Students will build on their basic knowledge of natural dyes to combine dyestuffs in varying proportions and over dye yarn with indigo to create a much larger range of colors. Gradations, where the color changes in increments from one hue to another, will be explored. Students will also learn to shift colors with different modifiers, including pH and iron, and will learn an easy method for creating variegated yarns. We will explore color matching as well. This class is for students with experience with natural dyes.

Join Liesel at her home studio in Española for a day of exploring indigo and woad dyeing! We will learn about several different methods of creating blue: an indigo fermentation vat, an indigo standard reduction vat, and using fresh woad leaves. We will over dye colors as well, creating a range of purples and greens, as well as the gorgeous blues that only indigo can produce. Participants will receive a sample of all of the colors we create, and may also bring up to 1 pound of their own fiber to dye.

Students will dye wool using locally available plants. First, students will go on gathering excursions to identify and collect dye plants in their natural environment. Then, students will learn how to process the plants and how to dye with them, including preparation of the wool yarn, mordanting procedures, dye bath procedures, finishing the yarn and record keeping.

Students will dye wool using locally available plants. First, students will go on gathering excursions to identify and collect dye plants in their natural environment. Then, students will learn how to process the plants and how to dye with them, including preparation of the wool yarn, mordanting procedures, dye bath procedures, finishing the yarn and record keeping.

This online class will focus on the jerga, a traditional Spanish New Mexican 2/2 twill woven in wool. Students will learn about the history of this weave, and will make a striped or checked jerga shawl or throw. A little weaving experience is preferred.

Explore the many design possibilities of the weft-faced twill weave as it is used in traditional saddle blankets. We will use a light, a medium and a dark color yarn on a four harness loom to create different effects, such as undulations, waves, diamonds and ovals. These are very sturdy, thick weavings, suitable for rugs and mats, and of course, saddle blankets. Students will experiment with several techniques and then design and complete one finished piece. This class is for those who have had prior weaving and warping experience.