First Week in Middle School Program
Main Lesson: Fiber Arts and Community Project with Ms. Sonja

September 15-17, 2026

We had a wonderful start to our Fiber Arts Main Lesson last week! In preparation for more complex skills in dyeing and sewing, we practiced how to measure with precision (measure twice, cut once!), project management concepts such as planning and execution, along with math practice and cursive handwriting.

You may have seen that a homework folder came home with your students with a list of vocabulary words. Each week they will be given a list of words to look up and define. Please help them remember to complete their assignment and bring in their folder on Mondays. 

This week we will continue with our project by setting the dye vats, learning traditional Japanese Shabori folds and techniques, and diving deeper into the mathematical and chemical aspects of indigo dye. Starting Tuesday, please have your student dress in clothing that is appropriate for messy work, or send an oversized shirt to put over their clothing.

I have invited the students to bring in a couple of textile items from home to put in the dye vat. Items should be clean (stains are fine), white, and made of natural fiber such as cotton, wool or silk. Items such as a white t-shirt, a pillowcase, napkins, or a table runner would be the ideal size and weight. Please have your student bring in their textiles on Monday.

In addition to discussing indigo, we have also been learning about other natural dye materials that can be found in our kitchens and environment such as onion skin, avocado pits and skins, golden rod, mushrooms, lichens, and more. We may experiment with other dye vats, so if you are able to, please save your onion skins and avocado pits/skins for us!

This group has been engaging and delightful, and I feel very fortunate to be working with them these next few weeks! 

If any questions arise, or you need to get in touch, please email me at or text/call 503-484-6605

Warmly,
Sonja