John and I started the Griffin Dyeworks Fiber Retreat because there was nothing else for small fiber groups in Southern California at that time. There were several Northern California conference and workshops, but not here. There were large conferences held around the state, but they were more formal and less hands-on. These many years later, Read More
Year: 2013
Retreat Wrap Up
Our ninth retreat was two weekends ago, and I’m sure you’re all in the same boat as me – still processing everything you learned, uploading (and tagging!) photos, and maybe unpacking. Bjo put it best when she wrote on our email list: Wow! Our 9th Fiber Retreat was absolutely fabulous! It was very high energy, Read More
Fall Frolic – Sept 21!
We’re excited to announce that we have a date for our Fall Frolic! It’ll be Sept 21 at Monrovia United Methodist Church. Class proposals are being accepted and registration is open. There’s more information on our Frolic event page!
Caring for Naturally Dyed Fibers
Caring for your dyed fiber: 1. Rinse. 2. Wash in GDW Fiber Wash/Orvus, dishwashing liquid (without bleach or perfumes), or similar gentle product (NOT detergent) in tepid water. Work fiber, especially wool, 20 minutes to remove unattached dye & chemicals. 3. Final rinse: Rinse until water runs clear & soap is removed. 4. Neutralize: When Read More
Fascinating: Barns are red because of the physics of dying stars!
Have you ever noticed that almost every barn you have ever seen is red? There’s a reason for that, and it has to do with the chemistry of dying stars. Seriously. Yonatan Sunger is a Google employee who decided to explain this phenomenon on Google+ recently. The simple answer to why barns are painted red is because Read More
Dyeing Eggs, Naturally!
We recently had a customer email us and ask about dyeing eggs with natural dyes! It’s a great question, and one we get every spring. Here’s our official stance: We hesitate to tell people they can use any of our dyes on food because if we do, someone will go overboard on it and try dyeing Read More
All About our Bijeaux Tapestry
If you’ve been to a Frolic or a Retreat, you’ve seen it. Nearly six feet long and two feet tall, our small version of the Bayeaux Tapestry depicts the life cycle of string! We named it after our dye mentor and Griffin Dyeworks owner Bjo Trimble – hence, the Bijeaux (bee-JOO) Tapestry! The work began Read More
“Mordants & Modifiers” book 100% free online!
Did you know Bjo Trimble’s book, Understanding Mordants & Modifiers, is available online, for free? For each of about 50 different minerals salts and chemicals, we provide: Common Name Chemical Formula Description/History Other Names Use Best On which fiber types Recipes Safety information Disposal guidelines (always follow local ordinances) Alternatives (for when you run out!) Sources Read More
Teaching at USC Archaeology
Last fall, word spread through the LA fiber arts grapevine that a professor at USC was looking for people to come in and teach her students to spin on a drop spindle. As an alumni (and a spinner), I jumped at the opportunity and arranged for myself and two other teachers, Ercil Howard and Debbie Read More
Now Accepting Retreat Scholarships!
Thanks to the generosity of our Frolic and Retreat guests, every year we offer one or two full or partial scholarships for our three day Retreat weekends! Click here to download the form – it’s due by April 15! Our three day retreat is a great deal at $300.00, which includes your room, board and Read More