Common Ground Radio 10/12/23: Natural Dyeing with Plants




WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Audio Archives show

Summary: Host: Holli Cederholm Editor: Clare Boland Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond. This month: The episode of MOFGA’s Common Ground Radio explores natural dyeing of fibers and textiles with plants and minerals with two Maine artists. With Jude Hsiang, a knitter, weaver and former shepherd, we talk about how to dye plant and animal fibers using plants, many of which she grows in her dye garden or forages for in the local landscape. Later in the show, we are joined by Samantha Verrone, an artist focused on regenerative design. Verrone discusses bundle dyeing, sustainability and experimenting with iron and rust in the dye pot. Guest/s: Jude Hsiang Samantha Verrone FMI Links: Versicolor, Jude Hsiang’s Facebook page with events and workshops Samantha Verrone Textiles “How to Bundle Dye Using Plant Materials” by Samantha Verrone About the hosts: Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA. Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.