Expanding to 10 workshops this season, there will be something for everyone. We're especially excited to offer a wider range of dyeing workshops using natural, acid and fibre-reactive dyes. All classes are still one or two days and held at our Markham location on Saturdays and/or Sunday between 10-4. Free shuttle pick up and drop off at the Toronto store can be arranged for those who don't drive. Most materials are included (no extra kit fees). Prepayment is required and we recommend enrolling at least a month in advance to ensure a spot. Please call our Toronto store for registration.

Silk Painting Dates: Jan 19, March 16, May 11

This course covers all the basics with silk painting. We learn about setting up your painting area, the dyes, the 'new' paints, the resist/gutta and the types of silk. The techniques covered are salt, resist/gutta, free form and blending. The price includes all materials and students will finish the day completing multiple pieces and the most importantly the confidence to explore Silk Painting even more. Price is $48.15

Silk Painting: Colour Blending w/ Jan Pierson Dates: Feb 9, June 1

This course is a little different from past silk painting workshops. This course will explore various techniques of colour blending; wet on wet, wet on dry, soft edges, hard edges, dry brushing and layering. Students will work on larger pieces of fabric and will experience a more free way to paint without resist or gutta. Jan Pierson has been painting and selling her work for 18 years. She's self taught herself but also has studied under Jan Jannas, Susan Moyer and Rita Lange. Students need to bring a blow dyer to class. Price is $80.25

Marbling Date: Jan 26

With the recent release of Creative Marbling, there has been a mini revival in this ancient art form. This class appeals to absolute beginners and seasoned marblers. Marbling is messy so what better way to enjoy this than at our place. Students will finish many samples along with a silk scarf. Price is $58.85 - Opportunities to use our tray to marble larger pieces of fabric is also available for nominal charges (fabric costs).

Kaleidoscope Session Dates: March 9-10

Our most popular class the last 2 season, this two day course allows everyone to experience all our usual techniques in a condensed but thorough lesson. We shall be covering, silk painting, marbling, screen printing and dyeing fabrics. We shall hold two sessions. One in mid March and the other in May. Both are on a Saturday and Sunday. There is some prep work before the workshop (please enquire). The course will be $187.25 and will include all materials.

Dyeing & Painting Fabrics for Quilting Dates: April 27

Hands on dyeing painting course for quilters. Learn the proper use of dyes for all types of fabrics; washes, blends, solid colors, gradations, and low water immersion dyeing to create one-of-a-kind patterns on fabrics. In the afternoon we learn to use Setacolor Fabric Paints to create mosaic sky effects by painting, sponging and spritzing. Students will complete a multiple gradations and 'sky dye' fabrics on high quality cotton (about 5-6 yds of cotton in total). Price is $101.65

Screen Printing Date: Feb 23

A one day workshop that will take you through the process of printing t-shirts. At the end of the workshop, students finish printing an original design and will know enough to be able to start their own t-shirt printing business or apply techniques learned to printing yard goods. We cover many stencil preparation techniques (manual, photocopy and computer). There is some prep work before the workshop (please enquire). Price is $107

Textile 101 Date: June 8-9

This will be a comprehensive two-day dyeing and fabric design course taught by Erin Hickey and myself. Combining each of our technical and creative experience, we'll cover a wide range of topics using dyes and paints. Students will come away with yards of fabrics; immersion dyeing, colour mixing, working with different fabrics, spraying, painting, sun printing, dip dyeing, batch dyeing, discharging and illuminating, cold batik technique, arashi shibori. Price is $208.65 with all materials included.

Shibori Dyeing Date: Feb 17 (Sunday)

An exploration into the ancient art of Japanese 'tie-dye'. Specific techniques shown will be arashi (pole binding), stitching, knotting, pleating and texturing. We shall be using a combination of Procion H/MX and natural dyes (indigo primarily). Be prepared for a lot of patient work that will reward with extremely unique and one of a kind fabrics. Price is $101.65

Pigment Painting w/ Pam Woodward Dates: April 13

We shall teach the basics of mixing textile pigments and use it as a painting medium, both thick and watered down. Also painting, stencilling, mono printing and sponging. Students will finish a few samples along with a T-shirt or a canvas carry bag. Price is $80.25

Natural Dyes Date: April 6

With the arrival of our new line of e-color natural dyes (see cover article), this will be a day long exploration on using, mixing and dyeing a wide range of fabrics using these amazing natural dye concentrates. We shall complete many samples using all 5 colours in the line (cutch, madder, osage, cochineal and indigo). Price is $101.65