The Charleston Museum is offering a variety of workshops this fall. Click on the title of each for ticket information.
Indigo Dyeing Workshop
September 18, 2021
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Join local artist Kristy Bishop as she leads an introductory workshop on dyeing with indigo at the Dill Sanctuary! Participants will have the chance to learn about the history of this dye plant as it pertains to South Carolina, the chemistry of a vat, and dye fabric using shibori tie-dye methods. Kristy will focus on itajime (folding and clamped resist), kumo (bound resist), and Nui (stitched resist). These three techniques all yield unique and beautiful patterns. Attendees will be able to sample these methods on 12” x 12” cotton squares. Once comfortable they will be able to dye a 24” x 24” cotton fabric and an 11” x 60” crepe de chine silk scarf. In addition, participants are encouraged to bring personal items to dye such as a garment, yarn, or even colored fabric to over-dye.
All materials, instruction and admission to the Dill Sanctuary will be provided in this workshop. Reservations, social distancing and masks when in close proximity required.
$120 Museum Members | $150 Non-Members
Register online or call 843.722.2996 ext. 224
Sweetgrass Basket Weaving Workshop
Saturday, October 2
9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Join local artisan Sarah Edwards-Hammond for in-depth instruction on sweetgrass basketry which has been an integral part of the Lowcountry’s Gullah Geechee community since the 17th century. Edwards-Hammond comes from a long line of basket makers and has passed down the tradition to her family and others in the community. Edwards-Hammond will share a brief history on the artisanal craft of basket making. Participants will then spend the remainder of the class making their own basket guided by Edwards-Hammond. Come learn about an extraordinary craft that has been a staple of culture, art, and history in Charleston for centuries. All materials and instruction will be provided.
Reservations and masks required.
$75 Museum Members | $105 Non-Members
Register online or call 843.722.2996 ext. 224
Intro to Natural Dyeing Workshop
Saturday, October 16
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Charleston fiber artist, Kristy Bishop will lead workshop participants through the exciting world of natural dyes. We are surrounded by plants that may seem ordinary, but with some knowledge they can yield the richest and most beautiful colors. Whether its onion skins or annatto seeds from the local grocer, goldenrod picked from a roadside, or a more exotic dyes such as indigo, cochineal or madder root that have been cultivated and traded worldwide, participants will learn how to extract color that is lightfast, permanent, and brilliant!
Participants will dye fabric samples of linen, silk, cotton gauze, and wool yarn and record results on dye recipe cards. We’ll learn about the fundamentals of dyeing using mordants and afterbaths and how these variables can alter the color of the dyed fabric. Participants will be able to dye a silk/wool blend 11” x 60” scarf after experimenting with their recipe fabric samples.
All materials, instruction and admission to the Dill Sanctuary will be provided in this workshop. Reservations, social distancing and masks when in close proximity required.
$120 Museum Members | $150 Non-Members
Register online or call 843.722.2996 ext. 224
Punch Needle Workshop
Saturday, October 23
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Learn the art of punch needle with local artist Daisy McClellan. While this traditional embroidery technique has been around for centuries, it has recently come back in a big and modern way in the crafting community.
McClellan will teach you everything you need to know to get started with this meditative and relaxing craft. Beginners are welcome – no experience is required. Participants will learn about the best supplies to get started, how to thread a punch needle, stretch a frame, draw your own design to fabric, how to punch, as well as tips and tricks for turning your piece into a wall hanging, pillow, purse, trivet, and more.
This class includes the below materials needed during the workshop and are yours to take home with you:
- #10 Regular Oxford Punch Needle
- 5oz of premium wool rug yarn (in 5 different 1 ounce colors)
- Monk’s Cloth Backing Fabric
- 9 inch Morgan Non Slip Hoop
- Metal Snips
- Water Soluble Marker
- A guide to get you started on your punch needle journey
All materials, instruction and admission to The Charleston Museum will be provided in this workshop. Reservations and masks required.
$150 Museum Members | $180 Non-Members
Register online or call 843.722.2996 ext. 224
-Submitted by The Charleston Museum