The Art of Natural Dyeing

The Art of Natural Dyeing (and Joys of Mordanting)
 

Duration: Oct 7 9:45 am to 5:30 pm  

Cost: Rs. 5,000

Inclusives: Complete dye kit and one premium undyed stole + all materials for use in-session and for making shade cards + lunch and refreshments
 

An immersive introduction to the long-lost art of natural dyeing and the world of slow fashion. This course is open to anyone and everyone - no prior knowledge of dyeing, textiles, colour theory or chemistry is needed!

Take your first steps in the art and science of natural dyeing through this detailed, hands-on workshop on how to create, vary, and fix natural dyes in your own kitchen. You will work with dyes that are common household items as well as some that are prized ayurvedic ingredients. The workshop will take you through natural dyeing for silk as well as cotton. All you need to bring along is a pocketful of curiosity, a cup full of patience, and a notebook! 

Course Contents:
 

• Introduction to fabrics of plant and protein origin (cottons, khadi, linen, silk, cashmere, pashmina, wool etc.)
• Introduction to and importance of the 7 step process of natural dyeing
• How to prepare cloth for natural dyeing – scouring and degumming
• Mordanting for maximum dye coverage – how to use tannins, alkaline and acidic agents correctly
• Preparing 4 different types of dyestuffs (currently Henna, Onion peels, Sappan wood, Catetchu)
• Using mordants to make many shades from a single dyebath
• Fixing the dye pigments to the cloth
• Wash and care