Natural Dye Techniques

Local dyer Ashley Thayer will provide an overview of natural dye techniques. We will cover the basic processes of dyeing with demonstrations of two of the most interesting dyestuffs native to Oaxaca: cochineal and indigo (añil). Thayer is a self-taught dyer and uses techniques and materials from all over the world as well as local ones, as dyers have done for centuries. In Los Angeles, she forages her own dyestuff, including cochineal (bugs found on prickly pear cacti used to make a brilliant red dye), and is honored to share knowledge about these practices that may not otherwise be available to a wider audience.