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Mastering Mordants with Madeleine McGarrity
For anyone interested in natural dyeing, understanding mordants is essential to creating rich, lasting color. In Mastering Mordants, natural dye print specialist and researcher Madeleine McGarrity leads a five-day, hands-on workshop exploring the science and techniques behind successful natural dyeing.
Taking place June 24–28, 2026, this immersive workshop covers every aspect of mordanting, from preparing fabric for dyeing to understanding pH, fiber structure, and the chemistry of fixatives. Students will work with silk, wool, and cellulose fibers while experimenting with metal mordants, tannins, soymilk, and metal-free alternatives.
Participants will learn a wide range of techniques, including pre- and post-mordanting, citric acid discharge, mordant painting and printing, acid dye methods, and iron black applications. The course also explores how mordants are used in more complex processes such as multi-step dye projects and indigo resist techniques.
Throughout the week, students will create their own swatch cards to document results and build a valuable reference library for future work. With plenty of time for experimentation and troubleshooting, the workshop provides both a strong technical foundation and the confidence to refine individual dye practices.
McGarrity brings extensive experience as both an artist and educator. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she began her research project Cold and Deadly in 2019 to investigate natural dyes in textile printing. She currently serves as Surface Technician in RISD’s Textiles Department, where she manages the dye labs, screenprinting studios, and digital surface lab.
Ideal for both beginners and experienced dyers, Mastering Mordants offers a rare opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the chemistry that makes natural color both beautiful and enduring.
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Sanborn Mills Farm | 7097 Sanborn Road | Loudon, NH 03307 US