Join artist Maura Grace Ambrose for an engaging two-day workshop as we come together to explore the art of creating a mini quilt project that serves as a foundation for natural dyes and quilting. This workshop aims to foster a sense of community, allowing participants to connect with one another in a natural environment while developing their skills and creating a stunning piece of functional art.

Day 1: Hand-Dyeing Organic Linen
On the first day, we will gather as a group to learn the process of hand-dyeing organic cotton using natural dyes. Under the expert guidance of artist Maura Grace Ambrose, you will learn the magic of color mixing through over-dyeing. The dyes will be derived from plants and natural sources, making your fabric both beautiful and eco-friendly. Connect with fellow participants as you exchange ideas and learn from one another's experiences.

Day 2: Creating Half Square Triangle Quilt Blocks
On the second day, we will utilize the hand-dyed fabric from day one to cut and sew half square triangle quilt blocks. These blocks will then be stuffed with a mixture of lavender and sage, adding a soothing and aromatic touch to your creation. Work alongside your peers, share tips and techniques, and build lasting connections within the quilting community.

This workshop is open to individuals of all backgrounds and levels of experience, including beginners in quilting and natural dyeing. Come join us and unleash your creativity while learning new skills in this unique and inspiring workshop led by Maura Grace Ambrose, where connection and learning in community are at the heart of the experience.

MATERIALS

Because in this workshop we welcome all backgrounds and levels of experience, we understand some of you may already have all or most of the required tools while others have none. With that understanding we offer two options for materials: you may bring your own or you may purchase them from us for $75 and have them waiting at the workshop for you.

Required Materials
needle
thread
fabric 1 yard per person
gloves, a pair for each person
fabric marking pencils

ABOUT ARTIST MAURA GRACE AMBROSE

During a creatively charged summer road trip in 2011, Maura followed her dream to combine gardening and quilting. Coming from a family that made clothes and quilts, it brings Maura joy and meaning to connect with ancestors through the work, and carry on the tradition of heritage crafts.Maura pioneered a movement of hand-dyed fabrics and hand-stitched quilts through sharing her process of yielding dye from plants and using those colors for quilt making. Folk Fibers grew into a brand that is international and sought after by collectors of heirloom quilts.

The studio and garden are a sanctuary of color, a place to commune with color. This is where the work begins and develops a sympathetic approach to color, from seed, to plant, to dye, to textile.

Maura teaches workshops from her home studio and abroad. The workshops are a balance of technique and play, allowing experimentation to develop into creative flow.

Maura lives with her husband and 2 kids on a hilltop in Bastrop, TX and are stewards of 10 woodland acres by the lower Colorado River, living a lifestyle that feeds her creatively. Choosing to ebb and flow with the seasons yields authentic and life-giving work.

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. Lodging wise, we recommend the El Rey Court, who has offered registered workshop participants up to 15% 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

Two scholarships for creatives looking to expand their skills are available, with a priority going to BIPOC; to apply for a scholarship please see here.

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. Exchanging a workshop ticket for a future workshop at Moon Horse Ranch may be possible and will be considered on a case by case basis.

Hope you will join us as we learn the Art of Quilt Making and Natural Dye with Maura Grace Ambrose.

All photographs by Rebecca Metzler.