Botanical Dye In!

Learn how to transfer the color of everyday flowers and vegetables onto natural fibers through bundle dyeing.

In this workshop, Beth Mort of Snapdragon Flower Farm will teach how to transfer the color of everyday flowers and vegetables onto natural fibers through bundle dyeing.  Have a cotton T-shirt that could use an update?  Want to make a unique set of linen napkins or dye fabric for a project? This technique is an approachable and fun way to bring new life to an old garment or plain fabric.

What you’ll need:  1 yard of fabric or one garment that is all natural material, cotton, linen, hemp and wool are all great fabrics for this project. Be sure the materials are light colored, white, cream, soft greys and pastels are all good choices.

The following processes are recommended for more colorfast dyeing;

Pre-Treatment:  All materials should be scoured, which is a fancy way of saying washed with a gentle detergent with no fragrances.  Some good options are: Dr Bonners Soap or Arm & Hammer Soda Ash.

Mordanting: The word means bite in French and is a process that prepares the materials to accept dyes.  You will receive instructions for mordanting after registration.

All plant and vegetable materials will be provided as well as written instructions for repeating the process at home.

Beth Mort is in her ninth season running a small farm that grows flowers, natural dyes and vegetables, and also runs a permaculture design business helping clients grow healthy, productive landscapes. The magic and joy of plants has fueled her since childhood, always learning from their resilience and hidden treasures. Natural dyes have caught her heart, a beautiful way to connect us all to this magic. She is delighted to share what she has learned and to continue to learn alongside other enthusiasts. Ever an advocate for local agriculture, she has also recently joined the incredible Farm to School team at ESD 101, connecting school districts with local farms to elevate school meals and grow healthy food systems.

There are limited scholarship funding available for a reduced rate. Please email info@spokanezerowaste.org to inquire.