Local artist Judy Saye-Willis stops by KDHL to talk about her textiles class at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault.

Judy says in the mid 1800s, plant-based color for dyeing textiles and fashion disappeared due to the discovery of low-cost chemical dyes. Gentle dye colors can be derived from plants, and this locally sourced dye material can provide an abundance of natural color. Today natural dyes are being revived due to environmental concerns.

Judy says there are local materials that are easy to get color from and you can learn how the magic happens by attending one of her classes. Classes are being held the four Saturdays in March from 1-4PM. Cost is $21 for members and $27 for nonmembers per class.

The schedule is listed below:

  • March 4: Dyeing with avocado pits and skins, dyes pink to tan. Save your clean and dried pits.
  • March 11: Dyeing with onion skins, dyes yellow. Save your onion skins.
  • March 18: Dyeing with pomegranate, dyes yellow to green. Save your dried skins.
  • March 25: Dyeing with rhubarb root, dyes a golden yellow, usually. Judy will share some of hers.

Each student will dye a scarf and samples. Judy will provide the sample material and one scarf. Supply fee is $20 per student per class.

I'm looking forward to learning more at 9:30AM on KDHL 920 AM and worldwide at www.kdhlradio.com or you can always download the free RadioPup app and listen on your favorite mobile device.

If you can't tune in this morning, go to www.youtube.com/user/KDHLRadio and watch the program at a more convenient time for you.

Natural Dye Sources- photo provided by Judy Saye-Willis
Natural Dye Sources- photo provided by Judy Saye-Willis
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