Alissa Allen, experienced mushroom dyer and instructor is coming to teach! Join us on October 29 at the Jorstad Creek Dye Studio for a day of instruction on the collection, preparation, and use of mushrooms to dye yarn and fabric. This full day class will show you the techniques and provide skills you can build on to explore mushroom dyeing on your own. To register send at email to jorstadcreek@comcast.net.
Read on to learn more about Alissa and the workshop!
Mycopigments
Exploring Pacific Northwest Mushrooms and Lichens for Dyes
Date and Time: Sunday October 29th – 9am to 4pm
Location: Jorstad Creek – Olympia, WA
Cost: $150 – all materials included
Open to all skill levels
Regional Dye Palette Every region has its own palette of mushroom and lichen dyes. This class takes an in-depth look at using local, wild fungi as sustainable, safe dye sources. Starting with 10-12 species, with the addition of safe mordants and pH modifiers, we will create about 20 colors in all.
Wild Harvest All of the dyes are ethically harvested, dried, and weighed (using some fresh material if available). Students learn about mushroom safety, identification basics, habitats and ethical harvest. Participants receive a customized color guide to the best regional dye mushrooms and lichens and learn where to go for help with identification.
Working with Fiber We will be working with wool and silk fiber. Yarn for class is pre-mordanted to allow ample time to focus on dyes; however we will discuss the steps for preparing the fibers for the dye bath. This includes scouring, mordanting, and techniques to avoid felting wool.
Shibori Demonstration Participants will be guided through the steps to create an intricate arashi shibori inspired design. Each participant receives a blank silk scarf for practice.
Takeaways Students will take home a detailed recipe card showcasing the rainbow of samples dyed in class. The recipe card lists both the scientific and common names of the fungi and lichens, the ratios of fungus to fiber, mordants used, and pH modifications required to achieve the colors. Participants receive a detailed procedural handout, a customized guide to local dye fungi and a beautiful hand dyed scarf. This workshop covers all aspects of getting started with mushroom and lichen dyes and leaves the student with the tools to carry on their own exploration.
©Alissa Allen – Mycopigments – 2017
Jorstad Creek 