Diary of Color / 2023
engage. reflect. make.
In early Spring 2023 we launched a collaborative, creative, community-oriented practice titled Diary of Color.
Following on from our popular Slow and Local Clothing Project, we continued the work of engaging our hands and minds in a discovery of the color, fiber, and people of our bioregion. The project included a virtual workshopping session, a resource guide, and opportunities for learning and gathering.
Makers were invited to participate in a guided, three-month project to naturally dye local fiber from foraged materials and kitchen scraps.
THE DETAILS
We’ve created a kit of mini skeins from local producers. You may purchase our kit, or gather your own fiber. We’ll develop a familiarity with our local fiber, develop a personal dyeing method, learn some best practices for recording our dyeing efforts, and embrace experimentation.
The Diary of Color is appropriate for all skill levels. Each of us can meet the material and techniques wherever we are in our respective practices. We’ll provide the material, resources, and guidance. You’ll provide your time and spirit of adventure.
The goals of this project are to
Celebrate and economically support producers in our fibershed
Develop natural dye skills and embrace a spirit of experimentation
Develop a new awareness of and connection to our own local environments
Connect folks to each other through monthly cohort meetings where we can share projects, progress, questions, and connections
Create a collection of personal stories and a body of work that will provide a glimpse of our particular region
THE GOLDEN RULES
You live, work, or have an affinity to the Southern California Fibershed or Inland Empire Fibershed, which is all of the land south of San Luis Obispo to the Mexican border, from the Pacific Ocean to the Arizona border.
You may use our Diary of Color mini skein kit, or gather your own fibers. If you gather your own fiber, please source from your local bioregion. Our producers can be found here. >>. You may also source from any local bioregion. (Please consider this range of options an invitation to meet us where you are. Whether that’s supporting the So Cal Fibershed, supporting your fibershed, or some mash-up of what works for you now, please jump in!)
We encourage you to be creative with your dyeing and to practice responsible, respectful foraging from within your local environment. Dyestuffs can be virtually anything: fallen leaves, tree trimmings, collected flowers, rusting detritus, kitchen scraps. We will seek out the hidden colors all around us.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The Diary of Color kit (optional)
A Baker’s Dozen of 10g mini skeins, ready to dye*
Suri alpaca (cream) from Windy Hill Alpaca
Llama/wool blend (cream, single and two-ply) from Rancho Borrego Negro
Llama/wool blend (oatmeal) from Rancho Borrego Negro
Llama/wool blend (tan) from Rancho Borrego Negro
Rambouillet cross wool (cream) from Cuyuma Lamb
A blank journal for recording natural dye processes
13 skein tags to record dyeing notes
*Note: all mini skeins have been scoured and mordanted with alum
Resources & Workshop & Meet-ups
An online resource of natural dye tutorials and books
A list of recommended projects, aka Things You Can Do With Your Naturally Dyed Mini Skeins
Launch gathering on Zoom, March 8, at 7 p.m. (will be recorded)
Natural Dye Working Group, online, Saturday, March 11 at 3pm. Special guest Samorn Saxinay @samorn_saxinay
We’ll do some Q&A, then she’ll lead us through a demo
Additional Zoom Meet-ups, Tuesday, April 4, and Wednesday, May 3, both at 7 pm
Option to pick up your fiber kit in person on Feb 25, 2023 at the Sympoeisis: making with exhibit in Los Angeles (Mar Vista) or have it mailed to you. You may also use your own stash, and join us for the programming only.
Looking forward to seeing you and dyeing with you!