with Elaine Luther
Most natural dyes require preparing the fabric with mordants to get the dyes to bond with the fabric. Skip those steps by using the few natural dyes out there that really and truly work without a mordant! Colors we can achieve include lovely blues, rich browns, rusty oranges and smokey grays. Use shibori and adire folding and binding techniques to created lush fabrics with layers of colors and patterns. Dye your own 100% cotton or linen fabrics. Bandanas from Dharma Trading are a good choice, or dye pieces to use in later quilting projects. Wash according to the instructions in the materials list.
This class is designed to be repeated.
Wednesday, 10am - 12pm
Instructor: Elaine Luther
Registration and Fees
Become a member of the Oak Park Art League and save on class registration.
Members: $185.00; after 8/3/2025: $205.00
Non-Members: $205.00; after 8/3/2025: $225.00
Advance registration required.
Registration Code of Conduct Policy
Required Materials List:
BRING YOUR OWN PAPER TOWELS!
Materials Fee: $20
Bring your own cellulose fabrics to dye: cotton, hemp, rayon.
SCOUR your fabrics by washing them in hot water with any unscented detergent in the washing machine. This is essential.
You may appreciate having reusable dishwashing gloves, the kind that go up to the elbow and have elastic are perfect! Nothing we are using is dangerous, but some of the items will stain skin or have a drying effect.
A blank notebook for taking notes and to be your dye journal where you document what you do.
All registrants are asked to bring their own paper towels, hand sanitizer or wipes.