Aya Fiber Studio

Dyeing with plant pigments has been practiced for as long as humans have made cloth and

wished to beautify it. Printing with plants has been practiced for generations through such

traditions as Easter egg adornment and in the past few decades as a way to adorn fabrics.

During this five-day workshop, students learn about the history of dyeing and printing with

plants; how to prepare fabric for dyeing and printing; ways to secure and alter botanical dye

color on cloth; and many ways to get patterns and images on fabric with plants.

During the first three days, we will use a variety of local plant materials as well as other botanical

dyes to create color and patterns on our fabrics. We will focus on printing plant material onto

fabrics; dyeing solid and mottled colors with botanical pigments; printing and dyeing together;

and using some shibori techniques in conjunction with botanical printing and dyeing.

During the fourth and fifth days, students will learn and practice hand piecing, contemporary

applique and hand-stitching/quilting techniques well suited to these fabrics and then use their

recently dyed fabrics to begin an art quilt, art fabric panel, or garment.