fiberhart

To Dye in Colorado!

I am home now- still tired, but feeling great after a wonderful two days in Grand Junction. I'm pleased with the results of my first teaching gig- we did lots of exercises to teach color runs, dyeing neutrals, and value gradations. The class was full of quick learners- some had dyed before, others had limited experience.

I learned that the prep work is as important as the class time. My work ahead of time paid off- other than trying to get the dyes mixed first thing that morning, I rarely felt stressed. And I was thrilled to get good feedback, with some excellent suggestions for making the next class even better.

The venue was great- a large room in the Goodwill building. We had to cover the carpet, but it had easy access to hot water, and it was roomy enough that everyone had their own table. Good thing, because everyone walked out with between thirty and forty small containers of fabric. A couple of people started their washout before I left yesterday- yes, I was very happy to hear that the colors were good. (My first nightmare was running out of dye powder, my second was having all the fabrics turn out pale and dulled!)

I did manage to get a couple of pictures of the class in the afternoon. They were a busy group!



Only one accident- here's Susan, who was also my wonderful hostess, after one of the dye container lids decided to come off while she was pouring.



Fortunately, it all came off with Reduran that evening! And, I am rethinking what I use for dye containers when I need larger amounts.

It was just a great day- lots of color, good camaraderie, and we even finished earlier than I was expecting. Everyone helped clean up the room and the kitchen- it just felt like it went off with very few issues. And I loved teaching it!

I was also thrilled to sell some of my fabric. I took parts of my stash to show colors, not with the intent of selling- but a couple people asked, so I sold! Next time, I'll be more prepared for that possibility.

I know some of the people in the workshop took pictures, including ones with me- I'd love to have some of those! And, I hope students post pictures of the fabrics they dyed!