Textiles: sustainable bundle dyeing
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: VX260
- Dates: 24/02/25 - 03/03/25
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Renata Minoldo
Course Code: VX260
Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
In this course, we will explore a variety of bundle dyeing techniques, discovering colour and pattern possibilities on natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, bamboo, linen and wool. We will craft unexpected prints and patterns while exploring botanical pigments. This dyeing technique requires very little water compared to others, which makes it truly sustainable. Due to the nature of these techniques, the results may be unpredictable.You might achieve a blurry, colorful repetitive design or an abstract color field.
Regardless of the outcome, each sample will be beautiful and unique. Additionally, we will discuss and learn how to properly prepare different types of textiles for botanical dyeing, how to preserve our dyed fabrics and how to shift colours after dyeing. There will be time for experimentation and for addressing any questions about natural dyeing you might have.
What will we cover?
- How to prepare animal and plant fibers for best colour intake and preservation (scouring and
mordanting)
- Cold and Hot Bundle dyeing Techniques
- Dyeing with blankets, for an extra layer of colour
- Bundle Dyeing + Flower Printing
- Colour Modifiers.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Dye your own bundles at home using local plants and flowers, dye extracts and food waste.
- Start a reference book with notes on techniques and dye recipes
- Learn how to identify common local and seasonal plants you can use to bundle dye
- Employ these techniques to bundle dye your own clothes and homeware, such as t shirts, scarves, socks and cushion covers.
- Identify natural textiles, preparing them correctly for the best colour intake and preservation.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is a great way to start your natural dyeing journey, so beginners in any creative field are very welcome. However, it will also suit any intermediate or advanced student who would like to deepen their knowledge, experiment further, combine a variety of natural dyeing methods and/or get the opportunity to use our amazing studio while working in a friendly, fun, exciting and relaxed environment.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
With visual presentations, practical demonstrations, handouts, group discussions and individual feedback.
There will be key book recommendations as well as opportunities to look and discuss many samples in a variety of textiles and the opportunity to start your own natural dyeing reference book.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
It is recommended that you bring a notebook or a sketchbook to document your experiments. For the first class, you are welcome to bring up to 2 small pieces of natural fabrics or clothing items to bundle dye (anything that weighs less than 150grs each, and has at least 80% cotton, silk, bamboo, wool or linen).
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit runs textile courses throughout the year, for beginners wanting to try things out, to professional practicioners who wish to complement their skills set.
Please browse the website for upcoming courses.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00.
Renata Minoldo is an artist and educator exploring the physical and emotional body through textiles, sculpture and experiences with people. She has academic training in Textiles and Visual Arts and hands on experience in the Textile Industry working in London, New York and Buenos Aires. She is interested in alternative ways to approaching art education, aiming to stimulate an intuitive learning and focusing on the individual processes and needs. She works with a wide variety of people, from children in galleries and primary schools to teenagers and older adults in community centres, charities and public spaces. Her work has been awarded with residencies internationally. https://www.renataminoldo.com/
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.