interest in fiber/ spinning/ dying workshop?

I dont have anything setup yet but i was hoping to gauge peoples interest. I am hoping to get out to Pauls Lab. I was thinking to start talkin with some people about doing workshops for fiber arts. Dying, spinning, prepping wool/fibers, etc.

I was thinkin it may help draw some people (ahem, ladies, *winkwink*) hahaha.

So post your interest:
Spinning
Fibers and prep
Dying
Other fiber arts (name em c: )

I don't meet your gender desire, but I was also wondering what the marketplace was for people growing the plants that are turned into natural dies. I've been thinking about setting off a piece of our farm for growing these plants and either selling them to dye makers or making powdered dies. But, I'm not sure of the market for this. Any thoughts Kadence or others?

Sacramento Valley Wool Mill

This is a local wool mill I am leading a group on a tour of but I am sure there are others closer, find a copy of one of the higher end kitting magazines and of course google it and see if you can't find local ones to ask. Most are interested as we all are trying to local source more things.

Kadence, this is a wonderful idea...and if you get something going let me know and if you want I would be happy to send out my excess drop spindles and some bits of unspun wool to donate to the classes...and maybe some bodark shavings? probably some other dye stuff too.

Dan Grubbs wrote:I don't meet your gender desire, but I was also wondering what the marketplace was for people growing the plants that are turned into natural dies. I've been thinking about setting off a piece of our farm for growing these plants and either selling them to dye makers or making powdered dies. But, I'm not sure of the market for this. Any thoughts Kadence or others?

I grow or gather any dye stuff that I use but I am noticing that there is beginning to be more and more small scale clothing manufacturers who are using natural dyes and there, I think, is a good possible market. Indigo is being grown more in some areas of the US ...you need to extend the season with a greenhouse though, and I think madder would be a great money maker...it needs three years for the roots to be mature but has always been a reliable red dye and has a wonderful history. I have an excess of bodark chips from my woodworker husband and am in an area where I just give them away. I have found several links by searching for 'natural dyed clothing manufacturers' and just under 'natural dyes'. I think I have some links in my natural dye thread....I'll try to find it and come back with a link.