Dye Like a Viking

Learn how the Vikings added color to their life through vibrant textiles in this historically-grounded natural dye class.

The Nordic region has a long tradition of using natural dyes to add color to knitwear, woven cloth, and thread for embroidery and woven bands. Join Duluthian Theresa Hornstein to explore the beautiful colors that can be coaxed from the flowers, leaves, roots, and even the lichen and fungi common to our northern landscapes in both the Midwest and Scandinavia. Students will receive seven 25 yard skeins of yarn to dye in the colors of their choice (enough for a few small projects), and will learn how to prepare dye baths, mordant fibers, modify colors, and even identify common dye plants that might already be in your backyard.

Discussions in this intro-level class will also touch on ethical harvesting, dye methods, a history of natural dyes, and the special Scandinavian techniques of using lichens for dye baths.

A $25 materials fee payable to the instructor is due during class. Suitable for ages 16+ or 14–15 registered alongside an adult.