MEXICO RETREAT Ultimate Natural Dyeing Challenge: 48 colors from 4 natural dyes - Dates: 3-10 February 2026
In 2026 I will host two retreats in San Miguel de Allende
This retreat is the Ultimate Natural Dyeing Challenge: 48 colors from 4 natural dyes. Dates: 3-10 February 2026
You will walk away with printed recipes and instructions, and a full set of 48 colors of (silk) yarn skeins and wool fabric.
From the rooftop studio space of the Case Angelitos hotel, with stunning views of San Miguel de Allende we will explore:
Natural dyeing as you have never seen it before. We dive into the fascinating story of Antoine Janot, an 18th-century Master Dyer. Through his recipes, we understand how to mordant, how to make a dye bath and optimize it. You will learn everything about subtle shading, and how to adjust colors using post-mordants. This is a fit for you if you are really serious about natural dyes, and you wish to understand them for once and for all!
What people said about this workshop:
“ A life-altering experience”
“ These techniques create a world of options for those who wish to use only a few readily available ingredients and recipes that are easily accessible.”
“I felt so accomplished and my dyeing experience gained a whole new level of beauty. I felt empowered to go back to my dyes at home and try out my new skills with confidence. “
San Miguel de Allende is fabulous for shopping, delicious food, and art.
In the evenings, you can grab an Oaxacan ice cream in the central town square and listen to the Mariachis.
Location:
San Miguel the Allende is a prize-winning Mexican town with all the colorful charm of Mexico, in a lovely mild climate.
The hotel: seven nights in Casa Angelitos a 5 star hotel with rave reviews.
Your spacious, sparkly clean room with comfortable beds awaits you, owner Roger Jones will assist you with everything you need.
Yes, you can bring a non-participating partner (they have lots of fun too!)
Yes, you can share a room with another participant (bring a friend and share the fun!)
Your non-refundable registration fee ensures your place in the retreat and in the hotel.
Installments available.
Total participation fee payable before November 15, 2025, talk to me about installments for your participation fee.
Please, do not book flight tickets before November 2024 (in the unlikely event we have to move something around.)
The program:
Tuesday 3 February Check-in starting from 15.00. Welcome dinner at 19.00.
Wednesday 4 February Dyeing the Blues, set up your indigo vat and dye 7 shades of blue
Thursday 5 February Dyeing Yellow and Green
Friday 6 February Dyeing Red and Orange
Trip to the Organic Farm Via Organica for lunch and inspiration. Learn all about this amazing social enterprise that is changing lives.
Saturday 7 February Day Off - Free program - Go shopping or visit the hot springs!
Sunday 8 February Grays, browns and olive hues.
Monday 9 February Pinks and Purples. Marking all our samples. Farewell dinner with traditional Mexican food.
Tuesday 10 February Breakfast and checkout.
What is included in the artist retreat?
7 nights in hotel Casa Angelitos
Delicious welcome and farewell dinner.
Organic farm-to-table breakfast (Yes, they actually grow their vegetables on their own farm nearby).
Coffee and tea bar available all day.
5 days of instructions
Lunch on all instruction days, transfers from and to Via Organica
Saturday is your day off for shopping and cruising the town.
Printed handouts with recipes and instructions.
You will create a full set of 48 silk or wool skeins (TBD) and wool fabric pieces
Not included:
Transfers to and from the hotel
Travel Insurance (mandatory!)
Excursions to the hot springs or other places you may want to see.
Tips ($60 pp for the hotel staff)
Dinner (except for our welcome and farewell dinner)
Material fee: 150 USD which covers studio fees, printed materials, your set of wool skeins and wool fabric, mordants, assists, and natural dyes.
PRICING:
Single in a room $2440
Single sharing a room with another participant $2109 (pp)
Participants with non-participating partners (price for two people) $2758
Please note:
Inclusion is so important to me, and I make sure my studio is accessible to all. However, San Miguel is a hard place to go around if mobility is an issue., and the hotel is full of stairs, and no elevator. You will receive a questionnaire to assess how we can make sure you can join us.
We have no problem accommodating vegan/gluten-free/dairy-free/kosher requirements, you will be able to indicate all your special dietary needs in the questionnaire.
You will receive different forms to fill in before we can confirm your participation, please return them to me signed asap to secure your spot.
After you have received your confirmation, your registration fee is final and not refundable. See terms and conditions in the forms for payments and refunds.
