Learn How to Dye Cloth the Old-Fashioned Way
Learn how to dye cloth the old-fashioned way – with items you can find at a regular grocery store!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 2015
Contact: Jennifer Farrell | 281-382-0219
RICHMOND – Join us at the George Ranch Historical Park on Saturday, September 26 for a special hands-on activity featuring historic cloth-dyeing techniques. The event will be held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the 1830s log cabin area; living history interpreters “Henry” and “Nancy Jones” will teach participants about pioneer cloth dyeing and offer suggestions for dyeing cloth with items purchased from a regular grocery store.
“For instance, modern people might not find it too appealing to find and then grind up cochineal bugs to make a red or purple dye—but they could save an onion skin to make a brilliant yellow scarf the pioneer way,” said Director of Marketing Jennifer Farrell.
The “Joneses” will teach participants about period dyes such as indigo, osage wood and even arsenic and will lead demonstrations on how to properly pre-wash, dye and set a color using everyday ingredients.
Families are encouraged to attend and children of all ages are welcome – and everyone will get to participate in the cloth-dyeing process. The cost is FREE with general admission (members of the Fort Bend County Museum Association are free) and no reservations are required. For more information, call the Park at 281-343-0218 or visit www.georgeranch.org.
