Recent Workshops:
Bundle Dyeing and Tataki Zome
Learn to create beautiful patterns on cloth using flowers, leaves, roots, kitchen scraps and more in this natural dye workshop. We will begin with a tour of the Past Lives dye garden to discuss plant selection and take fresh cuttings to use--indigo leaves, marigolds, and dahlias. A variety of additional fresh and dried botanicals will be provided and participants are welcome to bring their own cuttings or dried flowers to experiment with if they like.
We will explore two techniques for transferring natural color to cloth--bundle dyeing and Tataki Zome. In bundle dyeing, plant material will be placed directly onto fabric and rolled, then tightly secured with string. Steaming will transfer the natural colors to reveal one-of-a-kind natural prints. Fabric preparation, mordanting and care of your final piece will be discussed.
Tataki Zome also known as "flower pounding" is a method of natural dyeing that originated in Japan. It involves hammering fresh flowers and leaves between layers of cloth transferring the natural pigments and creating a botanical print. This is an approachable and easy method for capturing colors and patterns from nature.
Participants will create a set of samples to learn about natural color and composition in each technique culminating in a larger final piece.
Learn to create beautiful patterns on cloth using flowers, leaves, roots, kitchen scraps and more in this natural dye workshop. We will begin with a tour of the Past Lives dye garden to discuss plant selection and take fresh cuttings to use--indigo leaves, marigolds, and dahlias. A variety of additional fresh and dried botanicals will be provided and participants are welcome to bring their own cuttings or dried flowers to experiment with if they like.
We will explore two techniques for transferring natural color to cloth--bundle dyeing and Tataki Zome. In bundle dyeing, plant material will be placed directly onto fabric and rolled, then tightly secured with string. Steaming will transfer the natural colors to reveal one-of-a-kind natural prints. Fabric preparation, mordanting and care of your final piece will be discussed.
Tataki Zome also known as "flower pounding" is a method of natural dyeing that originated in Japan. It involves hammering fresh flowers and leaves between layers of cloth transferring the natural pigments and creating a botanical print. This is an approachable and easy method for capturing colors and patterns from nature.
Participants will create a set of samples to learn about natural color and composition in each technique culminating in a larger final piece.
Make Your Own Pillow + Zippered Pillowcase:
Make your favorite new pillow (or bring one you already love) and create a custom zippered pillowcase, too. Learn all the steps--perfect for sewing beginners!
Held at Past Lives Makerspace. Bring your favorite square or rectangular pillow and learn to create a removable pillowcase with a zipper closure, or come with nothing and create a pillow from scratch in your desired dimensions and loft.
All materials and supplies will be provided including sewing machines, fabric, zipper, thread, stuffing, etc. One pound of polyfill stuffing will be provided per student along with links for purchasing additional materials. Alternative filling options will be discussed. This is enough to make a 14x14" throw pillow or a rectangular bed pillow.
We will cover using a zig zag stitch, straight stitch, zipper installation using a zipper foot, drafting a pattern, cutting tools, pressing and turning. This class is designed with the beginner sewer in mind!
Have fun learning to sew and decorate your home with your very own custom pillows.
Make your favorite new pillow (or bring one you already love) and create a custom zippered pillowcase, too. Learn all the steps--perfect for sewing beginners!
Held at Past Lives Makerspace. Bring your favorite square or rectangular pillow and learn to create a removable pillowcase with a zipper closure, or come with nothing and create a pillow from scratch in your desired dimensions and loft.
All materials and supplies will be provided including sewing machines, fabric, zipper, thread, stuffing, etc. One pound of polyfill stuffing will be provided per student along with links for purchasing additional materials. Alternative filling options will be discussed. This is enough to make a 14x14" throw pillow or a rectangular bed pillow.
We will cover using a zig zag stitch, straight stitch, zipper installation using a zipper foot, drafting a pattern, cutting tools, pressing and turning. This class is designed with the beginner sewer in mind!
Have fun learning to sew and decorate your home with your very own custom pillows.
Make a Loom + Learn to Weave:
In this four-hour workshop, participants will be introduced to weaving and create a small, woven tapestry of their very own. They will use everyday materials to construct cardboard looms and learn the steps to warp and begin weaving. An array of yarns and upcycled fabric strips will be available for weaving, encouraging playful experimentation.
Participants are encouraged to bring small bits of yarn, fabric, or an old garment to add to their weaving if they'd like. Finishing techniques and hanging options will be discussed.
At the end of the workshop, participants will have a basic understanding of tapestry weaving concepts and can take their loom home to use again.
$15 material fee is included in the price. We'll have a 30-minute lunch break, so pack a sack lunch. Kitchen access is available!
In this four-hour workshop, participants will be introduced to weaving and create a small, woven tapestry of their very own. They will use everyday materials to construct cardboard looms and learn the steps to warp and begin weaving. An array of yarns and upcycled fabric strips will be available for weaving, encouraging playful experimentation.
Participants are encouraged to bring small bits of yarn, fabric, or an old garment to add to their weaving if they'd like. Finishing techniques and hanging options will be discussed.
At the end of the workshop, participants will have a basic understanding of tapestry weaving concepts and can take their loom home to use again.
$15 material fee is included in the price. We'll have a 30-minute lunch break, so pack a sack lunch. Kitchen access is available!
Teaching experience includes Ice Dyeing, Shibori & Indigo, Natural Dyes, and more.
Collaborative Workshops with Terracina Herbals: Plant Dyed Crystal Grids, Plant Dyed Papermaking, Plant Dyes & Arashi.
Contact for private workshops or teaching inquiries.
Collaborative Workshops with Terracina Herbals: Plant Dyed Crystal Grids, Plant Dyed Papermaking, Plant Dyes & Arashi.
Contact for private workshops or teaching inquiries.