Description
Each season brings forth native and endemic plant color that reflects the nature of the season. We will explore the seasonal ecology and biological diversity of California’s floristic province through the act of dye making. This class will cover basic harvesting principles, information about how to plant and care for native plants to create one’s own natural dye hedgerow or garden, as well as providing hands-on skill building in making and utilizing native plant dye vats. A range of ecological mordanting processes will be taught and students will walk away with a range of swatches on locally raised wool and organic cotton.
All materials are included.
Potluck lunch: Please bring something to share for the potluck lunch that will take place on our patio, with a stunning view overlooking Stinson Beach and the Pacific Ocean, giving everyone time to socialize with the instructor and fellow students.
Other things to bring:
- Personal beverages and snacks
- Layered clothing for variations in weather
- Notebook and camera if desired
About the instructor:
Rebecca Burgess is an indigo farmer, author and community organizer. Her work is focused on natural dye processes and regenerative agriculture, textile education and public speaking. She is the Executive Director of Fibershed and Chair of the Board for the Carbon Cycle Institute. Her best-selling book, Harvesting Color, takes a bioregional look into the natural dye traditions of North America. She has built an extensive network of farmers and artisans within our region’s Northern California Fibershed to pilot the regenerative fiber systems model at the community scale.
