Kristine Vejar – Workshop 2: Introduction to Natural Dyeing Yarn

Introduction to Natural Dyeing Yarn

Learn how to use roots, leaves, bark, and even an insect (cochineal) to create a full spectrum of beautiful colors. Using her book The Modern Natural Dyer as reference, Kristine will teach you the process of natural dyeing and how to create long-lasting color. The natural dyeing process is similar to cooking. By understanding the ingredients, and learning a few techniques, there are hundreds, even thousands of ways to create color and colors to create. The possibilities make it an endlessly inspiring process to study and practice.

In this class, you will create a series of dyebaths from grown and gathered plants as well as from highly concentrated powders derived from plants called natural dyeing extracts. You will leave this class with a series of dyed samples of yarn and a practical foundation to starting your own natural dyeing practice. This class will focus on protein-based fibers such as wool, alpaca, silk, and cashmere.

You will learn:
• The vocabulary associated with natural dyeing
• Helpful tools to have during the natural dyeing process
• The difference between fiber types
• How these differences play a role in the natural dyeing process
• How to create lightfast and colorfast naturally dyed fabric and yarn
• How to prepare the yarn for dyeing: labeling, scouring, and mordanting
• Which natural dyes create the most long-lasting color
• Intricacies of the different dyes
• The spectrum of color created using natural dyeing extracts
• How to use natural dyeing extracts
• Planning projects
• Understanding your results
• Washing and caring for your naturally dyed goods

The Modern Natural Dyer is recommended as a reference resource.

Format: Lecture and demonstration, with some hands-on learning as students help whenever possible (mixing dye, adding yarn to pots, rinsing yarn).

Length of class: 2 hours

Level of experience: Beginner

Homework: None

Materials and supplies needed for class:

Your class enrollment includes:
• Yarn prepared for dyeing
• Tools and materials to complete the dyeing process

There is an additional Materials Fee (see below) payable at the class. The Modern Natural Dyer is recommended as a reference resource.

Class Size: 30 maximum

Cost:

• Class Fee: $40 for members (payable to the Guild; paid 2025 Guild membership required at time of registration)
• Materials Fee: $18 (payable to Kristine Vejar at class)

How to Register: 

Complete the Kristine Vejar Workshop Sign Up Form by April 14, 2025!

If space is available, you will receive a confirmation email from Programs which will include your workshop ID and payment instructions. Please note this is not automated – it may take a few days to confirm, so please be patient as your request is processed. If you have questions about your registration, please email Programs@SanDiegoKnitters.com

Or register and pay in-person at a monthly Guild meeting (check or credit card; debit cards not accepted*). All card payments include a small service fee.

* The Square payment device used for in-person payment cannot accept debit cards that require PIN entry. If your debit card does not require a PIN, you may be able to use it (for a small fee) – but we cannot guarantee debit card acceptance for in-person payments.

Reminder: Checks must be made payable to San Diego North Coast Knitters Guild (payee name must be written out in full.) Please write name and date of the workshop on your check.

Cancellation policy: Because materials are being prepared for this workshop, you will need to notify us by April 14 if you wish to cancel your workshop registration. Refund of the workshop fee requires a cancellation notification by that date.

Location: Encinitas Community Center, Room 118; location details below.

Learn more about the May 6, 2025 Guild Meeting and Kristine’s presentation here.