Ever wanted to learn about natural dyes, indigo pigment extraction, painting on fabric with natural pigments? Well it is possible through Fibershed! Based in California, this non-profit us interested in decentralizing the fashion production process and making it more locally based. (among other things)
Therefore, they offer unique “how to” classes. The diverse subject areas include: Farming & Processing Pigment & Fiber, Knitting & Weaving, Sewing, Pigment & Dyes and Shoe Making. If you happen to live in the area they are back to in-person. But if not they also offer video-on-demand classes. These were recorded during lockdown but are now available for rental.
For example if you’re interested in:
How to create botanical fabric dyes?
Check out their Dyeing with Summer Flowers with Deepa Natarajan Deepa covers some history of dyeing, fiber preparation, plant selection and goes through the process of dyeing up cloth with summer flowers. This is a fun and easy introduction to the wonders of natural dyeing.
How to create paints and inks from Indigo?
Check out Making Paints, Inks, Stains & Pastels using Indigo with Judi Pettite In this online demo, Judi Pettite of BioHue will show you the basics of making water and oil-based paint using the pigment of Persicaria tinctoria (Japanese indigo), as well as ink and furniture stain, and how to make pastels.
Why should knitters consider farm yarns?
Watch Working with Farm Yarns with Gayle Ravenscroft to learn what projects are suitable and why, what breeds to use and why it can matter and more.
Tips for sewing jeans?
In Tips for Sewing Jeans with Dan DiSanto, Dan DiSanto does a virtual sewing demo on how to do a join fly, how to make a fell seam on a single needle machine, and some pocket tricks for blue jeans.
How to make your own shoes?
Yes, make your own shoes! Rachel Corry’s video Shoes: components, repair, and making your own from scratch demonstrates a grab-bag of tricks to initiate you into the wide world of shoe construction.
You can check out their learning center online to see all the available classes. Both current ones and classes that will be available at a later date. This is a great opportunity to learn from the comfort of your own home!
–Nicole el-Koussa
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