An Introduction to Peruvian Natural Dyes
Workshop with Nilda Callañaupa at Living Threads
July 12th, 8AM-1PM
Cost: $185
Register HERE

Boiling pots scented with unique, high mountain plants, skeins of wool shifting to delightful, natural colors, master Peruvian artisans guiding the process. This July the ancestral knowledge of the Andes comes to our little studio on Lena Street and 12 students will get to immerse themselves in a day of learning and sharing. 

Join Nilda Callañaupa and Yanet Soto, for this gorgeous, rare opportunity for a hands-on, 5-hour natural dye workshop, where we will work with several ancient Peruvian dyes. Among them are Cochineal, legendary for its variety of red/pink/purple tones, Ch’illka leaves (Baccharis Caespitosa) for a sunny green, the lichen Q'aq'a Sunkha (Usnea Barbarta) for dark oranges, Chaphi stems (Galium Aparine) for a peach color and Qolle flowers (Budleja Coriaceae) for a yellow. Our goal will be 7-8 colores. You will take home a skein of each of these colores. 

Aside from being a dyer and weaver, Nilda Callañaupa is an author, community organizer and leader who has been instrumental in reviving traditional textiles in Peru.  She is also the co-founder and director of the Cuzco Traditional Textile Center which plays a crucial role in elevating Peruvian weaving and contributing to the livelihood of hundreds of Indigenous weavers.  

PS- Nilda has said she’s excited to do low elevation dyeing where the water will boil hot and quickly. I was about to correct her, pointing out we are in the high desert at over 7,000’ when I remembered that her hometown of Chinchero is at over 12,000’! 

*Limited to 12 participants, includes 8 skeins of wool which we’ll dye during the class, coffee, light breakfast & lunch