In conjunction with its special exhibit, Clothes to Dye For: Colorful Textiles from the Charleston Museum Collection, The Charleston Museum invites knitters and textile enthusiasts to a workshop focusing on dyeing yarn with natural dyes.
Dyeing (Yarn, that is) the Natural Way
07/28/2007
On Saturday, July 28, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., instructor Suzanne Collins will discuss natural fiber basics, the history of natural dyes and the how-to’s of dyeing. $25/member, $35/non-member. Registration and ordering deadline is July 23. Register online through calendar of events at www.charlestonmuseum.org or by calling 722-2996 ext. 235.
Participants will have the opportunity to dye a skein of worsted wool yarn using natural dyes ranging from indigo to
cochineal beetles to onion skins. Also, take a peek at Clothes to Dye For with curator Jan Hiester for a look at the various dyes represented in four centuries of textiles. Instructor provides all dyes, equipment, supplies to be used in the workshop, plus one 220 yard/100 gram hank of Peruvian wool, worsted weight. Up to two additional skeins may be pre-ordered and dyed during the workshop for a larger project.
Location: The Charleston Museum
Address: 360 Meeting Street
Phone: 843-722-2996
Web Site: www.charlestonmuseum.org
About Clothes to Dye For
All the colors of the spectrum are visible in an original Charleston Museum textile exhibition running May 18, 2007 to April 18, 2008. Clothes to Dye For: Colorful Textiles from the Charleston Museum Collection focuses on the power of color, its richness and intensity. “Color is all around us – in nature, in our houses, in the clothes we wear,” explains curator of textiles Jan Hiester. “Men and women have traditionally used color to brighten their surroundings, change their appearance, 0r provide symbolic meaning to their lives.” Clothes to Dye For examines color symbolism and color theory. The history of dyeing casts light on Eliza Lucas Pinckney and the importance of indigo to the Lowcountry, the Spanish introduction to Europe of tiny South American cochineal insects full of red dye, and dangerous concoctions such as Scheeles’ green. Along with garments and accessories, textiles such as drapes, quilts, coverlets and furniture numbering over 200 items infuse the gallery with an array of deep shades and delicate hues.