Workshops
See Below for Details of 2025 Dates:
Indigo and Botanical-Dyeing Workshops
Eco Dyeing: Saturday, July 12
Natural Dyeing: Friday, August 22
Indigo Dyeing: Saturday, August 23
Eco Dyeing: Saturday, September 20
To register for workshops contact Martha at: kmlaing@orchardhillfarm.ca
Workshops are limited to 6 participants. Custom workshops are available upon request.
Indigo workshop
Saturday, August 23, 10:00-3:30
Cost – $115 includes 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 yarn will be provided for each participant to dye and take home along with a printout of detailed instructions. If individuals wish to bring something else to add to the dye pot, they can contact Martha ahead of time. Come and play for the day 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! Lunch will be provided with fresh produce from the farm garden.
Eco Dyeing Workshops
Saturday, July 12, 10:00-3:30
Saturday, September 20, 10:00-3:30
Cost – $115 includes GST
Martha has been exploring botanical/eco-dyeing for several years and is happy to share her knowledge of making prints from fresh leaves and flowers. The 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 a silk scarf for the participant to take home. Participants will also experiment with making eco prints on paper. The paper prints can be used to make beautiful cards.
The mordanting and natural dyeing of the carrier blanket will be done ahead because of time restraints. However, a demonstration of the mordanting and dyeing process will be part of the workshop.
A delicious homemade lunch will be provided as part of the workshop using fresh produce from the farm garden. Come and enjoy a day of fun and creativity.
Natural Dyeing Workshop
Friday, August 22, 10:00-3:30
Cost – $115 includes GST
This workshop will explore dyeing wool yarn with a variety of plants from Martha’s dye garden and farm including weld, madder root, golden rod and phragmites plumes. Participants will gather the materials, make a dye bath and dye yarn. Each participant will take home 100 grams of dyed yarn. (A day of indigo dyeing and over dyeing with indigo could be done the next day at the Indigo Dyeing Workshop on Saturday, August 23.) Lunch will be provided with fresh produce from the farm garden.
