Indigo and Botanical-Dyeing Workshops

Martha will be offering three workshops this year. One on fresh leaf indigo dyeing and two botanical-dyeing. Email Martha to register for the workshops as space is limited. kmlaing@orchardhillfarm.ca

Indigo workshop 2023

Saturday, September 9, 1:00-4:00

Cost – $100 plus GST

Martha will be offering one Fresh Leaf Japanese Indigo Dyeing Workshop also known as “namahazome” from leaves of plants grown on the farm. We will pick the leaves fresh, brew an indigo tea, adjust the pH, remove the oxygen, create a dye bath and dye wool. 100 grams of wool will be provided for each participant to dye and take home along with a print out of detailed instructions. If individuals wish to bring something else to add to the dye pot, they can contact Martha ahead of time. Afternoon tea and snack will be provided. Come and play for the afternoon and witness the magic of indigo. The excitement of watching the yellow green wool come out of the dye pot and turn blue as it reacts with the oxygen in the air never disappoints!

Eco Dyeing Workshops -2023

Saturday, June 3, 1:00 – 4:30

Saturday, July 29, 1:00 – 4:30

Cost – $100 plus GST

Martha has been exploring botanical/eco-dyeing during the covid years and is happy to share her knowledge of making prints from fresh leaves and flowers onto silk scarves. The afternoon workshop will include picking and selecting a variety of leaves and flowers, arranging them and making a bundle. After cooking the bundle a print will be made on the silk scarf for the participant to take home. The mordanting and natural dyeing of the carrier blanket for the scarves will be done ahead of time. While the “bundles” are cooking participants can enjoy tea and snacks and discuss the process and how it works.