to cart button to complete registration.

Cancellation Policy: If you are unable to attend, the course fee is fully refundable up to 24 hours before the class runs (please email us to let us know if you are unable to attend). If you have to cancel within 24 hours of the class start time, we will offer a credit for the full amount. Once the class has started, there are no refunds or credits. 

About the host: Marilyn Firth is a Manitoba farmer and textile artist who works in wool, silk, cotton, linen and hemp fibres, using all natural dyes. Though she includes knit and crochet work in her repertoire, her area of special interest is botanical dyeing on natural fibres. She grows her own dye plants on her market garden farm, where she and her family grow a broad mix of vegetables for sale through CSA programs and farmers’ markets, all grown without pesticides, herbicides or artificial . She is an avid supporter of supporting local, and is committed to ensuring that the materials she uses are ethically sourced.