I will discover the dyes

For participation, prior knowledge in the fields of textiles and dyeing is desirable. Applications are being collected via the form at the link, in which we ask you to provide your previous experience in the field of dyeing and your motivation for participating in the workshop. Applications are open until April 21, 2025. The mentors from the Textile and Green Lab will select ten participants by April 28, 2025. The cost of the 5-month workshop is 50 €/person. Selected participants will pay the amount at the first meeting of the workshop in the Made in Rog store.

Join us for the workshop where we will explore natural dyes on textiles in the Green and Textile Lab.

We invite all those interested in alternatives to synthetic textile dyeing who have already conducted some of their own research and have prior knowledge that we will exchange in a group of ten participants, building upon it with systematic and empirical research. The goal of the workshop is to explore natural dyes with which we can dye various natural fibers as intensely as possible, and from the dyed textiles, we will create visually interesting and attractive clothing.

In our surroundings, we can find numerous sources of pigments or dyes that we can use to dye clothing right in our own homes if we have the appropriate knowledge and skills. We will explore the limits when we, as conscious end-users, must accept certain compromises (some colors are harder or unreachable, some are less durable), but this does not mean that the final products are unaesthetic or unappealing. We know that with some non-local ingredients, like turmeric, we can achieve more intense color saturation on textiles than with other local ingredients. We will take this as a challenge and, through empirical experiments as part of the workshop, try to isolate as many non-local ingredients as possible or attempt to cultivate them when possible. We will weigh how much we need to insist on using local ingredients and when their use becomes more wasteful or unreasonable.

Special attention will also be given to how to naturally fix and prolong the durability of dyes by researching natural mordant baths.

The workshop’s work process will stem from the vision of the final product: An evening cloak or dress, richly connected with motifs of flowers and greenery that we used for dyeing the textiles.

In addition to the clothing, we will collect the results of the workshop and the knowledge gained in a booklet, which will be freely available. The color charts, recipes, and samples will be part of the material library of the Textile Lab and will be accessible to all users of Center Rog.

The first part of the workshop, which focuses on researching natural dyes and mordant baths, will take place in the Green Lab with a mentor from the Green Lab. The second part, focusing on pattern making, sewing, and embellishing the final product, will take place in the Textile Lab with a mentor from the Textile Lab.

Meeting Dates:

Every Monday until the end of June (first half of the workshop, in the Green Lab; later dates by agreement):

• Monday, May 5, 2025, from 17:00 to 20:00
  
• Monday, May 12, 2025, from 17:00 to 20:00
  
• Monday, May 19, 2025, from 17:00 to 20:00
  
• Monday, May 26, 2025, from 17:00 to 20:00
  
• Monday, June 2, 2025, from 17:00 to 20:00
  
• Monday, June 9, 2025, from 17:00 to 20:00
  
• Monday, June 16, 2025, from 17:00 to 20:00
  
• Monday, June 23, 2025, from 17:00 to 20:00
  

From June onward, by agreement with the workshop participants. The workshop will move to the Textile Lab after successful dyeing in the Green Lab, where we will start creating the clothing. The final deadline for completing the clothing is September 30, 2025.

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The gathering of participants is 15 minutes before the agreed time in the entrance hall of Center Rog. Please store your personal belongings in the lockers, which the mentor will show you. Please do not be late for the program as it will disrupt the working process. In the event of a delay, unfortunately, we cannot guarantee entry to the lab.

The program will be conducted in Slovene, unless otherwise stated.

In case of cancellation, we will notify you two days before the planned start.

If you are unable to attend the program, we do not refund the participation fee, nor is it possible to change the date. You can transfer your participation to another person, but please inform us at least 24 hours before the start of the program at the email address: tekstil@center-rog.si or zeleni@center-rog.si

We look forward to your company and creating together.