Inside the Dye Studio

What do an 18th-century hearth cooking class, Scottish waulking songs, quilting bees, medieval guilds, and today’s fiber festivals have in common? They all remind us that making has never been just about the finished object. In this episode of Inside the Dye Studio, we’re exploring the rich history of gathering around craft. From women singing as they finished wool cloth in the Scottish Highlands to neighbors quilting together in rural America, people have always used making as a way to build community, share knowledge, and strengthen relationships. Join me as we look at the traditions that brought makers together for centuries—and why those same traditions still matter today. Whether it’s a guild meeting, a knit night, or a weekend fiber festival, the tools may have changed, but our desire to create together has not. Because sometimes the greatest thing we make… is community.

Step outside the dye studio and into the fields, forests, and roadsides of New England as we explore the colorful world of foraged dye plants. In this episode of Inside the Dye Studio, we’ll take a closer look at three familiar wild plants—goldenrod, jewelweed, and Queen Anne’s lace—and discover the beautiful colors they can bring to natural fibers.

Ever wondered how one dye pot can produce a whole range of colors? In this episode of Inside the Dye Studio, we’re diving into the fascinating world of mordants and modifiers—the behind-the-scenes chemistry that makes natural dyeing so endlessly surprising. Learn how mordants help color bond to fiber, how modifiers like acids and alkalines can dramatically shift a color, and why the same dye can produce completely different results with just a small change in the process. Along the way, I’ll share some of my favorite dye pot experiments, unexpected color transformations, and a few lessons learned from years of natural dyeing. Whether you’re a fiber artist, a curious maker, or simply someone who loves color, this episode offers a glimpse into the science, history, and magic behind naturally dyed yarn. One dye pot. Endless possibilities.

When most of us pick up a skein of alpaca yarn, we think about how soft it is, how warm it will be, and maybe what we’ll knit with it. But how often do we stop and think about the animals themselves? Today’s episode takes us all the way back to the beginning of the fiber journey. I’m joined by Marybeth and Kirstan from TLC Fiber Farm, a forever home for rescued alpacas and Snallygaster Fibers.We talk about what it’s really like to care for these remarkable animals, the personalities that make each alpaca unique, and what happens on shearing day—something that involves a lot more than just a haircut. We also follow the journey from fleece to finished yarn, discuss dyeing fiber, and share plenty of stories from life on an alpaca farm. So grab your knitting, your spinning wheel, or your favorite cup of tea, and join us as we step out of the dye studio and into the pasture.

Before synthetic dyes existed, color was power. Entire empires were built on purple. Wars were fought over trade routes carrying indigo. Some colors could only be worn by royalty. And today… we casually throw a red t-shirt in the wash without thinking twice about it.