My Eco-Dye Workshop

A picture says a thousand words! A heavily photographed post again this time. I was glad I remembered to snap all these photos on that busy day to share with you. A couple of months ago I was contacted by Helen Dunn. Helen Dunn is my bestie Myra Dunn's sister-in-law. Helen is a quilter and belongs to the Patchworkers & Quilters of Victoria. Helen asked if I would conduct an eco-dye workshop for the members. I have only given a proper workshop once before, but not to say I haven't taught before free of charge. I was excited to be asked again. The date was set for last Saturday. 

I put a lot of planning into the workshop to make sure that the participants have good experience on their first eco-dye workshop. I included all materials in the workshop to make sure that the results turned out as well as I hoped for. I would like them to carry-on dyeing in future. As you can see from the photos below, the results speak for themselves. 

The workshop was divided into three parts. Morning wrapping and rolling then steaming. Midday break for tea and lunch then a visit to the Treehouse Studio for a show and tell of my projects made from eco-dyed fabric. Then we unwrapped bundles from the morning dye batch. Much excitement at this time! Afternoon we wrapped and rolled more bundles, this time for jar dyeing. While the jars were boiling/steaming we unwrapped more bundles of silk scarves. More excitement from the great results. 

Lovely like-minded ladies showing their first ever eco-dye fabric in a group photo. I hung my own dyed pieces to add atmosphere to the day around the deck.

The table set - ready steady go!

Silk laid out and leaves were stuffed ready
to roll.

Arranging the leaves as they please

Head down and ready to roll!

After steaming, the bundles were rested until
they cooled.

As part of the workshop I included a visit to the Treehouse Studio to share my projects made with eco-dyed fabric. I was amazed how many projects I have started since I began dyeing using the eco-dye method. This lovely group of ladies told me that they have been reading my blog so they were familiar with my Treehouse Studio. 

Once they were inside they were blown away by what they saw! I hope they left with some inspiration. 

After visited to the Treehouse Studio we unwrapped more bundles. The results they got were beyond my expectations. All the bundles got amazing prints on the silk they used. 

Leslie Edwards a pattern designer was
pleased with her piece.

Jocelyn Chavvidan showing her dyed cloth

Mandy Smith and her cloth.

Glenise Gallagher and her dyed scarf

Sarah Quilter happily showing off her scarf

All nine in the workshop and their scarves

Mandy and her scarf

A picture says a thousand words here. 

Sarah was on the lawn admiring her scarf

I think Leslie was pleased with her scarf too!

Glenise and her fabric dyed with silky oak

After I posted a few photos on Instagram and Facebook I received some inquiries for another workshop. So the next workshop date is set for Saturday July 25th. If anyone is interested in joining my eco-dye workshop please leave a comment here and I will get back to you. 

I also asked to give a stitching workshop using eco-dyed fabric. I have been thinking lately that I would really love to teach a stitching workshop. I will start on small pieces. A "simple little stitch". What do you think? As part of the ageing process one would like to pass on what one knows to younger generations. I think I'm one of those people who loves sharing! 

Until next time

Nat