Natural Dye Basics: Blue and Pink

Excited to learn more about natural dyes?

Then join us for Natural Dye Basics Pt.2: Blue and Pink. This class will expand on the concepts from Natural Dye Basics, but beginners are also welcome! We'll use indigo and cochineal to build a color story of blues, pinks and purples.

Each participant may bring 1-2 textiles and will be provided with enough fabric to make samples of all techniques.

Class Duration:

4 week class - meets on Sundays, September 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th from 6:00 - 8:30pm

Instructor: Katelyn Patton

Katelyn Patton is a visual artist working in Chicago who was born and raised in the Midwest. Her practice focuses on the urban ecology and biodiversity of plants in the city and beyond, how materials and color are naturally derived from them, and how this hyper-localized knowledge can be used to connect multiple overlapping histories, stories, and meanings. She has taught workshops on natural local color with the Field Museum, Forest Preserves of Cook Co. and the Chicago Public Library. She has been the Maker-In-Residence at the Harold Washington Library, and received DCASE awards in 2020 and 2025. She received her MFA from the University of Illinois at Chicago where she was awarded the UIC Sustainability Fund to establish the UIC Art Garden, a space for cross-disciplinary explorations with plants and alternative materials.

Experience Level:

This class is geared towards people who have some dye experience, but can be begginer friendly!

What’s Provided:

• WasteShed will provide fabric for dying but participants are welcome to bring natural fibers they would like to dye.
• Paricipants will learn how to properly and successfully use natural dyes
• Participants will walk away with multiple samples of different dye techniques

Getting There/Where to ParK

Humboldt - Free street parking is available on the street outside of The WasteShed, but spots may be limited so please plan accordingly. The Kimball bus stops right outside our doors! Please let us know if you need wheelchair access.

Documentation

Your participation in a WasteShed program constitutes implied consent to be photographed, and for those images to be utilized by The WasteShed for educational, fundraising, and marketing purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let a staff member know and we’ll be happy to respect your wishes.

Refund Policy:

Eventbrite fees cannot be refunded. Ticket cost can be refunded up to 7 days before the event.