Cranbrook Fiber Workshop: Hand-Dyed Coil Baskets

Learn how to hand-dye fabrics, yarns, and cord, and use these materials to build coil baskets.

The workshop begins with an introduction to immersion dyeing with Procion Mx dyes, natural dyeing with Indigo, and the historical significance of these processes. In the second half of this workshop, participants will explore coil basketry’s long history, originating from Indigenous practices in Africa and the United States using grass, leaves, and other plant fibers.

Supported by one-on-one guidance to plan their design, participants will use their hand-dyed materials to build their baskets and are encouraged to experiment with color, shape, and size!

By the end of this workshop, students will take home:

• Hand-made, custom baskets with hand-dyed yarn and fabrics.

Instructor: Katie Mongoven (CAA MFA Fiber 2024)
Instructor Language: English

Skill Level: This workshop is open to beginners and advanced students, age 18+.
Max. participants: 8

Location: Fiber department of Cranbrook Academy of Art in the New Studios Building.
Parking: Cranbrook Art Museum Parking Lot.

Length: 3 Days, 7 hours each day (July 31, August 1-2)
Food/Beverage: Lunch and snacks will be provided during the workshop. The Academy also has water bottle refill stations and vending machines near the Fiber department.

Cost: 450.00 USD*
Materials provided with the cost of the workshop: a variety of materials to create baskets, including braided cotton macrame cord, cotton yarn, and cotton fabrics.

Studio Dress: All participants should wear clothing and shoes they don't mind getting stained or dirty. Comfortable closed-toe shoes, an apron, and a hair tie/bandana are recommended.

*If the workshop does not meet the minimum participants, it will be cancelled, and any purchases will be fully refunded.

Info: Dye Demonstrations of indigo dye process and Procion Mx Dye processes. Presentation of materials and brief history of materials (cotton, indigo, plant fibers etc). Participants will dye their fabrics and yarn for their baskets.

Info: Demonstration of coil basketry techniques. Presentation of coil basketry history. Participants will begin building their baskets with their hand-dyed materials. 1 on 1 with instructor to plan basket projects.

Info: Participants will continue and finish their baskets.

Also check out other Workshops in Bloomfield Hills, Arts events in Bloomfield Hills.