Weaving in Beauty

Dye master Rose Dedman prepares a dyebath.

If you like to get your hands dirty, play with fire and dig holes, this is the dye class for you. You’ll harvest the plants needed to dye wool in the traditional Navajo way under the direction of Navajo instructor Rose Dedman and we’ll also use non-native colorants such as indigo, madder and cochineal and see how they have been used by Navajo weavers. If possible, we will visit the Crownpoint Rug Auction and local trading posts to see how contemporary weavers are using natural dyes.

Plants used include (but are in no way limited to)

• sage
• cliffrose
• rabbitbrush
• wild carrot
• ground lichen
• black walnut hulls
• Navajo tea

Participants in this class should be physically able and willing to walk short distances, use a shovel, haul water and clean pots.

Upcoming Class Dates

• August 13-16, 2009 (Thursday afternoon-Saturday evening) Six places open
• August 2-4, 2010 (Monday afternoon-Wednesday evening) Eight places open

Tuition is $275, which includes the use of a loom and tools for the week.  Tuition also includes one group meal (pizza night).

Housing Cost: $62 per day single occupancy, $74 per day double. Estimated cost of meals is under $25 per day.

Click here to register for the class.