Nancy Roberts
928 Santa Fe Ave.
Albany, CA 94706
510-559-9473
Email: Nancyroberts@machineknittingtodyefor.com
Website: www.machineknittingtodyefor.com
Two or Three-day Workshop Proposal: Machine Knitting to Dye For
Students will learn how to operate a basic knitting machine to produce yardage for dyeing. Dyeing in the fabric, unlike dyeing a skein, produces a self-striping yarn with long repeats of color. These specially dyed yarns have infinite textile applications, including weaving, knitting, crocheting, and making boiled wool. Students will have the opportunity to machine knit and dye yarn for several projects, e.g., a woven scarf, knitted socks, knitted hat, or a felted bag. No prior experience is necessary.
Maximum class size: 12 (can be split into 2 sessions, i.e. 6 in the morning and 6 in the afternoon)
Materials Fee: depends on number of days, but will include cost of dyes, some dyeing supplies, and coned yarn
Student supply list
Waterproof bib style apron
Old clothes to wear for dyeing
Calculator
Scissors
Optional
Knitting machine, if it is in good working order and student knows how to knit stockinette fabric with it. Knitting machines will be provided in class with option to purchase at end of class.
Equipment and facility needs
One conference style table for each student. Minimum size: 24" long by 12" wide and not taller than 29" high (Must be able to clamp knitting machines to tables. Clamps will fit on a 1-½" (or less) deep (or thick) table top). Eight to ten larger tables for display and dyeing.
One chair for each student and one for instructor
Sink or water access
Two electrical outlets
White board or other device to write on
Laptop and Powerpoint projector (for 3-day workshop)
Teacher Fee: $450/day
One Day Workshop: Dyeing Machine
Knitted Fabric for Knitters and Weavers
Students will learn to dye pre-knitted “blanks” of wool or silk for several projects. Knitters can dye wool blanks to re-knit into Fair Isle hats, felted bags or self-stripping socks. Weavers can dye silk blanks for woven scarves. By dyeing blanks rather than 2- and 3-yard skeins, knitters and weavers can produce a continuous strand of yarn with subtle or bold color transitions in repeats of any length.
Required level of student expertise: Beginner
Maximum class size: 24
Materials fee: Approx $15 for dyes and dyeing supplies, plus cost of blanks: $16.00 for two sock or two hat blanks; $24 for two felted bag blanks and $28 for one silk scarf blank
Student supply list
Bib style apron
Old clothes to wear for dyeing
Calculator
Equipment and facility needs
conference tables for dyeing
One chair for each student and one for instructor
Sink or water access
Two electrical outlets
White board or other device to write on
Teacher Fee: $450/day
90-Minute PowerPoint presentation: Machine Knitting to Dye For
Nancy Roberts uses a knitting machine as a tool for multicolor dyeing. By dyeing knitted fabric, rather than dyeing a skein, she produces yarns with longer repeats of color and subtle color gradations. She uses her yarns in knitting, weaving, felting, and making boiled wool. Nancy will show you both her innovative process and the results.
Maximum Class Size: No limit
No materials fee
Teacher’s Fee: $150.00