Designed for those new to natural dyeing or looking to deepen their practice, this five-week hands-on workshop explores the vibrant world of natural color using springtime plants and materials found right here in Philadelphia. From neighborhood trees and native flowers to kitchen scraps and common garden plants, you’ll learn how to turn everyday local resources into stunning, naturally dyed textiles.

We’ll cover fiber selection, scouring, and best practices for pretreating fabric with tannins and mordants—tailored to the specific natural dyes we’ll be using. Discussions will highlight the unique characteristics of plant dyes and introduce the science behind this ancient craft. Dye baths will be extracted from a variety of sources, including food waste, traditional dye plants, and the local flora growing in our urban environment. You’ll also experiment with shibori resist techniques and dye modifiers in combination with immersion dyeing to create bold patterns and long-lasting color. Leave with a beautiful collection of naturally dyed textiles and a fresh appreciation for the hidden natural color all around you!