Mamie's Schoolhouse | Natural Dye Education

I have just completed Module 1: Foundations. The course is well structured with a great combination of video tutorials, written instructions, together with the option to participate in zoom and written Q&A sessions. Mel very generously keeps access open for a year so you do not feel the pressure of keeping to the schedule (or if you want to re-watch a tutorial). The course covers not only the historical perspective, but also provides an excellent introduction to the chemistry of the most important aspects of preparing fibre using various scouring and mordanting methods (also helping to investigate and demystify some practices). Mel also helps you to focus on bringing 'tried and tested' methods up to date with a focus on understanding the environmental issues involved in home natural dyeing. I will never not scour my fabric again!

I had the pleasure of spending the day with Mel at Gaspereau Valley Fibres where we learned about dyeing with natural matter. The information provided was very thorough and the class was interesting and interactive. Mel is extremely knowledgeable. I would definitely take more courses through Mamie's!

Wow! What a course, I've just completed the module 1 with Mel. Anyone wishing for a sound grounding to the underlying principles of fibre preparation should take a look at it. Fabulous!

The Turkey Red course is a true step into ancient knowledge. Mel's course structure was a pleasure to navigate, informative, concise, video and text format, brilliant communication, historical information - a recipe for success!Loved everything about this online learning, thank you so much Mel for sharing your extensive knowledge so generously.

Courses from Mamie's Schoolhouse are top notch. Whether you're new to natural dyeing or want to deepen your knowledge, these courses are in-depth and science-based. I've been natural dyeing for years, and have taken workshops from many of the big names. Mamie's Schoolhouse Guilded courses are by far the best I've taken. Why? Because she goes deep into the history and science of what we're doing. Knowing the history and the science behind what I'm doing makes me a better dyer. Stop wondering if you should sign up. Just do it. You will not regret it and you will gain so much!

I took Mel's Turkey Red Course and thoroughly enjoyed it.The course was excellently planned with ample information and instruction.Mel is a very generous teacher both with her knowledge and time.Like any good course it has made me more curious to learn more and to continue expanding my knowledge on this subject.This was my first course with Mamie's Schoolhouse but it definitely won't be the last.Highly recommended.

Mel's online courses are very user-friendly. Even as an experienced dyer I found great value in taking her courses Guilded Module 1:Foundations, and Guilded Module 2: Colour, where at my own pace I learned new-to-me mordanting methods, best practices for journalling dye results, and specific plant-dye recipes. I cannot recommend Mel's courses enough to new and experienced dyers alike!

I just finished the Guilded Module 1 course with Mel and absolutely loved it. I never imagined there would be SO much information in the course. It really teaches you the foundations of preparing textiles for dyeing in a way that sinks in and starts you off on the right track. Not only did it give me a real grasp on the science and processes involved but also drove home how important and valuable proper research and technique can be, how experimentation is critical to learning, and some very eye opening knowledge on the impacts of what we’re doing has on the environment, as well as the vast potential for natural dyeing to be beneficial to the world. The concept of putting historical practices side by side with modern techniques is illuminating and extremely fun. Mel has a wealth of knowledge and experience that is hard to find and I’m very grateful she created a course to help others on their path.

I just finished Module 1: Foundations and highly recommend it to anyone looking to learn in depth knowledge of fiber prep before dyeing. Mel, our teacher, taught us great historical and contemporary perspective and methods as well as exposure to the cutting edge research, which she is conducting. Mel is very supportive and encouraging. Her lessons are chock full of info and well organized. A real bargain. Highly recommend!

Mel Sweetnam’s Guilded Module 1: Foundations 2023 is such a lovely entryway into the realm of natural dyeing. Her scientific research and knowledge of history are the backbone of this course. I like how she has laid out steps for our own learning, using video and text materials to teach, as well as the use of internet resources to further elucidate. I’m thankful for her sharing her own experiments and wide knowledge of the craft. I also appreciate her quick responses to our questions, her clearing up misunderstandings we may have, the opportunity to interact with others in the course through the Zoom meetings, and most important her encouragement. I'm looking forward to Module 2!