Introduction to The Dye Lab: Beginner Basics Bundle Dye with Hilary Penigar

Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026

Time: 1:30-4:30pm

Description: This class is an introduction for anyone who has ever been curious about and wanted to learn the art of natural dyeing techniques.

We’ll focus on bundle dyeing, a fun, simple and sustainable technique to transform fabrics made with natural fibers that is water-efficient and easy to replicate at home with kitchen scraps and materials gathered from your backyard or neighborhood.

We’ll start the session with a short discussion on the process of working with natural dyes, talking about our materials, and a demonstration of bundle dyeing before you get to try out the techniques for yourself on two pre-mordanted cotton bandanas. (not to worry, this workshop will also cover what it means for something to be “pre-mordanted”!!!!!!)

We’ll learn about the importance of fabric and fiber preparation, discuss and work with a variety of botanicals including kitchen scraps, and explore how different folding and binding techniques will create different one-of-kind results. We’ll discuss different techniques and materials for post-dye modifiers as well as how to care for your naturally dyed pieces.

You’ll leave the class with two bundle dyed cotton bandanas and a handout to help guide you through your future natural dye experiments and adventures.

This workshop is part of our First Time, First Saturdays Beginner Basics Suite of offerings. Upon registration, you will receive a code for 10% off future registrations for other Beginner Basics workshops in the fibers studio! (you will find the code in your confirmation notice)

Tuition: $65 + $15 materials fee

Materials: All materials will be provided.

(if you are viewing this listing on your phone, you might need to scroll to the bottom of the page to find the link for registration).

Note: We really want you to join us in the studio! Full and partial tuition scholarships are available to offset some of the financial burden of attending a class.

Please fill out the application here! You can expect to hear from someone on the CC staff within 2 weeks.

If you have any questions, email Jamie Boyle, Fibers Program Manager, at jboyle@contemporarycraft.org, or leave a voice message for them at 412-465-1628.

Location: Contemporary Craft, Timmons Studios (5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201). Note, this workshop will take place in the Fleischner Family Fibers Loft, which is on the second floor of the building.

There are 2 entrances to the Timmons Studios.

• One entrance is facing Butler Street. To access the Fibers Loft from the Butler Street facing entrance, there are a total of 32 stairs to ascend.

• One entrance is facing 57th Street. This entrance is accessible by ramp, with no stairs to ascend. There is a lift inside the building to access the second floor.

We strive to create a welcoming experience. If there are accessibility accommodations we can provide, or if there is anything you would like us to know before you arrive, please leave a message for Jamie Boyle at 412-465-1628 or by email jboyle@contemporarycraft.org.

Cancellations and Refunds: Workshop cancellations are decided three business days before the start date. If workshops must be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class fee will be refunded through Eventbrite, or you may leave your workshop fee in your Contemporary Craft account for future workshops.

Refund Policy: Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before a class begins. There will be a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given without three-business days notice. Processing of refunds takes approximately three weeks.

About the Artist Hilary Penigar is a fiber artist and teaching artist in Pittsburgh, PA. She/They have been exploring the wide and wonderful world of fibers and textiles through sewing, dyeing with traditional and natural dyes, knitting, weaving, spinning, needle felting, embroidery, punch needle and rug tufting since they were a teenager in rural western PA and have been teaching fiber arts and crafts to all ages for over a decade. Many techniques were initially learned taking workshops just like these, and then followed up with years of practice and experimentation. Perhaps even more than the making itself, she is passionate about teaching and sharing craft in accessible and sustainable ways.