Last month my friends Jenna and Lauren and I put on a natural-printing workshop at the artist-run center, Articule.  All the participants unwrapped their bundles at home, so we don't have the finished silk scarf photos, but I have these ones.  I love how every stage of this technique is beautiful.

I've been teaching an after-school program to grade 3's and 4's since last October and it has been so much fun.  We see each other every Thursday and they have only one hour to to learn a technique and make a project.  The things they make in that time are really impressive.  I'll be sad to be saying good-bye to these girls when I go on maternity leave soon.

These photos are from the embroidery class and the felting classes.  Some other techniques we've covered are natural dyeing, shibori, eco-printing, finger knitting, weaving, basketry and block printing.

Fun times ahead with this Natural Dyeing workshop :)  So this workshop explores a lot of the same things as the one I'm offering at Unwind, but will have a little more of a focus on natural printing (or eco printing) using local flowers.  The Window has a community garden near by so I'm hoping to spend the bulk of the workshop there (weather permitting).  Students will also learn how to make dye stock solutions using both found plants and store bought natural dyes for immersion dyeing, and we'll use shibori resist methods to create pattern and design.  We will be experimenting with mostly silk but I'll have wool and other fibre there to sample with too.

There are four places left in the class.  To sign up call The Window at 694 629 8396

Natural Dyeing at The Window
August 9, 16, 23
1pm-3pm
$100 including a selection of silk scarves

PS I recently sent eight scarves to The Window to sell there (some are shown above), but they are also great examples of what students will be learning.  Go check them out if you're curious.

Yes there are more workshops to be had!  This time they are in Vancouver at The Window Community Art Shop.  First let me tell you a bit about The Window; it's a pretty special place.  The Window is a non-profit social enterprise which showcases local art and crafts.  Part of what they do is offer people with barriers to the workplace an opportunity to learn art-making techniques which they might use to create products to sell in the shop.  They also support local artists and are always looking for local work to sell so check it out if you have your own product line.  It just might be the place for you. 

Something else that is really special about this place is that it offers its space to sewers and ceramic artists.  So, after offering sewing and ceramic workshops their space is available to use to experiment with your new found techniques.  They have wheels, kilns, sewing machines and sergers right in the space!  So convenient and accessible!  Love it.

Since this is my workshop blog of course I writing to announce some workshops I'll be offering at this wonderful space: 1) Beginner Knitting ~on August 8th, 15th and 22nd~ and 2) Natural Dyeing ~on August 9th, 16th and 23rd~.  Both occur between 1pm-3pm on those dates. 

In this post I'll detail the Beginner Knitting workshop and soon I'll post again with details about the Natural Dyeing workshop.  It will be different from the one I'm offering at Unwind in a few ways.

Beginning Knitting at The Window is for those of you who have never picked up knitting needles and are dying to learn.  Participants will leave the three-session workshop feeling comfortable with casting on, knitting, purling and binding off - You'll learn that that's all you'll ever need too.  Half way though the sessions students will have the opportunity to start a quick and easy project like this cowl (yes, by then fall will be just around the corner).  Other projects can be discussed based on the wants and needs of the students.

This workshop is open to all!  There are four places left in the class.  To sign up call The Window at 694 629 8396

Beginner Knitting
$60
August 8, 15, 22
1pm-3pm

www.thewindowartshop.com

 

Participants will leave the workshop with the knowledge AND materials/supplies to begin their own in-home indigo vat.  We will also be exploring the fascinating Japanese art of shibori which will achieve beautiful texture and design on your indigo-dyed cloth. 

Three silk scarves are provided, but students can bring their own silk, cotton or wool fabric/clothing to the workshop to be dyed.*

It's a one day workshop on Saturday August 18th

$75 plus $40 for the supplies which includes products for your own at-home indigo vat and 3 silk scarves.

Additional silk scarves will be available to purchase at the workshop for $7 each.

Call Unwind to sign up

604 886 1418

*we will try, but It is not guaranteed that we will have enough time or dye to dye all the extra fibre you bring.  Please wash your fabric/clothing before the workshop to prep it for dyeing.

As part of the natural dye workshop at Unwind we will be dyeing at least 5 silk scarves per student as well as producing a lot of samples which students can make beautiful sample books with.  Creating and having sample books is one of those things that makes me happy.  They are beautiful, original objects to have and flip through at your leisure (love doing this AMAP), and with the right info inside (with which you think you might be able to duplicate the results) they are invaluable tools.  Check out these beautiful natural dye sample books for some inspiration.

If you're interested in taking this natural dye and print workshop call unwind to register.  (604) 886 1418


-Janna

This is going to be a really fun workshop.  Students will learn how to make dye stock solutions for immersion dyeing, using shibori resist methods to create pattern and design.  We will also learn how to print on fabric using found natural materials.  Multiple mordanting techniques will be covered, as well as discharging and rusting techniques to achieve a plethora of results!

FUN FUN FUN

Three Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
August 7th, 14th & 21st
$99 (not including $58 materials fee)

materials fee includes 5 silk scarves and a selection of natural dyes and mordants to take home. There will be an opportunity to buy additional silk scarves at the workshop for $7 each.

Unwind Knit & Fibre Lounge
1161 Sunshine Coast Hwy.
Gibsons, BC
604 886 1418

To register phone the store to reserve your space!  And if you're from out of town Kim at Unwind will pick you up and drop you off at the Langdale ferry terminal.  We've already got some out-of-towners signed up!