South Whidbey Island, WA
October 3-4, 2026
Hosted by Cultus Bay Gardens - Exploring Mushroom and Lichen Dyes of the Puget Sound Region
Regular price
$525.00
Join me at Cultus Bay Gardens during the height of the mushroom season to learn about the gorgeous range of permanent, colorfast dyes found in Pacific Northwest fungi. In this two-day workshop, we’ll explore the full spectrum of fungal colors found in the Puget Sound region’s forests and foothills. This class is open for all skill levels, from complete novices to advanced mushroom hunters and dyers. It will be a fun, educational weekend, making brilliant dyes using wild mushrooms and lichens.
Saturday morning, we will start by discussing the basics, including the history of mushroom and lichen dyeing, foraging safety, ethics, ecology, identification, fiber selection, mordants, modifiers, and garment care. We’ll then move on to dyeing our rainbow of samples! We’ll take our time noting the attributes of each chosen dye species, including the features of the mushroom, its unique ecology, how it reacts in the dye pot, and the optimal route to maximizing its dye potential. At the end of day one, you’ll have a beautiful regional rainbow of fungal colors.
On Sunday, each participant will bring a selection of their preferred protein fiber for dyeing. Using abundant dye species, we’ll observe the subtle and bold differences brought about by fiber selection alone. While our fibers simmer, we’ll design and dye an airy silk scarf using a demonstrated resist technique.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll be able to carry on with your dye experimentation with confidence. You’ll have experience selecting fiber, testing, and maximizing the dye potential of the most optimal dye species groups; experience making larger dye vats and utilizing exhaust baths to achieve even more color variation.
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At the end of the workshop, you’ll take home the following: • Samples and recipes used in class • A compact guidebook that outlines all the steps for working with fungal dyes • A color guide to the best dye species in the area • An elegant mushroom-dyed silk scarf for flair • Enough mushroom-dyed fiber for a small project For Sunday, bring multiple one or half-oz bundles of your favorite natural-colored wool or silk fiber: yarn, felt, or fabric (fiber dyed to look natural works as well). Secure fiber if loose, gently wash, and label with your name and the dry weight for reference. We will mordant in class. You can bring as many small bundles of fiber as you’d like. We will aim for a minimum of six oz per person, but you may be able to dye more. Sometimes, the dye vats are seemingly endless. |
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I look forward to meeting you at the magical Cultus Bay Gardens!
*Bring water-tight containers for taking home dye if you’d like to work with what we have left over.*
Special optional Field Study/Foray add-ons
($40 cash or Venmo — includes one or both offerings):
• Thursday, October 2nd, 1–4 pm: We’ll head into the forest to observe ecology in real time — examining microhabitats, looking for fungal clues, and reviewing ethical harvesting practices as we go. If the season cooperates, the woods will be full of dye fungi and we’ll fill our baskets for the next day.
• Saturday, October 3rd, dusk: Class wraps at 4 pm — rest, recharge, and return at dusk for hot spiced cider and a foray into the night. Armed with UV lights and flashlights, we’ll search the garden grounds for glowing surprises. Some dye fungi show themselves best after dark.
Register for walk by emailing Alissa Allen mycopigments@gmail.com
Consider extending your stay
Whidbey Island in the fall is a nature enthusiast's dream. Surrounded by coastal waters on all sides, the ferry crossing alone is worth the trip, with sweeping views of the sound and the mountains beyond. The forests and beaches offer excellent wildlife viewing, and if you have time to wander, the island's small villages each have their own distinct character. Langley, Freeland, and Coupeville are all worth an afternoon, with local shops, galleries, and food that reflect the unhurried pace of island life. Just north, Deception Pass delivers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the Pacific Northwest, with stunning viewpoints and unique coastal habitats. Consider coming a day early or staying a day late — there's plenty to explore.