Carol Soderlund fabric dyeing workshops
Carol Soderlund fabric dyeing workshops
Carol Soderlund fabric dyeing workshops
Carol Soderlund fabric dyeing workshops
Carol Soderlund fabric dyeing workshops

Carol Soderlund

An artist and educator for 25+ years, Carol’s curiosity about the range of color derived from blending yellow, red, and blue dyes led to the creation of her Color Mixing system for dyers. Carol encourages the freedom of mixing color by eye with results-based samples to guide the student, and also teaches simple methods for reproducing color on cloth. 

A former high school teacher, Carol loves to develop original course material and share this knowledge with her students. Carol was nominated for Teacher of the Year in 2013 and again in 2015 by the International Association of Creative Arts Professionals.  

Carol is co-author of Playful Fabric Printing with Melanie Testa. She has shown her quilts in juried venues across the country, winning awards including Best of Show at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas.

Carol’s web site

  • • June 5-10, 2022 | Color Mixing for Dyers 3

    Open or Close
    Color Mixing for Dyers 3
    • Level: Beginner to advanced (Previous experience with Procion MX dyes a plus, but not required)
    • Sewing machine: No
    • Materials fee:     $70
    • Dye facility usage fee: $30

    Tuition & Meal plan per 5-day class with Carol:
    $1265 | 5-day Tuition ($975) & Meal plan ($290)

    • Sign up for one or both weeks of Carol’s workshops.
    DESCRIPTION
    This brand new class contains 3 new color families leading to ALL NEW clear, brilliant and earthy color ways totally distinct from the earlier classes titled Color Mixing for Dyers 1 & 2.

    Students will be creating new color families not previously dyed in Carol’s classes. This is a THIRD set of families, and we will be using some different yellow, red, and blue dyes as primaries than in previous classes. If you have been wanting a new set of samples, but would rather do the work cooperatively with classmates, this is your opportunity!

    Dye the color you choose, not the color that chooses you! Explore the unlimited number of hues possible by mixing only pure reds, yellows, and blues of Procion MX fiber reactive dye. Teams of students will use different sets of primaries that when mixed will yield hundreds of colors in a wide range of values. Sharing the results, each student will build a sample book of more than 1,000 dye swatches and their recipes on 100% cotton fabric. This book will become an invaluable reference for future dyeing. Using the sample book as a guide, each student will apply the basic techniques of dyeing, including dyeing value gradations, over-dyeing, and low water immersion techniques.

    Along with this hands-on approach, students will come to understand color theory in three-dimensional model that goes beyond the color wheel. We will examine the difference between color theory and color reality, and break through the confusions of so many color systems that are not dye-based. This course will be a wonderful foundation for wearable artists, quilters, needleworkers, weavers, and dyers of cellulose fibers and silk, or for anyone who wants to learn more about the interactions of color.
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    SUPPLIES
    (Please label your own supplies)

    Fabric:
    • 5 yards fabric for further dye explorations (PFD - prepared for dyeing - fabric recommended. In addition to cotton, you may bring some silk, rayon, linen or tencel if you like to work in these fibers. Note to weavers: It is fine if you would like to bring some skeined yarns for dyeing: cotton, linen, rayon, tencel, or silk.)
    • Optional: samples of your dyed fabric and/or photos of your work

    Office supplies:
    • Notebook for note taking and a pen
    • Two three-ring binders, one 1 1/2” thick and one 1/2” thick
    • 100 CLEAR page protectors (Buy in bulk at office supply store: do not buy those that have holes through the main section of the page protector. You want the ones with holes through the a band on the margin.)
    • Scotch double sided tape 1/2” wide (enough to total 100 yards of tape)
    • Masking tape
    • 30 long (#10) envelopes
    • Stapler plus extra staples
    • 20 rubber bands
    • Sharpie (permanent marker)
    • Calculator

    Cutting tools:
    • Small pair scissors for paper and one for fabric
    • Rotary cutter (bring a fresh straight blade as you will cut through numerous layers at once. The large 60 mm cutters work the best for this. If you bring a 45 mm cutter you will struggle, as the depth of fabric is deeper than the exposed blade.)
    • Rotary cutting mat (11” x 17” or larger if you can manage it)
    • Quilter’s plexiglas rulers (6” x 24” and 6” x 12”)
    • Optional: June Tailor Shape Cut ruler - the large size. The slots must be at least 11”” long. (This is particularly good for weavers and those inexperienced in rotary cutting. Sign up for JoAnn’s newsletters and they will send you 40% off coupons.)

    Other items:
    • Iron and ironing pad, or old terry towel (if you are driving)
    • Adhesive lint roller from the dollar store
    • Rubber gloves - both the loose dishwashing kind that extend up the arm, and the close-fitting latex or nitrile kind
    • One roll paper towels, and one old towel for wiping spills (if you are driving)
    • 3 pointy top squeeze bottles, 8 oz. each
    • Two 5 gallon buckets (if you are driving)
    • One large strong plastic spoon at least 12” long - straight, not bent, is better
    • One box one gallon Ziploc bags
    • Dye mask, if you have one
    • Apron or old clothes

    Plastic Containers: (If you are flying, we will arrange to get these items for you as needed.)
    • 15 plastic party cups (8 oz. or larger) and 10 plastic picnic spoons
    • One plastic orange juice bottle (Simply Orange brand (or limeade, etc.) at least 1.5L)
    • One gallon milk jug (Rinse all jugs, and be sure to keep the caps!)


    Materials fee info:
    Carol will provide all the dyes and chemicals necessary, as well as over 100 pages of handouts and swatch book pages, and all the fabric necessary for the sample book. Carol will bring a variety of other equipment to use in class.

    If you have any questions about the materials list or the course in general, please     contact Carol

  • • June 12-17, 2022 | Layers upon Layers

    Open or Close
    Layers upon Layers
    • Level: Advanced beginner to advanced (Some experience with Procion MX dye recommended)
    • Sewing machine: No
    • Materials fee:     $70
    • Dye facility usage fee: $30

    Tuition & Meal plan per 5-day class with Carol:
    $1265 | 5-day Tuition ($975) & Meal plan ($290)

    • Sign up for one or both weeks of Carol’s workshops.
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    DESCRIPTION
    Distressed surfaces are endlessly fascinating to artists. Weathered doorways, crumbling walls, eroding hillsides, peeling paint, and rusted metal grab our attention as they partially reveal and partially conceal. These surfaces speak of time and of process. They open the door to our inner thoughts and invite us in ....

    In this class students will develop experimental approaches to the layering of color and visual texture on cloth. They will use natural fibers, primarily cotton and silk, both opaque and sheer. Participants will build layers on the cloth, considering the effects of:
    • layering translucent dye and opaque paint
    • layering value and hue
    • layering textures created by resists

    To develop the vision, students will brush and screen, mask, spray, and monoprint onto white pfd OR onto previously dyed, patched, and stitched cloth, using any or all of the following:
    • Procion MX fiber reactive dyes
    • soy wax and corn dextrin as water-soluble resists
    • blank silk screens
    • thermofax screens and stencils
    • acrylic-based paints and mediums
    • discharge paste (optional)

    There will be a small amount of preparatory work in advance of the class. Carol will email participants about six weeks ahead of class.
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    SUPPLIES
    (Please label your own supplies)

    Fabric:
    Bring your choice of pfd cotton, silk, linen, or rayon - or a combination of all of these - a minimum 5 yards. Sheer silk organza (one yard or more, if you like) will be useful for layering experiments. Carol will have some available for purchase. Some people love scrim and cheesecloth, too. Also bring 2-3 yards washed muslin or extra pfd to use as an under-cloth when printing.

    Previously dyed fabrics (optional): If you have dyed cloth previously, bring some “dogs” - hand-dyes that you would like to change radically by overdyeing or overprinting.

    PFD is cotton that is Prepared For Dyeing, that is, it has no fabric finishes, sizing, etc. that can prevent dye uptake. Unfortunately these fabric finishes can rarely be completely removed by pre-washing, so dyeing ordinary white cloth will not give nearly as good results as dyeing pfd.
    Places to order:
    • www.dharmatrading.com
    • www.prochemical.com


    Other supplies: From around the house, or the office supply store, or maybe the hardware store
    • Notebook and pen
    • Rotary cutting mat and ruler
    • 20+ sheet protectors for handouts
    • 1” three-ring binder
    • Stapler and staples
    • Black Sharpie or other permanent marker that will write on plastic
    • A handful of strong rubber bands
    • Old clothes or a paint smock to wear
    • Rubber gloves - both the thin nitrile or latex ones from the pharmacy, and the heavier dishwashing kind
    • Old towel or paper towels for cleanups at your table
    • Small pair fabric scissors or snips
    • Scissors to cut paper and plastic
    • 6-10 cups for dye mixing (8 oz)
    • 2 cottage cheese-type containers (16 oz)
    • 1 set measuring spoons (tsp, tbsp, etc) from the dollar store (to be used for dyeing only in future)
    • 12 plastic picnic spoons for stirring
    • 1 box Ziploc Freezer bags, 1 gallon size
    • Stamps, Thermofax screens, stencils, sponges, or other favorite tools (I will also bring some for class use)
    • Flat objects for texture: Some ideas include plastic fencing, dish drainers, flat grids, low relief plastic, metal, or rubber objects such as tile spacers, rubber washers, etc. Fill a ziploc bag with them. If you have no clue about this, don’t worry, because I will have lots for student use!
    • Tools for applying wax: empty metal can for making circles, other found objects to dip into wax and stamp with such as cookie cutters, potato mashers, hardware items, etc. Again, I will have lots for student use!
    • Two 5 gallon buckets - if you are driving
    • Masking tape in 1” and 2” widths - the ordinary tan, not BLUE tape will work better!
    • Duct tape (We will use a half roll or less)
    • 1 plastic drop cloth, at least 2 mil in thickness
    • 3-4 brushes: a 2” foam brush and cheap bristle “chip” brushes, 2” and 3” size
    • (Optional) respirator equipped with acid gas or multi-gas filter if you wish to do discharging. I use the household filter from Lowe’s.

    Silkscreen: If you have two to three silkscreens that are blank, not imaged, bring those.

    If you do not have silkscreens, I will order for you, and have it shipped in time for our workshop. Buying a screen in this manner will allow us to have a discount for a group buy, and free shipping to the workshop. This is not included in the supply fee, but you can pay me in class. In previous classes when I have done this, students really liked the convenience and value.

    We will be using a screen such as this one from Dick Blick:     https://tinyurl.com/mpy9pap3


    Materials fee info:
    Materials     fee includes Procion MX dyes and auxiliaries, fabric paints, soy wax and corn dextrin, many tools for student use, and complete written instructions.


    If you have any questions about the materials list or the course in general, please     contact Carol
  • • 2022 Spring Art Retreats | Tuition and Meal Plan
    Tuition & Meal plan for 2-week class with Claire Benn: (Note: Only 16 students accepted)
    Both weeks (10-day class) of this workshop are to be taken back-to-back. No registrations accepted for only one week.
    $2805 | paid in full as soon as possible | 10-day Tuition ($2225) & Meal plan ($580)
    + $110 materials & dye facility usage fee

    Tuition & Meal plan for 2-week classes with Nancy Crow:
    Both weeks (10-day class) of these workshops are to be taken back-to-back. No registrations accepted for only one week.
    $2530 | paid in full as soon as possible | 10-day Tuition ($1950) & Meal plan ($580)
    + $200 professional presenters fee for Master Composition

    Tuition & Meal plan for 2-week class with David Hornung:
    Both weeks (10-day class) of this workshop are to be taken back-to-back. No registrations accepted for only one week.
    $2530 | paid in full as soon as possible | 10-day Tuition ($1950) & Meal plan ($580)
    + $110 materials & room usage fee

    Tuition & Meal plan for 1-week class with Carol Soderlund:
    • Sign up for one or both weeks of Carol’s workshops.
    $1265 | paid in full as soon as possible | 5-day Tuition ($975) & Meal plan ($290)
    + $100 materials & dye facility usage fee for Color Mixing for Dyers 3
    + $100 materials & dye facility usage fee for Layers upon Layers



    Meal plan
    During the art retreats, Margaret Wolf, will prepare fabulous gourmet lunches and dinners plus a coffee/snack break daily during each week of class. The meal plan is provided so participants may concentrate fully on their work without being bothered by the interruption and inconvenience of cooking for themselves. The break times present a great opportunity to get to know your fellow students, share ideas, and just relax together in this wonderful environment.

    The meal plan includes an opening night welcome dinner, five lunches, five afternoon coffee/pastry breaks, and four more dinners during the duration of the workshop. Coffee, tea and water will be served during these break times. Participants are responsible for any other beverage choices, such as soda pop, beer, wine, milk or bottled water.

    Please keep in mind that if anyone chooses not to participate in the meal plan, they are solely responsible for all of their meals, snacks, coffee, tea, and other beverages. The kitchen facilities are reserved for the resident chef. There is a microwave and a refrigerator in the wet studio for student use. Most restaurants are at least a 20 minute drive away from the barn.

    Please note: Due to facility limitations, meal plans are available only for workshop participants.
  • • Accommodations
    Recommended accommodations & offering special rates:

    Hampton Inn, Canal Winchester, Ohio (20-25 minute drive to Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    This new, highly rated, clean, comfortable hotel is offering reduced rates. Please ask for “Nancy Crow Workshop” special rate (includes breakfast) using the local phone number 614-953-2204 or book online

    Hampton Inn, Pickerington, Ohio (15-20 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    This clean, comfortable hotel is offering reduced rates. Please ask for "Nancy Crow Workshop" special rate (includes breakfast) using the local phone number 614-864-8383 or book online

    Best Western, Pickerington, Ohio (15-20 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    All suites hotel with separate living area and bedroom. Offers complimentary full hot breakfast, free wifi, heated indoor pool, exercise room, & business center. Call 614-860-9804 to book and ask for “Nancy Crow Workshop” special rate.

    Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Reynoldsburg (15-20 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    Please ask for "Crow Barn Workshop" special rate (includes breakfast) using the local phone number 614-861-8888 or Email the manager
    If booking online, please use the corporate ID code: 786931270

    The Morgan Theater Home, Baltimore, Ohio (5 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn, mention Crow Barn)
    Former silent movie theater converted into a private residence. Three rooms for rent include free cable TV & free high speed internet access. Kitchen/refrigerator/stove & all "kitchen stuff" available. Phone: 740-862-4765 or Email

    Rosabella B & B, Millersport, Ohio (10 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn; mention Crow Barn)
    Beautifully restored 1850s Italianate farmhouse is surrounded by farm fields. Breakfast included. The grounds include a wrap-around porch, hammock, patio, pool, hot tub, and fire pit. Phone: 740-467-3580

    Other accommodations, please negotiate your own weekly rates:

    AirBnB options in the area near the Crow Timber Frame Barn

    City of Lancaster, Ohio (15-20 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    • Hampton Inn, 740-654-2999, clean and quiet
    City of Reynoldsburg, Ohio (15-20 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    • Fairfield Inn, 614-864-4555

    Campgrounds near the Crow Timber Frame Barn
    Rippling Stream Campground, Baltimore, OH, 740-862-6065, (5 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    KOA Campground, Buckeye Lake, OH, 740-928-0706, (15-20 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
  • • Miscellaneous information
    Roommate
    • Please let us know if you would like a roommate. We will try to match you with another participant to share accommodations.

    Travel to and from the Crow Timber Frame Barn
    • The Barn is located near Baltimore, Ohio (southeast of Columbus, Ohio)
    • Please keep in mind that there is not a shuttle service to and from the motels to the farm, therefore please arrange a rental car or carpool with another participant.
    • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Columbus, Ohio, is the major airport serving the area (30 minute drive to the Barn)

    Rental sewing machines, cutting mats & lamps
    • Bernina sewing machines are available for $75 per 5-day class or $150 per 10-day class.
    • Cutting mats are available for $15 per 5-day class or $30 per 10-day class.
    • Lamps are available for $15 per 5-day class or $30 per 10-day class.

    Formal class hours
    • Monday-Friday: 9-12 and 2-5 daily
    (Classrooms are open 7 am-9 pm Monday-Thursday, 7 am-5 pm Friday)

    Professional facilities
    Each student is provided with a large work table, an 8’ x 8’ work wall, and a comfortable chair. Classrooms are well illuminated and are open from early morning until late in the evening, plus the classrooms have air conditioning & heating. The surface design/dye studio at the Crow Timber Frame Barn includes large padded tables, lots of light (natural and color-corrected bulbs), 3 commercial stainless steel sinks, & washer/dryer. All facilities are non-smoking.

    Mailing list
    If you would like to be placed on a mailing list for information about upcoming art retreats, please send your contact info.

    Questions? Email
Images of Carol Soderlund, student work and classes at the Crow Timber Frame Barn

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