Level up your spinning or felting by learning exciting new approaches to using color in your work! Students will explore shades of heritage sheep breeds, play with natural and synthetic dyes, and add depth by blending multicolored fibers together. Instructor Riley Kleve will go over the fundamentals of color theory in fiber, which will be your guide as you explore through hands-on practice in class. Learn the tricks that the pros use to mix several colors without getting a muddy gray mess, build a unified color scheme for a project through “stone soup” blending on hand carders or a drum carder, and discover how to mix dyes to match a reference image. Whether you’re an artist excited to try dyes for the first time or a meticulous planner looking to build a comprehensive reference to all things color and fiber, there’s something in this class for you! Students can expect to head home with a pile of colorful fiber for their next project, along with skills to keep exploring in their fiber art practice.

No experience with color or fiber necessary. We’ll set aside some time to play around with sampling color via drop spindles and wet felting, but the bulk of class will focus on dyeing and blending fiber.

Physical ability note: Students should be able to sit or stand for long periods of time. Some hand strength (on par with opening a sealed jar) is needed for some parts of class.

Students ages 16+ may register for this course independently. Youth ages 12+ may register if accompanied by an adult. Adult/child pairs will complete two projects and pay two materials fees. A 25% tuition discount applies to the youth registrant when registering with a full-paying adult; call to register.

Required Tools

• Apron or smock you can get dirty

Optional Tools

• Photos, swatches, or items for color inspiration
• Indoor footwear of your choice to help keep the wintery slush at bay
• Basket, bucket, or bowl to contain your fiber as you work
• Notebook and writing tool of your choice
• Crochet hook or knitting needles