Dyeing Solid Fabric & Surface Design
Learn. Create. Share.
Introducing...
an exclusive online workshop for those who love fabric, and would like to dye their own!
This course takes you step-by-step through the process of dyeing beautiful cotton fabric that may be used in fiber art or wearables. I share all of my techniques for creating the colorful fabric I use in my art quilts. My process is efficient and economical. Over the years I've dyed hundreds of yards of fabric.
Welcome!
I’m Sheila Frampton Cooper, an artist who has fallen head over heels for fiber art. My passion is creating pieced art quilts and teaching others how to do the same.
If you had told me 10 years ago that this art form would transform my life, I would have never believed you. But it has.
My fabric dyeing obsession started more than 9 years ago. In the beginning I used only commercial fabric, and after desperately trying to find something that had the “vibrant” look I envisioned for a particular piece, I decided to take the plunge. I never looked back…
As an artist, having my hand in every part of what I create is important. I’ve spent years painting with oil, acrylic and watercolor, and all of that experience has poured into the creation of my art quilts.
The world is changing, and so am I. For years I was reluctant to do an online class because I prefer being with people. But thanks to modern technology, and my desire to connect with all of you, here I am!
Here's what you'll learn...
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MODULE 1 - This is all about preparation and becoming familiar with the process, the chemicals and how they work. You will find downloadable PDFs that go into detail about working with fiber reactive dye. In addition, I share my fabric preferences and link you directly to the vendors I use. I also demonstrate the ideal way to mix the dye, with emphasis on safety.
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MODULE 2 - I start off by sharing the tools I use and why, and then jump in and start dyeing solid fabric. Now, I say solid, but there is some texture. We’ll start simple and go from there.
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MODULE 3 - Now it starts to get really fun! I give you several examples of how I dye gradated fabric on wet vs. dry fabric and with multiple colors.
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MODULE 4 - I share some really basic inexpensive tools you can find anywhere to add mark and texture to your fabric. After, I do several demonstrations showing you the different effects you can create and hopefully plant some ideas for the infinite possibilities available to you.
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MODULE 5 - I dive into the wonderful world of Monoprinting and share with you the really simple tools I’m using. I demonstrate five variations and my aim is to get your creative juices flowing.
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MODULE 6. - It’s time to paint! Using thickened dye, I create a series of samplers that show you how easy it is paint patterns and motifs on your fabric.
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MODULE 7. - In this module, I overdye several pieces of fabric that I previously dyed, and also some commercial fabric. This is a great way to use what you already have to add richness and vibrancy.
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MODULE 8. - Now we dive into color and inspiration! I’ll guide you through a simple exercise for relaxing and letting the creative juices flow. Here you will also find a lesson on basic color theory. Just knowing the basics is enough to get started. I placed this near the end because I’m sure a lot of you have a basic understanding, but I wanted to include this as an easy reference to download.
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MODULE 9 - We explore the awesome app Procreate, for the iPad, and what a useful tool this is to aid you in the design process!
Here's what you'll receive when you join me...
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Immediate 24/7 lifetime access to this workshop and any new Modules I add to this course in the future, at no additional cost.
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9 Module Video Library that will show you how to create beautiful fabric using various techniques.
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Access to an Exclusive Online Community for this course and the opportunity to discuss the lessons with other students.
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BONUS: I'll introduce you to the wonderful app Procreate, for the iPad, and how to use this very useful tool for auditioning designs and so much more!
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Start Dyeing Today!
$149.00
Course curriculum
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Welcome!
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The Importance of Value
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The Plastic
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Mixing the Dye Demo
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Working with Fiber Reactive Dyes
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Mixing the Dye and Soda Ash Soak
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My Fabric Preferences
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Mixing Print Paste - More info
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Supply List
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Rinsing the Fabric
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Scouring Fabric
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Tools for Applying Dye
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Getting Started with Caribbean Blue
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Caribbean Blue/Cobalt
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Green with Yellow
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Multiple Values of Aquamarine
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Dark Green
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Results
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Aquamarine on Dry
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Yellow and Fuchsia
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Green on Wet
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Gradation Variation
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Results
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Tools for Adding Texture
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Blue on Wet
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Green on Dry
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Green Squirt
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Mist Gray
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Results
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Tools for Monoprinting
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Detailing with Multiple Tools
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Print and Paint
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Variation in Orange
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Red and Orange
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Print and Squeeze
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Results
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About this course
- $149.00
- 54 lessons
- 4 hours of video content
What my students are saying...
Excellent
Nicky Hargrave
Excellent. A fascinating and enjoyable class. Very informative.
Excellent. A fascinating and enjoyable class. Very informative.
Read LessGreat color & texture without the mess … Sheila’s met...
Cynthia Steward
You must take this workshop if you want to dye deeply saturated colors with interesting textures and gradations, plus with the added bonus of no vats or lea...
Read MoreYou must take this workshop if you want to dye deeply saturated colors with interesting textures and gradations, plus with the added bonus of no vats or leaky plastic bags of dye. The dye painting techniques are simple and easy yet super interesting results. Love, love this workshop.
Read LessModule 3 on gradations
Susan Smith
Fabulous techniques, I've dyed before, but always low immersion. I can hardly wait to get my stuff together and start.
Fabulous techniques, I've dyed before, but always low immersion. I can hardly wait to get my stuff together and start.
Read LessSqueeze and print paste
Krista Larson Lopez
This was very exciting to watch. I want to try each section and continue, module watching at the same time. And I need plastic from the store. Fun!
This was very exciting to watch. I want to try each section and continue, module watching at the same time. And I need plastic from the store. Fun!
Read LessWhy dye your own fabric?
Some people think it’s just too much work, and it’s easier to just buy what you need.
Yes, it is easier to buy it, but even with the variety of values that are available these days, thanks in a large part to the Modern Quilt Movement, you are still limited when it comes to value and tone etc.
Let’s take the color red for example. There are so many different reds; some with more blue, more orange, or with more brown tones, etc.
Also, there are different tints (how much white, or when working with dyes, how much water you’ve added to get a light tint of that color) which go from pastels to pure, saturated color. In addition, there are different shades, which refers to how much black you add, and different tones, which refers to how much gray you’ve added.
It’s not necessary to get too complicated about it, but you get the idea.
When you dye your own, the sky is the limit, literally, because the possibilities are endless. You have the option of adding black, or gray, just to mute it a bit, and adding more yellow, or whatever. That’s the joy of dyeing your own. Those little subtleties make a difference.You might think you need a very large space to work, or a big wet studio, but even in a small space, with good organization, you can do this.
When you are ready to start a piece, and you choose fabric you have dyed, it’s a great feeling! It adds another layer of “you” to your creations. Everything you do will have a richness to it that is just not possible with commercial fabric.Join my mailing list!
Please add [email protected] to your contacts to ensure receipt of my emails. I promise not to bombard you! 😃