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

Carol Soderlund

Carol is an artist and educator who has been studying and playing with color and dyes for 25 years. Her curiosity about the range and variety colors that could be developed from three primary dyes led to her creation of her Color Mixing system for dyers, the intersection of three dimensional color theory with the reality of Procion MX dyes. Carol encourages the freedom of mixing color by eye with results-based samples, which can also be used to reproduce color for those so inclined. 

A former high school teacher, Carol loves to develop original course material and share her 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.  

She has authored articles in 
Quilting ArtsAmerican Quilter, and Quilter’s World magazines. Carol shown her quilts in juried venues across the country, winning awards which included Best of Show at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas. 

Carol’s web site
  • • May 30-June 3, 2016 | The New Color Mixing for Dyers
    The New Color Mixing for Dyers
    • Level: Beginning to advanced
    • Zig zag sewing machine: No
    • Materials fee:
    $50
    • Dye facility usage fee: $30
    Tuition & Meal plan per 5-day class:
    • Early: paid in full by December 1, 2015: $875 - Tuition ($635) & Meal plan ($240)
    • Regular: paid in full by February 1, 2016: $895 - Tuition ($655) & Meal plan ($240)

    DESCRIPTION
    NEW as of 2013! Students will be creating new color families not previously dyed in Carol’s classes. If you have been wanting a new set of samples, but would 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. The expanded format will allow much more time for individual projects, and getting color onto cloth.

    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.


    SUPPLIES
    (Please label your own supplies)

    FABRIC/FIBERS:
    • 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. Email Carol if you would like a more detailed explanation of pfd fabrics and where to purchase them.
    • 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 notetaking and a pen
    • 2 three-ring binders: one 1 1/2” thick and one 1/2” thick
    • 100 CLEAR top-loading 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. Get permanent tape in the yellow plaid box - not the re-positionable tape
    • masking tape
    • 30 long (#10) envelopes
    • stapler plus extra staples
    • 20 rubber bands
    • black 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. The 45 mm cutters can work but you must have arm strength.
    • rotary cutting mat - 11” x 17” or larger
    • Quilter’s plexiglas ruler - 6” x 12” is suggested size. Must be at least 12” long
    • Optional: June Tailor Shape Cut ruler - the large size
    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. The Shape Cut Ruler will NOT work for this class UNLESS you have the 60 mm cutter, because of the number of layers we cut.

    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
    • two 5 gallon buckets - if you are driving
    • one large strong plastic spoon - at least 12” long - straight, not bent is better
    • one box of one gallon Ziploc bags
    • dye mask, if you have one
    • apron or old clothes

    PLASTIC CONTAINERS: If you are flying, these items can be obtained at the grocery store after arriving. Check with me first, because if I am driving, I will try to bring extras.
    • 15 plastic party cups and 10 plastic picnic spoons - 8 oz. or larger
    • one plastic orange juice bottle - 1.79 L Simply Orange brand (or limeade, etc)
    • one gallon milk jug - rinse all jugs, and be sure to keep the caps!

    Optional: samples of your dyed fabric and/or photos of your work

    MATERIALS FEE PROVIDES:
    The materials fee covers all the dyes and necessary chemicals, more than 100 pages of handouts and swatchbook pages, and all the fabric necessary for the sample book - approximately 7 yards per person.
    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 6-10, 2016 | Neutral Territory: 50 Shades of Gray & 50 Shades of Brown
    Neutral Territory: 50 Shades of Gray & 50 Shades of Brown
    • Level: Intermediate to advanced - reactive dye experience helpful
    • Zig zag sewing machine: No
    • Materials fee:
    $50
    • Dye facility usage fee: $30
    Tuition & Meal plan per 5-day class:
    • Early: paid in full by December 1, 2015: $875 - Tuition ($635) & Meal plan ($240)
    • Regular: paid in full by February 1, 2016: $895 - Tuition ($655) & Meal plan ($240)

    DESCRIPTION
    Have you been frustrated when the dye houses discontinue one of your favorite black dyes? Do you sigh in frustration, because all the samples you have developed with these dye go out the window?

    Learn about making your own black mixes from the pure primary dyes. We will create the ever elusive:
    • Neutral blacks, that gradate to neutral grays
    • Warm blacks, that gradate to pinky lavender
    • Cool blacks, that gradate to steely blue
    • Grunge blacks, that gradate to greenish hues

    In addition the class will cover creation of many neutral studies - tans, browns, gray-blues, gray-reds, and other chromatic grays. Think of the palest alabaster to inky night sky - all values ranges will be examined. Taupes and tans can be fascinating as well - ecru, heath, titanium, putty, and driftwood. Sharing our results, we will compile a large reference book - our own 50 Shades of Gray will just be the beginning of our explorations in Neutral Territory, as we cross into 50 Shades of Brown as well.

    From shibori to screen printing, neutrals pose their own unique dye challenges and opportunities. We will examine the particular tricks and tips for dyeing neutrals when using immersion, low water immersion, and thickened dye applications.

    As time allows, interested students may also pursue discharge studies.
    When the subtleties and color shifts of discharge are added to the mix, possibilities explode!

    Consideration of the evocative nature of neutral color, and ideas of combining neutrals with punchy colors will be discussed. From subtle atmosphere to dramatic moodiness, the range of expressiveness with neutrals is limitless.

    SUPPLIES
    (Please label your own supplies)

    FABRIC/FIBERS:
    • 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.
    Email Carol if you would like a more detailed explanation of pfd fabrics and where to purchase them.
    • 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
    • pencil with a working eraser or a separate eraser
    • three-ring binder: 1.5” 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 a band on the margin.
    • Scotch double sided tape 1/2” wide - enough to total
    50 yards of tape
    • masking tape
    • stapler plus extra staples
    • 20 rubber bands
    • black 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. The 45 mm cutters can work but you must have arm strength.
    • rotary cutting mat - 11” x 17” or larger
    • Quilter’s plexiglas ruler - 6” x 12” is suggested size. Must be at least 12” long
    • Optional: June Tailor Shape Cut ruler - the large size
    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. The Shape Cut Ruler WILL NOT WORK for this class UNLESS you have the 60 mm cutter, because of the number of layers we cut.

    PLASTIC CONTAINERS: If you are flying, these items can be obtained at the grocery store after arriving.
    Check with me first, because there may be extra supplies of these available.
    • 15 plastic party cups and 10 plastic picnic spoons - 16 oz. clear cups are nice, but the red Solo cups are fine
    • plexiglass sheet - 1/8" thick by 11" x 14" or 12" x 12", available at home centers or glass shops

    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
    • two 3-5 gallon buckets - if you are driving
    • one large strong plastic spoon - at least 12” long - straight, not bent is better
    • one box of one gallon ziploc bags
    • respirator if you are interested in discharge work (cartridges will say “acid gas” or “organic vapors” … either will work)
    • apron or old clothes
    • one pvc pole for shibori - optional: 2 feet recommended, but no longer than 3 feet long
    • one thermofax screen - optional, if you are interested in thickened work
    • graduated cylinders - if you have some from previous classes, bring your 10, 50 and 100 ml cylinders. I will bring extra cylinders to share.
    • three capped or pointy-top bottles to hold dye at your table - any size from 6-12 ounces


    MATERIALS FEE PROVIDES:
    The materials fee covers all the dyes and necessary chemicals, 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

  • • 2016 Spring class tuition and Meal plan
    Tuition & Meal plan per 5-day class:
    • Early: paid in full by December 1, 2015: $875 - Tuition ($635) & Meal plan ($240)
    • Regular: paid in full by February 1, 2016: $895 - Tuition ($655) & Meal plan ($240)
    • Note: Some of the workshops have an additional fee for materials & facility usage. Each class description indicates whether there is an additional fee. Material/facility fees are due with the final payment.

    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, Pickerington, Ohio (15-20 minute drive to 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

    Shaw’s Inn, Lancaster, Ohio (15-20 minute drive to barn), Charming boutique hotel located in downtown historic Lancaster. Please ask for best extended stay rate (includes a very good breakfast). A nice restaurant and bar are located inside the inn. Individually decorated rooms range from small rooms to suites. Phone: 800-654-2477

    The Morgan Theater Home, Baltimore, Ohio (5 minute drive to the 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 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

    Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Reynoldsburg (15-20 minute drive to 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

    Other accommodations, please negotiate your own weekly rates:

    City of Lancaster, Ohio (15-20 minute drive to the Barn)
    • Hampton Inn, 740-654-2999, clean and quiet
    City of Pickerington, Ohio (15-20 minute drive to the Barn)
    • Best Western Executive Suites, 614-860-9804
    • Fairfield Inn, 614-864-4555
  • • 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 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.
    • Port Columbus (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 $65 per 5-day class.
    • Cutting mats are available for $10 per 5-day class.
    • Lamps are available for $15 per 5-day class.

    Formal class hours
    • Monday-Friday: 9-12 and 2-5 daily
    (Classrooms are open 7 am-10 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