I feel honoured and privileged to have been invited to teach a workshop on mushroom dyeing at Maiwa this year.
Maiwa (pronounced MAY-wah) supports traditional craft, through an ethical business model, in the trade of embroidered, block-printed, handwoven, and naturally dyed textiles (mainly with India, but also with several other areas). Their dedicated staff seek out quality workmanship, and they do what they can to educate the purchasing public about the cultures, co-operatives, and lives of the artisans.
Every year, beginning in September and carrying on into November, Maiwa holds its Textile Symposium, with lectures, exhibitions, seminars, and workshops covering all manner of topics related to the fibre arts. Their teaching facilities are first-rate (Classroom space! Dyepots of all sizes! Heated drying racks! Extractors to remove smelly fumes! Assistants!) and their staff exceptionally helpful and efficient.
If you get a chance, visit one of their locations in Vancouver: their main store and Maiwa Supply, both on Granville Island, and Maiwa East at 1310 Odlum. Not only will you find garments, fabrics, and accessories, it’s also the go-to place for dyeing supplies and information. The shop at Maiwa East is filled with furniture unlike anything you’ll find in a big box. You can purchase documentary DVDs through their website and download podcasts of many of their symposium presentations.
Registrations opens June 22 at 10:00 am. I’ll be teaching a two-day workshop November 2 and 3.
SHROOMWORKS 
Congratulations. I am so looking forward to next year and the IFFF Symposium in BC. Have not been there before, hoping for lots of moisture and lots of fungi to see. Now to wait to hear all about your class and hopefully lots of photos as well……….good colors to you!!
Thanks, Carol. Glad you’re planning on coming up this way in 2016. We’ll be asking everyone to do a collective rain dance in the summer of 2016 – rain in August promises fantastic fungi in October!
Congratulations on teaching mushrooms at Maiwa! I took one class from Alissa Allen here in Seattle a couple of Octs. ago..and found it great. So far I am an appreciator of the ID and gathering of mushrooms..intend to learn more soon! I do enjoy your blog although I haven’t commented before, I don’t believe..
Thank you! I’m glad to hear that mushrooms pique your interest, and it’s only a matter of time before you descend into the “dark hole” of mushroom dyeing! I’ve admired your blog before – your creations are lovely!
Hi Ann, it’s Amy Crook, I helped with the slides at the Powell River fest. I’d like to offer my time to help you with your class or events in return for learning from you. Would you consider anything like that?
Also, I’m going to be in Mendocino, CA in a few weeks. Can you suggest any way for me to connect with mushroom dyer there? Thanks so much.
Hi, Amy, and thanks again for your help with the slides. I’m currently working on a Powerpoint presentation, which should make life easier for everyone. Thanks for your offer of help, but Maiwa organizes everything and provides their own staff to act as assistants. I don’t have the names of any mushroom dyers in Mendocino, but let me make some inquiries – I’ll reply to your email. You’ll love that town!
Congratulations Ann! So proud of you as always!
Awwww . . . thanks, Dearie!
You’ve come a long way baby!!,