I am excited to offer a natural dye and weaving course at Peters Valley again this summer, Aug.13-17, 2021. The location is tranquil and convivial–a perfect spot to devote the time and enthusiasm to creating new colors and weaves. This class introduces to students to working with plant based dyes, collected directly from a dye garden (since Peters Valley is located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, we cannot gather plants on site). We will immerse naturally colored wool into a set of dye baths to create rich palette for weaving.
Rudbeckia hirta, commonly called black-eyed Susan 
Rubia tinctorum, madder 
Wetting out the naturally colored wool
In addition, students will receive instruction in weave structure design and development, computer assisted design demonstrations (to render weave structure ideas and color ways), hand finishes, and will take home an elegant, handwoven wearable, as well as swatch sheets documenting the colors obtained from each dye source. Participants are welcomed and encouraged to be in touch with me about harvesting their own plants for use in class.
Wendy Weiss Ikat and natural dye 