Colors of the Past

Colors of the Past: Historic Plant Dyes from Colonial  Post Revolutionary Era Herb Gardens will be presented by Dee Rapposelli,  master gardener and local textile artist & Rebecca Esmi.  

Learn how Colonialists and New Englanders living in the post-Revolutionary War era dyed textiles and how you can too.  You will learn what plants you can grow and harvest for natural textile dying and easy and safe ways to make natural dyes at home. The program will include a demonstration of dying handspun wool and linen yarn with madder root and weld.  While the fiber is simmering in the dye, the history of plant dye use and cultivation is discussed followed by a how-to in more detail, and then an overview of plants used in colonial times and suggestions on creating one’s own dye garden.  Then, a cooked yarn dye reveal and a Q&A.  Dyed yarn samples and necessary tools will be on display.

Sponsored by the Friends of Acton Public Library.

America 250 Event