At Ecology of Color 
10564 Ditch LN
Rockvale, TN 37153
 
July 12th, 2026
9:00 am - 8:00 pm
You are welcome to arrive and depart at any time within this window. 
 
Open Studio: Botanical & Indigo Dye Lab
Perfect for immersion dyeing with botanicals, eco printing, bundle dyeing, and indigo work, this session is designed for intermediate and advanced natural dyers who want focused studio time to work on personal projects.
 
All materials need to be scoured and mordanted prior to arrival. I’ll begin the day with a brief orientation and will be on-site throughout to answer questions, but there is no formal instruction. Participation is limited to four dyers to ensure ample access to equipment and space.
 
What can I bring?
You’re welcome to bring fabric yardage, finished garments, yarn, unspun wool, ribbons, wood beads, and just about anything else you can think of. Natural fibers work best — both protein fibers (wool, silk, alpaca) and cellulose fibers (cotton, linen, hemp) are welcome.
 
How much can I bring?
This depends on your process and overall goals. Eco printing can accommodate larger yardage with minimal dye, while immersion dyeing requires more space and resources. As a general guideline, plan for several yards of fabric — or the equivalent in yarn or fiber. If you have a specific project in mind, please reach out in advance to ensure we can comfortably support your goals within the studio setup.
 
A few project examples that could easily be achieved: 
Dyeing yarn for a sweater or two
Dyeing 5-6 yards of fabric for a quilt
Ecoprinting & bundle dyeing silk scarves to gift to your entire family
 
Studio Access Includes:
Four extra-large dye pots, burners, and propane (botanical dye baths for the extra-large pots will be prepared in advance and typically include yellow, orange, red, and brown)
Three Induction burners and stovetop pots for smaller dye projects utilizing botanicals of your choice from the garden
Indigo vats, 30-50 gallon capacity (ferrous and fructose/organic)
Vinegar rinse for neutralizing indigo
Iron bath for color modification or eco print preparation
Steamer and dowels for eco printing and bundle dyeing
Tannin soak for eco print blankets
Garden access for harvesting botanicals for eco prints, bundle dyes, and small-batch dyeing
Basic dye tools (labels, string, ikat tape, tongs, gloves, scales)
Basic dye reagents (ammonia, vinegar, stronger acids, ferrous sulfate, tannin, etc.)
 
What's Growing?
I cannot guarantee that all of these will be in bloom and available for use on the day of the workshop, but there will be plenty to choose from! I can send an updated list the week prior to help you plan your day. 
 
Coreopsis
Cosmos
Yarrow
Marigolds
Horseweed
Sneezeweed
Black Walnut
Apple & Crab Apple Leaf
Calendula
Rudbeckia
Black Hollyhock
Black Knight Scabiosa
Japanese Indigo
Indigofera tinctoria 
Tansy
Safflower 
Cornflower
Dyer's chamomile 
Dhalia
Calendula
Nettle
Weld
Goldenrod
Leaves from a variety of native and garden-grown botanicals, which are suitable for eco printing
and more!
 
Not Included:
Fiber or fabric to dye
Mordants or tannins for immersion dyeing (these steps should be done ahead of time)
Dedicated teaching time (working knowledge of natural dye processes is required)
 
This is a rare opportunity for uninterrupted making time in a fully equipped natural dye studio — bring your materials and dive deep into color.
 
Our facilities include an air-conditioned classroom, bathroom, and abundant outdoor work spaces. Please dress comfortably for both indoor and outdoor climates, as well as an afternoon of standing, sitting, and brief walking. 
 
Coffee, tea, & treats will be served. We have a refrigerator and a microwave available for you to store and heat food. 
 
Cancelation Policy
If you need to withdraw from a workshop, a refund will be issued, minus transaction fees, provided that notice is given at least 4 weeks before the workshop date. If shorter notice is given, we will issue a refund if we can fill your spot. You may transfer your enrollment to a friend at any time.