In this class we will dye an oversized button up shirt and jeans with madder root then cut & stitch them to fit.

I will be working with a classic unisex combo of vintage white levi jeans with a button up fly and thick twill fabric as well as an oversized button up shirt, 100% cotton and sourced on Ebay for under 25$ each. For your own project, you are welcome to use whatever clothing is available to you as it can be applied to a wide range of plant fiber garments!

The natural dye material in our class, Madder Root, creates muted reds, terracotta orange and even subtle purple hues. You may use any other natural dye material you’ve collected. I've chosen madder root because I’ve been growing it in my garden and it's a regenerative dye source. It is ready to harvest every 3 years and grows like a weed! The preparation of these garments works well with a variety of dye materials such as: onion skins, marigolds, avocado pits, roses, black tea, goldenrod, brazil wood and more. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the materials for this class.

Supplies you will need to complete the project

Natural Fiber Garments (light colors work best)
Hot Plate, Tongs, Pot
Water
Unscented Soap
Dyeing Materials: (Visit Botanical Colors for supplies *use code Hanoux10 )
- Madder Root (Or another natural dye plant of your choice)
- Alum Mordant
- Tannin (6 Avocado pits or tannin powder)
- Optional:
- Citric Acid or Lemons
- Washing Soda (Soda Ash)
Needle and thread OR Sewing machine
Scissors
Tape Measure or Ruler
Pencil

I encourage you to see this project as an example to develop your own unique upcycling style and color palette. Also, please share your final product in the project gallery for this class!

Tracey Armstrong

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