About
In this unique, three-day natural dyeing workshop, participants will learn to identify dye mushrooms and lichen, and to create a beautiful array of colors on natural fibers while working safely and ethically.
Walk among the natural abundance of a Pacific NW island and come back to BARN’s Fiber Arts “Lab” to experience the colorful world of mycopigments with Alissa Allen as your guide!
This workshop covers all aspects of getting started with mushroom and lichen dyes and prepares students to carry on their own explorations.
Day 1: Field Study and Testing for Color
Take a slow walk through a nearby Bainbridge Island woodland to observe lichens and fungi in their natural habitat, while getting a deeper, hands-on understanding of their ecological niche. We’ll discuss the difference between collecting specimens for identification, dyeing and dye testing. After our walk, we will return to the dye studio to test mushrooms and lichens for color. This process will determine whether a species has dye value and if so, the best route to optimal color. The practical aspects of this module will be learning to observe and discuss fungal features, performing chemical spot tests on lichens, and taking field notes of finds. This will prepare you to forage for dye species on your own. Students will take home a field testing kit, a dye testing kit and sample cards.
Day 2: Creating Our Regional Dye Palette
Using a selection of local dye mushrooms and lichens, we will dye a rainbow of samples. We’ll go over the special techniques required for optimal results with each fungal dye group. Students will be guided through the steps for making a simple, yet elegant, arashi shibori inspired silk design. Participants will receive recipes, a procedural handout, a customized guide to the best local dye fungi and will create a beautiful hand dyed scarf.
Day 3: Maximizing Potential
We are now ready to learn how different fibers take the dye and also how to get the most from our dye sources. We will use our strong exhaust baths and new concentrated baths to create variegated and solid colors on yarn. To get the most out of this opportunity, you will be asked to bring a selection of wool, silk, or wool/silk blends to explore the reach of our dyes. This gives you a chance to work with the fibers that most interest you under expert guidance.
Materials needed (Students need to bring):
- 6 ounces of wool yarn (untreated, undyed), divided into six 1-ounce (i.e., 6 x 25g) skeins.
- In addition to the six small skeins of yarns, students are welcome to bring additional silk scarves or small wool or silk bundles; there is always lots of extra color and there will be a chance to play with what you have learned!
- Participants should have a hat, sunscreen, and dress with clothing and footwear appropriate for a leisurely walk in the forest on Day 1.
- Bring a rain jacket in case of inclement weather.
- You may wish to carry small bottle of water with you. The walk will not be strenuous.
- Please wear closed-toed shoes to all sessions of this class.
Details:
- Please note that for this class, cancellation requests received 14 days or less before the workshop start date will not be eligible for a refund or credit.
- NOTE: Day 1 will include an easy walk in a forest environment with wide, packed dirt path, so students should feel comfortable in that environment. The walk will not be strenuous.
- Bring a bag lunch. We have a refrigerator and a microwave available in the kitchenette near the studio.
- Skill Level: Universal - All skill levels welcome.
- Ages 14+ Welcome
- Materials Fee: (what materials the instructor will be providing for the workshop): there is no separate materials fee. Costs of extensive mushroom and lichen dyes collected in advance as well as yarn samples, silk scarf, collection notebook and other materials are all included.
Instructor Bio: Alissa Allen is an amateur mycologist and the founder of Mycopigments. Widely in demand as a dye instructor, she specializes in presenting regional mushroom and lichen dye palettes to communities all over North America. Her teaching style reaches out to novices, while her knowledge keeps experienced mushroom hunters and fiber artists engaged. Alissa has been sharing her passion for mushroom and lichen dyes for more than 15 years. She publishes regularly on her website (mycopigments.com) as well as on Fibershed and in Fungi Magazine. In addition to her educational programs, Alissa also moderates two active discussion groups: Mushroom and Lichen Dyers United and The Mushroom Dyers Trading Post. She is dedicated to encouraging both the art and the science of achieving color on fiber with mushrooms and lichens.
