If you have ever walked by a cactus with white fuzz on it, and thought it puzzling. The answer is that those patches of white fuzz are cochineal bugs, used by the indigenous peoples of Mexico, Central, and South America, for the carminic acid that they produce. The acid makes an excellent dye for fibers and can create colors ranging from pink to red and fuschia.

This is a hands-on and in-person workshop offered by Whittier College Professor, and natural dyeing expert, Dr. Ralph Isovitsch. The workshop will be made up of three sessions in the Whittier College labs, where the students will practice dyeing wool with natural materials. All materials are supplied to the students as part of the course.

During the first session, we will learn about the chemical properties of wool, what a mordant is and why it is necessary for the dyeing process, and then we will apply a mordant to a small skein of handspun wool provided to you as part of the course. The second session will begin with a discussion of the many different types of plant materials that can be used as dyes. You will then prepare a dye bath and dye your skein of wool. In our last meeting, you will finish dyeing your wool and we will discuss strategies for home dyeing projects.

Highlights

• Opportunity for students or registrants to learn about the chemical process of dyeing in detail.
• In-person instruction in Whittier College’s state-of-the-art laboratory environment.
• All materials are supplied by LUX.
• Leave the course with your dyed wool and the knowledge to take on more dyeing projects at home.

Course Expectations

• Come to the sessions ready to learn and get your hands on some wool.

Next Classes

May 2023

Instructor: Dr. Ralph Isovitsch