Expand your fabric options by learning how to paint your own elegant designs on plain yardage. Whether you're into stripes or prefer a more splattered approach, Anna Joyce demonstrates several painting techniques. The effects will vary depending on the textile you're using and whether the fabric is wet or dry, but experimenting with the brushstrokes is half the fun. Anna will show you how to hand paint several yards of cotton, silk, and canvas fabric and heat-set the paint so it will be ready to use for anything imaginable, from sewing garments to quilting projects.
 

Learn how to make stunning, one-of-a-kind patterns on cotton fabric using indigo dye. Anna will show you a variety of folding, twisting, tying, and painting techniques to achieve eye-catching prints and patterns. Once your fabric has been dyed, Anna will show you how to sew your printed fabric into stylish envelope pillows. Although indigo dyeing can be done indoors, it’s a perfect way to spend time with friends outdoors on a warm, summer day.

What makes a fabric collection? How do repeats work? Where do you even start? This overview introduces you to the fundamentals of textile design, along with inspiration on how designers kick off a new collection. Hear the stories of each designer featured in the series, and follow along with an eye-opening paper exercise that helps you grasp the concept of a repeating design.

Have you ever wanted to add a gorgeous hand-printed design to an otherwise plain garment? Now is your chance. Textile designer and printmaker Anna Joyce shows you how to paint and print on a silk blouse. Learn how to mix custom paint colors and apply the paint with stamps and paintbrushes to create a layered overall design. Then learn how to heat set your top to make it wearable and cleanable.

Learn how to give old garments a dye-bath makeover with upcycling expert, Marisa Lynch. In this class, she shares a wealth of knowledge about how to dye clothes – whether they’re made from natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a blend of both – all using commercial dyes. The best part of all is the big reveal at the end, where you’ll see the varying degrees of saturation and spectrum of hues that occur when the same dye is used on garments made from various fibers.

Start screen printing with a simple stencil cut from regular tracing paper. In the first class, Hilary explains the basics of screen printing, demonstrating how much ink to use, what the consistency should be, and the right pressure to use when printing. She also shows simple registration techniques (so your print lands in its intended spot), and how to add a second layer of color to your prints. This is an easy way to start printing without any fancy equipment.

Cloth napkins are the perfect size for perfecting the art of dip-dyeing. Kelly Wilkinson shows you tips and techniques to achieve an even, painterly gradation of color without splotches. After this workshop, you'll be dyeing with confidence and looking for more items to pretty up with an ombre effect. In addition to dyeing, you'll also learn how to cut simple stencils to add a pop of color and personal style at your next dinner party.

Using natural plant extracts, learn to dye a beautiful silk scarf with Kristine Vejar. You will learn the ins and outs of working with silk and other protein fibers like wool, including how to prepare fabric for dyeing, and how to create desired colors and shades using natural extracts. Once you understand the basics of the process, you’ll have all the tools you need to experiment with natural dyes and protein fibers.