Discover the beauty and tradition of wool spinning and Navajo plant dyeing in this two day workshop. Together, we’ll explore the time-honored practice of processing wool into yarn and creating natural dyes from plants traditionally gathered in the Southwest and learn how these colors have been used for generations in Navajo textile arts.
Participants will learn from Nikyle Begay, a Navajo shepherd and weaver, how to spin wool into yarn and the cultural significance of plant dyes, the preparation process, and the techniques used to achieve rich, lasting colors on natural fibers. We will dye the yarn with cochineal, indigo, wild tea, walnut hulls, rabbit brush, snake weed, and lichen. Whether you’re new to spinning and natural dyeing or looking to deepen your knowledge, this class offers a meaningful introduction to the artistry, patience, and connection to the land that make this practice so special.
Participants will leave with dyed fiber samples, practical knowledge of the dyeing process, and a greater appreciation for the traditions and stories woven into every color yarn.
No prior experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Workshop Details
- Hands-on instruction in carding, spinning and Navajo dyeing
- Learn about Southwestern natural dye plants and color preparation
- Dye your own yarn to take home
- Participants may bring their own tools and materials or purchase them with the workshop ticket
- Tools and materials include: hand carder, Navajo spindle, 5 skeins of yarn
- Lunch at Moon Horse Ranch both days is included with the ticket
About Nikyle
Nikyle Begay is a Diné (Navajo) shepherd, fiber artist, weaver, and educator from the Navajo Nation. They are widely recognized for their work preserving traditional Diné shepherding and weaving practices, particularly those centered on the endangered Navajo-Churro sheep.
Their work spans several areas:
- Shepherding: Nikyle raise Navajo-Churro sheep using traditional methods passed down through their family. These sheep provide the wool used in Diné weaving and are culturally significant.
- Weaving and fiber arts: Begay manages every stage of the textile process—from breeding sheep for naturally colored wool and shearing them to spinning, dyeing, and weaving. Their work combines traditional knowledge with contemporary artistic practice.
- Education: Nikyle teaches weaving classes in person and online and frequently speak about Diné culture, sustainable fiber production, and Indigenous land stewardship.
- Community leadership: Begay has served in a leadership role with the Rainbow Fiber Co-Op, an initiative that supports Diné shepherds and weavers by promoting sustainable wool production and fair economic opportunities.
Nikyle Begay has been featured by organizations and publications including the Associated Press, Hyperallergic, and One Earth for their efforts to revitalize traditional Diné textile practices and strengthen cultural continuity through shepherding and weaving.
In our own lives, we are particularly grateful to Nikyle, who has reached out several times over the past few years as we’ve learned to tend our own flock of Navajo Angoras and offered wisdom and care passed down from generations of experience shepherding. We are so grateful Nikyle for the way you share your knowledge and art.
TRAVEL AND LODGING
Workshop participants are responsible for their own travel to and lodging in Santa Fe. For those traveling from out of town, the nearest airports are in Santa Fe, 20 minutes away, and Albuquerque, which is an hour drive away. For lodging, we recommend the El Rey Court and Hotel Glorieta who have offered registered workshop participants up to 25% off a four night stay. The exact address of the workshop will be sent to registered participants the week of arrival. Moon Horse Ranch is 30 minutes south of downtown Santa Fe, between the villages of Galisteo and Cerillos. San Marcos Seed and Feed is a 5 minute drive from Moon Horse Ranch.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships for creatives looking to expand their skills may be available; to apply for a scholarship please see here. The last day to submit a scholarship application is September 20th. The recipients will be notified by September 24th.
REFUND POLICY
Due to the nature of these workshops and how much long term planning and preparation goes into each one, refunds cannot be given.
