Natural Dyeing Retreat 2026
Experience the wonders of nature's palette in this summer retreat at Simple Hill Farm!
July 17-19, 2026
Harrisonburg, VA
A Colorfully Creative Weekend on the Farm!
Learn about natural dyeing while dyeing skeins of Simple Hill Farm merino wool yarn a rainbow of colors! Interspersed with hands-on learning will be time for stitching and crafting together. Thoughtfully planned homemade meals shared together will celebrate the summer season with fresh ingredients. And of course, we will visit the flock of sheep that provide the wool for our yarn!
Topics covered during the weekend will include: preparing yarn or fabric for dyeing, mordants, dye plants and the colors they give, growing a dye garden, dye baths, layering dyes, indigo vats and post dyeing care. We will dye with madder, marigolds, indigo and logwood to give us the 6 colors of the rainbow! Everyone will leave with an approximately 1 oz, 90 yard skein of DK weight yarn in each of the 6 colors (6 skeins total).
NATURAL DYEING RETREAT 2026
FRIDAY
6:00 PM Gathering Time with Snacks
7:00 PM Dye Session I Marigolds & Indigo
9:00 PM Return to Lodgings
SATURDAY
8:30 AM Morning Coffee & Tea Time
9:00 AM Dye Session II: Madder & Indigo & Visit Sheep!
12:00 PM Lunch at Clementine Cafe (or on your own)
2:00 PM Explore Downtown Harrisonburg
4:00 PM Return to Simple Hill Farm
Dye Session III: Marigolds, Madder & Indigo & Dye Garden Tour
6:00 PM Dinner at Simple Hill Farm
7:00-8:30 PM Evening Chill Time for Stitching/Crafting-Bring your own project
SUNDAY
9:30 AM Morning Brunch at Simple Hill Farm
10:30 AM Dye Session IV: Logwood
12:00 PM Closing Circle and Depart
Anyone interested in yarn and plant dyes is welcome! Stitching and crafting can be a time to knit, crochet, weave or whatever portable craft project you want to bring along. We will enjoy a creative weekend full of color!
Limited to 12 participants
Cost $325, lodging not included
Once sold out, please Contact Us to get on the wait list
We invite individuals from all backgrounds, perspectives, races, and gender expressions to join our events and become part of our community. We believe that a multitude of
perspectives fosters creativity and generates innovative ideas, and we encourage an open-minded and respectful environment where everyone can feel safe together.
Heidi Lantz-Trissel, owner of Simple Hill Farm
Heidi has been plant dyeing Simple Hill Farm’s merino yarn since the first skeins came back from the mill in 2020. The vibrancy and vast range of color she has achieved has been noticed in the fiber community. Her rainbow yarn display at fiber festivals evokes wonder at the amazing depth of color plants provide! While not all the dye plants used are grown on the farm, Heidi enjoys growing a wide variety of dye plants. Outside of her love of all things fiber, Heidi enjoys cooking for family and friends, gardening, reading and running.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to bring/wear?
Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dye on. My apron can be passed around for any who want to use it while working with a dye bath as well. Bring a craft project to work on while dye pots simmer!
What food is included in the cost of the retreat & what about special dietary restrictions?
Snacks and meals included are: tea and snacks Friday evening; Saturday dinner and Sunday brunch; snacks and drinks throughout the weekend. Saturday lunch will be at a local eatery and any who want to join can, each participant responsible for their own bill. Most dietary needs can be accommodated. Upon registration, you will receive a link to a survey where you can note dietary needs.
What about lodging and transportation during the retreat?
Participants are responsible for arranging their own lodging and transportation. Retreat activities will be located at The Studio at Simple Hill Farm. Simple Hill Farm is located 5.5 miles north of downtown Harrisonburg. Transportation to downtown Harrisonburg Saturday afternoon is not provided but carpooling is encouraged. A list of lodging options will be provided upon registration.
What is the cancellation policy?
Payment in full is due at the time of registration. A 50% refund is available if you cancel on or before May 1, 2026. A 25% refund is available if you cancel on or before June 1, 2026. Registration is transferable to a friend if you have a last-minute emergency. By registering and submitting payment, you acknowledge that you understand the cancellation policy. Please contact us if you have questions.
Thank you for understanding the risks taken by small business owners in planning such an event and for respecting the limited number of spaces available to those who wish to attend.