Intro to Natural Dyes

Introduction to Natural Dyeing in the primary colors

Over the past year, I am most the proud of the launch of my signature course: Intro to Natural Dye: primary. I feel lucky that over 9 months, I was able to test and run it 3 times, with a group of inspiring artists each accomplished in their own rite.

Today, I would like to share some images of student work that came out of last Natural Dye group e-course! In our group course we study the primary colors, how they can be used in combination to create new colors and with overlays. We also experiment with assists and modifiers while taking good notes.

I recommend this course for those who are interested in learning about authentic dye-stuff that has been used since antiquity. Dyes that are known to be lightfast and colorfast. When I started my natural dye journey, as a painter I was simply interested in using natural materials to create color. I have learned a lot since those first experiments with food waste. Ever since creating my first indigo vat, I was hooked on working with those varying shades of blue. 

​I have opened the course 3 times over the past year. With dyers joining us from across the U.S. and even the world. I think that perhaps the best way for me to describe the experience is inspiring and connection. I love to see what other artists, teachers, costumers, and beyond come up with. In fact, this course is not only for designers, but for those who wish to invite creativity and sustainability into their wardrobes and ultimately their life. 

From the left: Indigo Kimono by costumer designer, Stefanie Cryton, Logwood and Osage vintage by Annie Rybak, and Indigo Shibori by guests from my garden workshop. 

We begin the course by learning about how to prepare the materials. How to scour, mordant, and use tannin. Next we dye, using the rind of the pomegranate, which produces rich shades of golden yellow as seen below in the underlay work by Carissa S at left. 

From the left: Indigo Shawl by Carissa S. Indigo vintage top by Jenn Lima, Machined Resist by Rachel Theimann.

3 things that makes this course unique are color, context, & technique. As a painter, I became deeply fascinated with the hues that could be produced by using natural dyes, and I work to produce a color wheel of color so to speak. By starting with the primary colors, a range of secondary colors are possible. 

Join Our ​Dye Group Course now! 

​Next, the course in context of the group and with the large goal of sustainable living. Some thing that has always spoken to me are vintage pieces, home linens, and giving items a new or longer shelf life. This is just one aspect of the sustainable nature of natural dyeing- although there are quite of few more. In these photos, you will notice that many of the pieces are vintage or up cycled work on cotton. Along with the natural fibers themselves being some of the most sustainable. 

From the left: Eco-print & Natural Dye top by Ann Rybak, Pomegranate on gauze & Indigo scarf by Hilary L Hahn. 

Here is what Natural Dyer, Anne Rybak had to say about the 4 week course: “Feeling pretty dang cool and glamorous in my new scarf! Thank you Hilary! I had a Wonderful 4 weeks in your natural dye workshop:) I’m hooked!”

Throughout this course, I weave in knowledge of various binds & Japanese Shibori to help you create original patterns. Lastly, I truly feel that the course will broaden your perspective on fashion, fibers, and open you up to a deeper way of living with natural materials, dye-stuff and your new dyer friends from around the world. We learn so much from each other and the experience on this shared journey. At the moment, I only open this course a handful of times out of the year, so that we can all journey together and make the most of the deep learning experience. As of press time, there are 4 spots left! 

We can't wait for you to join us inside>>>

Dye course is currently OPEN through the end of this week Jan. 18th, 2021