Folks have been requesting a dyeing class since before we moved into our studio last summer. We have arranged and re-arranged our studio, and have learned the ins and outs of our big powerful stove and now i think we are ready!
Date: Sunday, July 15
Time: 10 am- 2 pm
Location: Dragonfly Fibers Studio, 4104 Howard Avenue, Kensington
Dragonfly Fibers owner and dye artisan Kate Chiocchio will teach basic dye techniques, including immersion dyeing, cold pour handpainting, and a hybrid of both. We will explain basic color theory and some tips on dye intereactions and then we'll turn you loose to play!
Skill requirements: None:) Bring your curiosity and spirit of adventure!
Materials to bring: Old clothes that you don't mind dyeing; good rubber gloves and close-toed shoes. Rubber boots are an excellent idea.
Provided: Yarn for dyeing using each of the techniques. Spinning fiber also available. Dye supplies, including dyes, plastic wrap, masks, aprons, etc.
Cost: $125, including 3 skeins of yarn (Dragon Sock or Traveller) or bumps of roving (Superwash Merino and Polwarth Silk are a good choice here), access to a broad range of dye colors, and all of the other paraphernalia that accompanies this craft.
I must warn you that this class will be my first dye workshop ever, so be prepared for a few kinks. We will use my big, wonderful 8 burner stove to learn immersion dyeing, and then will progress to classic handpainting. We will then move on to painting the yarn directly in the pot. The stove puts out a lot of heat, but good news, we do have air conditioning! So come play with me and learn how to dye yarn and fiber.
We will take a break in the middle for a snack, but bring your own lunch. I'll have coffee, tea, and maybe some Coke Zero if i'm organized. Questions? Best to send an inquiry through the website so they come to a central place.
- Don't miss Elizabeth Stover's Spin Lab art-yarn spinning class. She is a talented lady and a generous teacher and spinning on the wild side is FUN! If your spinning is falling into a rut, dont put away your wheel, come learn some new ways to play! She will bring some delicious add-ins, and we will both have drum carders to use. I will have cormo and corriedale locks dyed in any color you can dream up. Important: if making alterations to your wheel makes you queasy, or it seems like alot of work, no worries. replacing C-hooks with L-hooks is a suggestion only. I have been making big crazy yarn on a Lendrum with the standard flyer and have not had a problem. Really:)
- Next sit and knit in the studio is next Sunday, July 1st from 2-5 pm. I couldn't figure out which weekend folks wd be going out of town for the fourth, so my fingers are crossed that we will have a good crowd. Last month, we had at least 15 people and all sorts of beautiful projects going. Team Dragonfly re-organized the studio in a way that makes more sense for gatherings, so come see what we've done with the place!
- Our summer knitalong starts tomorrow. Many of us are knitting the Chittagong Shawl from Ann Weaver's Container Ship club, but we are leaving it open becasue we are an inclusive bunch. Since returning from New Orleans, I have dyed all of the Container ship yarn orders to date. We will ship them out tomorrow! If you would like to join us, please do! You can order two skeins of Squishy lace here, and will receive free shipping. I love the contrasting and corresponding color choices that i have seen so far. I have a caked skein of Villainness that needs a project, so i may start there. Although I can't stop thinking about Airport Hot Sauce and Weaverknits Grellow...
