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AUGUST 10-16, 2026 WILDACRES - WEEK 1
KATE MCCOMAS - NATURAL DYEING
Class Name: Natural Dyeing
Class Description:
People have always loved wearing different colors, before the mid 1800’s, all dyes were natural dyes. Over the centuries, dyers have experimented with different materials that can be used to dye cotton, linen, silk, and wool. Colorfast dye materials were hard to find and treasured.
We will explore different dye materials and fibers. Students will dye silk scarves, antique linens, wool, and cotton swatches. All mordants and dye materials used in this class are non-toxic and earth friendly.
This is a beginner friendly class. Handouts will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring small amounts of wool yarn and a clean cotton tee shirt.
Day one:
Yellow!
Many plant dyes make various shades of yellow.
Day two:
Red!
Historic dyes, such as cochineal and madder roots produce a range of colors from orange to red to purple.
Day Three:
Blue!
Indigo
Day Four:
Gray, brown, and black
We will use iron oxide, walnut hulls, and acorns to sadden or darken other dyed colors.
Day Five:
Intro to Shibori and fold dyeing.
Class Fee: $299
Estimated Materials Cost: All dye materials, silk scarves, and linens included
Prerequisites: None
Bio:
Kate McComas
Kate McComas has been practicing fiber arts since her teens, beginning with making her first quilt on a treadle sewing machine. She earned a master’s degree in art with a specialization in weaving at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. She has taught at Marshall University, Tamarack, the Clay Center in Charleston, WV, the Huntington Museum of Art, and Cedar Lakes Conference Center. Her quilted clothing designs were featured in Southern Living Magazine.
McComas has worked with various arts organizations across West Virginia: the West Virginia on the Arts; MountainMade Foundation; the Clay Center; the Huntington Museum of Art; the Heritage Farm & Museum; and most recently she taught hand spinning at the Governor’s Honors Academy at Marshall University.
Today, she continues to make work and share her love of all fiber arts through teaching and selling original work at Tamarack in Beckley, West Virginia.
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