Join us as we explore the unique art of naturally dyeing with plants and complete a simple sewing project. In the first session, you will learn how to process plants and flowers from the forest, prairies, your own gardens, and even your kitchens to create beautiful hues. Learn basic dye techniques and discover how these plant-based dyes interact with a variety of textiles. By the end of day one, you will have learned the basic techniques of making dye and creating beautiful and botanical hues from plants.

In the second session, take your dyed fabrics and turn them into a beautiful patchwork pillow cover. During this class, you will learn simple sewing techniques: sewing straight seams, cutting and piecing fabrics to create a beautiful envelope-closure pillow cover for a standard sized pillow (not included). This is a great opportunity to learn or refresh your sewing skills.

Fabric will be provided and are included in the cost of the workshop.

About the instructors: Libby London has a background in cold climate permaculture farming, cooperative sustainable farming, and natural dyeing. She currently runs a natural dye business called Northern Dyer where she grows and forages for natural dye plants, teaches workshops, researches dye plants for our region in Minnesota, and runs a custom dye lab.   

Laura Brown is a printmaker, book artist, teacher, a life-long sewist, and color enthusiast. She holds an MFA in Studio Art from the University of Texas at Austin, and teaches at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts and Augsburg University. She runs an art studio, CHEER!, where she hosts workshops, events, and shares space and resources with artists.