About

Natural dyes have a unique and rich history and in modern times, we are fortunate to be able to easily create beautiful colors that were once only permitted in the wardrobes of royalty and the ruling classes.  

We will create a rainbow of natural colors in this intensive three-day workshop using concentrated dye extracts of cochineal, madder, weld, logwood, and cutch.  

Participants will work with wool yarn and learn how to achieve rich, beautiful color results from each dye extract. 

We will also delve into the important topics of mordants and modifiers for achieving an expanded range of color.  

Materials: All fiber will be provided, and students will take home enough to make a small project.  Each participant will receive a folio with information about each dye plant plus recipes and procedures for naturally dyeing at home.  Natural dyes will be available for sale.  Download the pdf file with the complete materials list here.  BARN 2018 Hattori Rainbow Class Materials List.pdf

Skill Level: Universal.  All skill levels welcome.

Ages: Ages 14+ Welcome.

Bring a bag lunch. We have a refrigerator for people to store their lunches and drinks!

In addition to consulting and advising companies on their natural dye implementation strategies, Kathy has worked with the largest natural dye houses in the U.S. Her international experience includes creating a natural dye program for the largest organically certified tannery in Europe and implementing large-scale natural dye programs.

She has also consulted and advised a number of major retail brands, and worked on a USDA VAPG grant in 2013 for natural dye research.

In 2016, Botanical Colors was named a Sustainability Leadership Award finalist by Sustainable Seattle and continues to grow working with major fashion brands worldwide.