Much to my delight, I spent yesterday with members of Running With Scissors. We talked about dyeing cottons with mx dyes, mixed up some dye stock and generally threw colors at fabric until exhaustion and brain fatigue set in. It was fun, FUN, fun.
Lynn has a flattering review and some pics here. I, Super Spec, gnat of small brain in the face of the Immense Universe, did manage to remember my camera, but as noted in Lynn's post, the heat, humidity (good for the dye, bad for my delicate nature) and general excitement of a fiber class zapped any picture taking initiative.
It's been a while since I've actually taught the dyeing process or led a group of adults. Molli counselled me to not freeze up, which was tough. In spite of all my prep, it felt as though I spewed rambling every time my mouth opened. Chalk it up to nerves.
Then there was the shear stupidity. Like leaving my entire stack of handouts and notes at Lynn's house. And putting the most brain intensive exercise after lunch, when my brain usually grinds to a standstill. I gave recipes incorrectly, mixed pre-soda soaked and dried fabric in with my other pieces and couldn't tell them apart, misjudged supply needs, and much more. From listening to many other teachers, I know this is all part of the learning curve. The best teachers have worked through these kinks and refined their classroom experience.
But even the best teachers run into the unexpected. At the outset of the day, there seemed to be no hot water....not good for a dye class and made me nervous. Turns out, we just needed patience and time for the tankless water heater to kick in. I've listened to and read about teaching horror stories that far surpass a little cold water.
All in all, it was a great day! We learned from each other, told stories, and sweated together. I would do it again in a blink.
