Hand Dyeing
- Gail Callahan

May 18 - 20 (Fri. - Sat.)
September 21 - 23 (Fri. - Sun.)

This workshop is ideal for anyone who has been hesitant to try dyeing. We will focus on natural, animal fibers in many forms: in the fleece and roving, for spinners and felters, as yarn for knitting, crochet or weaving and as woven fabric for rug hooking or sewing.

Students will learn the basic techniques of dyeing: immersion and direct application and will also use creative and imaginative techniques to apply color to fiber. Students will dye a 12 skein color wheel. Color exercises will stretch the imagination and help each student identify their preferences. We’ll explore the idyllic setting at Harrisville while talking about color.

Gail Callahan, the Kangaroo Dyer, was dragged kicking and screaming to dyeing, because of need. The yarn she wanted to use for a weaving project was available only in a natural color. She began dyeing with great trepidation, and now, after modest success, dyes any animal fiber in sight. After discovering the joy of dyeing she feels that anyone can learn simple techniques, dye any color, and most importantly, appreciate the joy working with color, in any medium.

In process of writing “Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece”, Gail developed a concept called the Colorgrid, which originated in her book. This tool helps in choosing and using color; understanding what brings a project to life, and makes it exciting; no matter what the medium. The ColorGrid is now available.

Gail hand dyes yarn and fabrics, as the Kangaroo Dyer available on her web site: www.kangaroodyer.com. The silks, featured in the July 2010 Elle Décor Magazine are used by clothing designers as well as felters for Nuno Felting.