Create a custom dyed textile using sunlight and plant-based solar dyeing techniques—perfect for a handmade Mother’s Day gift or shared experience.

In this hands-on workshop, participants will dye a fabric item using light and botanicals, learning a simple process that can be repeated at home. This class is open to kids, adults, and families and is especially well suited for a parent/child activity or creating a thoughtful, handmade Mother’s Day gift.

Students will need to bring:

• One fabric item, no larger than 20 × 20 inches
  • Fabric made primarily from natural fibers (cotton, linen, silk, hemp, or bamboo/rayon absorb color best).
    EXAMPLES: Cotton or linen handkerchiefs, dish towels or tea towels (single or matching set), cotton or linen napkins, socks (at least 50% natural fiber), a lightweight cotton or linen shirt panel, pocket, or section
• Leaves, flowers, botanicals or other interesting shapes (optional)
• A container to transport your damp, freshly dyed fabric home

Ticket price includes:

• Instruction and guidance on solar dye techniques
• Dye for one fabric item
• Use of UV lights for nighttime curing

Registration

Reserve your space using the ‘Register Online’ button above. Because of the hands-on nature of this event, space is limited. Ages 7+ are welcome to attend.

NOTE: A minimum of 6 students is needed to run this class.

About the Instructor

Carin Sauerwein is a Philadelphia-based master dyer and the owner of Dye on the Side, with over 25 years of experience working with natural and fiber-reactive dyes. Her client list includes Airbnb, Apple Inc., Facebook HQ, Athleta, and other organizations seeking accessible, sustainability-focused creative workshops.

After becoming a parent during the pandemic, Carin turned to nature-based dyeing as a grounding practice during a period of intense stress and anxiety. Teaching others how to create with light, plants, and care has become a meaningful way for her to build connection and share tools for creative calm.