Field Identification and Natural Dyeing with Summer Plants

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Participants will be led by the instructor on a harvesting tour of the farm, identifying and harvesting at least 5 plants that are useful for natural dyeing, including, but not limited to, the flowers and plant parts of meadowsweet, goldenrod & tansy, buckthorn leaves & berries, and birch & alder leaves.

Students will sort and learn the process of cooking dye vats using materials they harvested on an outside stove. Some dye vats will be pre-made for the dyeing section of the class so we don’t have to wait for the dyestuff to cook. Each participant will get to dye at least one sample skein of yarn (1 oz.) in each dye vat with the option of doing more if dye stuff and time allow.

Open to all adult learners and individual children 14 years or older. Family groups are encouraged to attend with children 7 years of age or older. I promise you will get to meet the sheep too!

Required to Bring/Wear:

• Clothing for the weather! Including lightweight long-sleeved shirt & pants, sun hat, sunscreen and rain gear if needed. Plan on being outside the entire class period.
• Water bottle, lunch & snacks for the day
• Wear closed toe shoes, we will be walking on uneven ground
• Sunscreen & bug spray
• Gathering bags (especially if you want to take dye stuff home)
• Notebook for taking notes, camera/phone

NOTE: We have 2 dogs what will bark when you arrive but once they meet you are friendly and pleasant. They will want to follow us wherever we go!

Dates: Sunday, June 18, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Location: Clover Valley Farms, 6534 Homestead Road, Duluth MN 55804

Tuition: $50 DFG members, $60 non-members

Materials Fee: $15 (paid to instructor during class)

Instructor: Cindy Hale