Go from color inspiration to color application effortlessly.

Master color theory and dyeing from the comfort of your home in this on-line course.


 
 

Do you wish your dye projects always turned out exactly as you envisioned?

Are you frustrated when a gorgeous color can’t be repeated consistently?

Tired of wasting fiber, money, and time?

If so, the Color Alchemy Masterclass is your solution.

Early registration for the Summer 2025 session is now available!

 
 
 
This course is amazing, the system you developed is mind blowing! My understanding of color grew so much that I will never feel frustrated again when dyeing a specific color. I now feel confident I will be able to dye every color I want just the way I like it to be.
— Loesje Hermans - Color Alchemy Graduate
 

 

Summer Session Overview

Course Start – June 23:
Kick off with a live orientation, then dive into on‑demand lessons and weekly assignments at your own pace. This phase is designed to build a solid foundation, with ongoing support available via our private Discord community.

Live Sessions – September 9 to October 7th:
Transition into weekly live sessions that offer deeper, hands‑on learning. Can’t join live? Recordings are available, and you can submit your questions ahead of time.

Self‑Paced Option:
Prefer to work entirely on your own schedule? Choose the fully on‑demand version and still enjoy access to all live session recordings and community support.

Note:
Space is limited due to the personalized design of this course.

 

 

Ruth, a Color Alchemist graduate, was able to achieve these color matching results on her first attempt.

 
 

What is Color Alchemy?

In 2006, I struggled to get the colors I envisioned onto the fiber I spun—wasting dye, fiber, money, and time through endless trial and error. I knew there had to be a better way.

Passionate about both fiber and technology, I began exploring how to harness digital inspiration to create precise, repeatable dye formulas. I put my ideas into practice in my dye guide, Dyeing To Get The Colors You Want, and eventually developed a robust system that dives deep into color theory. This system—Color Alchemy—transforms the unpredictable process of dyeing into a science, empowering you to achieve the colors you imagine every time.

 
 
 

Using digital images as your color inspiration, you’ll learn to develop precise dye formulas and craft custom color palettes for your projects.

 
color-fiber-and-dye-lecture-adwsg

Exclusively for course participants, my newest book, ‘Color Alchemy: from digital to dye,’ is your definitive blueprint for mastering color matching and dyeing—it serves as the course’s textbook.

 

 

What’s covered:

Here are the course goals and how it will impact your dyeing practice

 
 

Meet your Color Alchemy guide Alanna Wilcox

Not every artist is both a expert at their craft and an experienced teacher. With over 16 years of experience as a fiber artist and color specialist—and a Master's in Art Education—I bring these worlds together. I know that mastering the techniques to mix, create, and dye colors is only half the battle; teaching you exactly how to do it is what makes all the difference.

Each student is unique, so I tailor the Color Alchemy Masterclass to your individual goals. Before we begin, you'll share your color and dyeing aspirations, and I'll build a personalized, step-by-step plan to help you achieve them.

Don't just take my word for it—see what participants hade to say about this transformative learning experience!

Want to achieve color matching results like this? In Color Alchemy Masterclass you’ll learn step by step how to take the projects and colors you envision and bring them to life.


What participants are saying:

 
This course is amazing—the system is mind-blowing! I now feel confident I’ll be able to dye every color I desire, exactly as I imagine it.
— Tess Ramsey - Graduate and Indie Dyer at Juneau Woolies
Alanna’s course taught me to truly understand color, not just match it. Her mentorship and personalized approach transformed my dyeing process and gave me the confidence to pursue my creative goals.
— Amber Keyes - Graduate and Indie Dyer at The Colorful Dragon
When I first began dyeing, nothing ever came out as I envisioned. Alanna’s class boosted my confidence 100 times over—now I know I can achieve exactly the results I want.
— Tess Clark - Color Alchemy Graduate
 

 

Real dyers, real results! - Emily Madsen Indie Dyer of Fangirl Fibers

 

Course content includes:

 
 

Live Sessions (4 sessions, 12+ hours total)

  • Topics Covered:
    • Color Theory & Organization
    • Creating Color Palettes and Matching Formulas
    • Creative Applications & Troubleshooting

Exclusive Course Textbook

  • Color Alchemy: from digital to dye (available only with the course)
    • Explains the underpinnings of my color matching system
    • Guides you step by step from digital inspiration to a repeatable dye formula

On-Demand Content (20+ hours)

Your Kit

  • Included Items:
    • Sampler of undyed fibers for testing colors
    • Syringes for mixing dyes
    • Soap for washing fibers
    • Essential auxiliaries (citric acid, Glauber’s salt)
    • Plus, a few extra surprises!

(Note: The kit does not include dye powder; you’ll receive a recommended list of brands. The course focuses on acid dyes like Jacquard Washfast, Prochemical & Dye’s Washfast, Greener Shades Washfast, and Dharma Trading Company’s Washfast Acid Dyes.)

Additional Materials Needed:

  • Dye pot (enamel canning pots work well)

  • 8 one-quart mason jars for dyeing samples

  • Primary colored dye powders (10g each of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black)

  • 50 undyed 10g superwash/nylon mini skeins for sampling

  • Dye safety equipment (masks, gloves, etc.)

  • 5–10 syringes (10mL and 1mL sizes)

  • A .01 gram scale

  • Access to a scanner

Receive a custom-made wooden box filled with helpful tools to support your journey toward becoming a Color Alchemist.

 

 

Pricing

Early Registration: $1,347 for the first 10 registrants (ends April 23rd)

Regular Price: $1,497 registration ends June 13th

Includes the full course content, book, and kit—with free shipping to US addresses (international shipping may incur extra charges).

Sales tax applies for NY residents. Payment plan options are available.

 

 

More results from Color Alchemy Masterclass Graduates

 

 

Your questions answered

  • In my Color Alchemy Masterclass, I don’t rely on just one brand of dyes. Instead, I teach you how to get the most out of the acid dyes available to you. I recommend using brands like Dharma Washfast Acid Dyes, Jacquard Washfast Acid Dyes, Greenershades Acid Dyes, and ProChem Washfast Acid Dyes. At the start of the course, I provide a comprehensive list of all the dyes I use along with a recommended dye equipment supply list. This approach ensures you learn how to master color matching and dyeing techniques regardless of the specific dye brand you choose.

  • My Color Alchemy Masterclass is designed with advanced techniques in mind, so I assume you already have some basic dye equipment. However, I want to make it accessible for beginners too. If you’re just starting out or don’t yet have a full studio setup, don’t worry—I provide a detailed Tips and Methods document that explains how I set up my studio and the essential equipment I use. In general, here’s what you’ll need:

    • An enamel canning pot or your preferred container

    • A reliable heat source

    • A fine particle mask and gloves for safety

    • A .01 g scale for accurately weighing dye powders

    • Acid dyes in primary colors—red, magenta, blue, cyan, yellow, black, and brown

    • Syringes in 1 mL, 10 mL, and 60 mL sizes

    • Undyed 10g mini skeins for testing color formulas (I recommend 30–50 skeins)

    • Citric acid and Glauber’s salt or Ammonium Sulfate

    Whether you’re already set up or just starting to build your dye studio, my course is designed to guide you every step of the way. During the orientation, I’ll share specific recommendations and help you adapt my system to your available resources.

  • I offer the Color Alchemy Masterclass three times a year:

    • Spring Session: March–May

    • Summer Session: July–September

    • Winter Session: November–January

    If these dates don’t work for you, you can opt for a fully on‑demand version. In this mode, if you miss a live session, you'll have access to recordings for up to one year so you can learn at your own pace. However, to receive the full support offered via our private Discord community, you must enroll during an open registration period. That dedicated support is available throughout the enrollment period, and if you need extra assistance after the course ends, there are options for ongoing support or private consultations.

    This structure ensures you get a comprehensive learning experience that fits your schedule while still benefiting from real-time guidance and community support.

  • In my Color Alchemy Masterclass, I recommend the following to ensure you have a smooth learning experience:

    • High-Speed Internet: Essential for attending live Zoom sessions without interruption.

    • Desktop or Laptop Computer: I advise using one for accessing free photo applications and managing digital tools efficiently.

    • Scanner: Useful for digitizing physical samples or documents. If you don’t have one, many libraries or copy centers offer scanning services.

    • Phone or Camera: Important for taking clear pictures of your dyed samples so you can easily share them with the group for feedback and color comparisons.

    • Tablet (Optional): While not required, a tablet can be helpful for planning and reviewing your dye projects on the go.

    This setup will help you fully engage with the course content and make the most of the interactive components.

  • My Color Alchemy Masterclass is designed like a college-level course in color theory and acid dyeing. Before our live sessions, you’ll complete several on-demand, self-paced assignments, including:

    • Reading the Dyeing to get the colors you want guide and the Color Alchemy book (record your questions and submit them before live sessions).

    • Setting up your Digital Dye Notebook using my provided template.

    • Working through the “Planning a gradient” tutorial to familiarize yourself with key techniques.

    • Preparing 1% DOS dyed yarn samples in primary colors (Red, warm/golden Yellow, Blue, Magenta, cool Yellow, Cyan, Black, and Brown).

    You can expect to spend about 40 hours on these assignments spread over 10 weeks.
    In addition, there are 10-15 hours per week during the live sessions of the course. Detailed instructions and support are provided during orientation and on our private Discord server daily to help you manage the assignments effectively.

  • Discord is the platform I use for all course discussions outside of our live Zoom sessions. It’s a private channel exclusively for Color Alchemy Masterclass participants where you can ask questions, share ideas, and engage in group discussions via text. This community space is designed to extend your learning experience, ensuring you get the support you need throughout the course.

  • Yes, I offer flexible payment plans to help meet your budget needs. While the course must be paid in full before you register, I can create an invoice that sets up multiple payments. Once I receive full payment, your spot in the upcoming session is automatically guaranteed.

  • It depends on your comfort level with color theory and technology. My Color Alchemy Masterclass dives deep into advanced concepts in color theory and digital dyeing techniques. If you're a beginner who’s excited about learning and willing to put in the extra effort, you can definitely join.

    I provide instructional videos and support to help you navigate the technology and catch up on dyeing fundamentals.

    However, if you're completely new to dyeing and feel overwhelmed by tech-heavy content, the course might feel challenging.

    I'm happy to work with you by offering introductory assignments to build your skills before you dive into the advanced material.

    Ultimately, if you're enthusiastic and ready to learn, I'll help ensure your experience is both accessible and transformative.

  • Due to the customized nature of my Color Alchemy Masterclass and the proprietary methods I share, refunds are not available once the course begins. When you register, I assemble a customized kit and provide comprehensive digital content—so please make sure any questions are answered before you enroll.

    However, I stand firmly behind your success. I guarantee that if you actively engage with the course content, complete the assignments, and apply the techniques, you'll achieve your learning goals. If you’re not seeing the progress you expected, I encourage you to reach out during the course so we can work together to address any challenges. Your growth and satisfaction are my top priorities.

  • I require an NDA because I’m sharing proprietary methods developed over 18 years—techniques that are the core of my Color Alchemy Masterclass. The NDA ensures that both you and I are committed to keeping this information confidential, which protects my intellectual property while building trust with you. This way, you gain access to exclusive, proven strategies for dyeing and color matching, knowing that the integrity of this content is safeguarded.

 

While waiting for the course to begin,
check out these resources created for dyers and color lovers just like you:

 

Learn how to create a digital dye notebook

Get organized quickly with my pre-built dye notebook template in this on-demand class

 

“Dyeing To Get The Colors You Want” Guide

 
 

Learn how to extract colors from images to create palettes for dyeing. Includes a dye calculator to help you develop dye recipes too!

⭐️⭐️Read the reviews from other dyers here⭐️⭐️

 

Color, Fiber, and Dye (lecture)

Learn how our color perception influences the way we work with and utilize color in our fiber art projects in this recorded lecture.


 

Looking to match a color? Color matching formulas can help!