Compost Dyeing
June 20, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Join teaching artist Kate Milliken for an introductory workshop about how to turn food scraps into natural dyes! Participants will learn how to make richly hued dyes using commonly composted materials such as onion skins, avocado peels, black beans, and spinach.
The workshop goal is not only to create a colorful and natural piece of fabric, but also to take a creative risk. “It’s about experimenting and being open to not fully knowing what the outcome will be. There are so many possibilities.” - Kate Milliken
Retreat Farm will provide one item per person for dyeing (bandanas, tote bags). Participants are encouraged to also bring their own natural-fiber garments or fabrics to dye (think cotton, linen, silk, wool, etc.). Synthetic fabrics are not suitable for this class. Once registered, an email with details about preparing your fibers at home will be sent to you.
Admission is $35 and includes all materials, including the bandana or tote. No experience is necessary. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. This workshop is suitable for all ages, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet in the Calf Barn at Retreat Farm.
Antho-Who!? Sun Printing with Turmeric
July 18, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Join teaching artist Kate Milliken to explore Retreat Farm’s lovely trails and collect natural objects to make Anthotypes–turmeric sun prints!
Creating anthotypes (turmeric sun printing) is an eco-friendly photographic process that uses the light-sensitive properties of the curcumin in turmeric to create silhouettes on paper or fabric. When turmeric is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light it fades, while areas covered by objects like leaves or stencils remain bright yellow.
Retreat Farm will provide one item per person for printing (bandanas, tote bags). Participants are welcome to bring their own natural-fiber fabric or specialty paper as well (think cotton, linen, silk, wool, etc.).
Admission is $35 and includes all materials, including the bandana or tote bag. No experience is necessary. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. This workshop is suitable for all ages, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Garden Harvest for Dye Making
August 1, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Join teaching artist Kate Milliken to identify and harvest dye plants from Retreat Farm’s own Hope Garden, in preparation for natural dyeing! Participants will learn about the plants, and how to harvest and process natural dye plants to extract their magical colors.
Please be prepared to get your hands in the soil and get a little messy! Kate will provide examples of ways to use the plants that participants harvest, and she will lead a demonstration to show their uses.
Admission is $25. No experience is necessary. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. This workshop is suitable for all ages, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Dyeing with Indigo
August 15, 2:00 - 4:00
Join acclaimed fiber artist Gail Callahan (aka The Kangaroo Dyer) for an immersive workshop exploring indigo, one of the world's oldest and most beloved natural dyes. From the chemistry of the vat to the magic of oxidation, you'll learn why indigo has captivated textile artists across cultures and centuries, and then experience it firsthand.
Participants will dye their own fabric samples using a provided indigo dye kit and traditional techniques, leaving with vibrant blue cloth and the knowledge to continue exploring at home. Retreat Farm will provide one item per person for printing (bandanas, tote bags). Participants are welcome to bring their own natural-fiber fabric or specialty paper as well (think cotton, linen).
Admission is $35 and includes all materials. No experience is necessary. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. This workshop is suitable for all ages, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Eco-Printing
September 6, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Join us to celebrate our Hope Garden harvest by eco-printing! Eco-printing is the process of pressing dye plants against fabric and transferring the color to fabric while the plant stays flat. Teaching artists Kate Milliken and Gail Callahan will help participants explore this way of using dried foliage to make printed fabric, while creating keepsakes of a summer full of fun.
Retreat Farm will provide one item per person for printing (bandanas, tote bags). Participants are also encouraged to also bring their own natural-fiber garments or fabrics to print (think cotton, linen, silk, wool, etc.). Synthetic fabrics are not suitable for this class.
A limited number of free tickets for each event are available. Please contact Kristin at [email protected] if you would like to claim a free ticket.
Harvesting Hues: Natural Dye Workshops series is part of Retreat Farm’s new Land & Its People Initiative. Thank you to Brattleboro Savings & Loan for their support of the Free Ticket program.
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