Natural Dyeing Techniques
Sun, Jun 16
|Nordia House
Natural dyeing is still a flourishing artform in modern day Nordic culture and of course, an American culture. Join us with local artist Megan Mesloh to experiment with these techniques.
Time & Location
Jun 16, 2024, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Nordia House, 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223, USA
About
Cost:
Tickets include materials
Nordic Northwest Members: $80
General Admission: $100
Youth (12-18 years old): $50
In this 3-hour workshop we will work with locally foraged as well as cultivated plant materials to extract vibrant colors. Using non-toxic mordants on wool, silk and cotton fabrics, we will create a swatch card showcasing the range of colors from each plant. Students will leave with an instructional handout, completed swatch cards and dyed fabric yardage. All materials will be provided.
Natural dyeing techniques are documented starting in the Viking age in the Nordic regions and continued to be an important part of the Nordic countries. These natural dyeing techniques flourished in local communities with local flora and fauna. Plants, trees, bark, lichen, shrubs, mushrooms, and even seaweed were used to decorate clothing and other textiles with vivid colors. Often because of the weather and land which limited the use of crop growing there was little land that could be used for farming. Because of this, trading was a large part of the economy. Natural dyeing supplies and garments were included in this important part of trading and economy.
If weather permitting classes will be outside at Nordic Northwest’s forested Fogelbo property. Students please wear long pants or an apron, close toed shoes.
Meet your instructor, Megan Mesloh Megan Mesloh is a textile designer and teacher based in Portland, OR. Renewing traditional techniques for apparel and interior application, she works with weaving, surface pattern and sculpture. She received her BFA in textiles from Oregon College of Art and Craft. Find more information about her word on her website here: http://www.mmesloh.com/
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