Go from color inspiration to color application effortlessly.
Learn how with the ultimate color theory and dyeing course
for color lovers, fiber artists, and professional dyers all from the comfort of your home.
Register for the Spring 2025 session or join the wait list for future sessions.
Click the join now button to begin your adventure into Color Alchemy!
Wish you could dye a color and have it turn out how you pictured it?
Frustrated when you dye a gorgeous color but you’re not sure how to repeat it consistently?
Feeling stuck because you don’t want to waste your fiber, money or time?
Yes? Well then you need the Color Alchemy Masterclass course
Early registration is available for the Spring 2025 session!
Ruth, a Color Alchemist graduate, was able to achieve these color matching results on her first attempt.
Spring Session Details:
The Spring session starts on February 25th with an orientation. For the first two months, you’ll have access to on-demand lessons and weekly assignments that you can work through at your own pace. This part of the course is all about building a strong foundation. I’ll also be available to answer any questions through direct chat in our private Discord community.
Live Sessions:
Beginning April 29th, we’ll move into weekly live sessions. These sessions dive deeper into the material and include more hands-on assignments. If you can’t attend the live sessions, no worries—you’ll have access to the recordings. Plus, you can send in your questions ahead of time, and I’ll make sure to address them during the session.
Prefer to Learn On-Demand?
You can also choose a fully on-demand version of the course, where you’ll follow the same schedule as everyone else but work at your own pace. You’ll still have access to all the recorded live sessions and the ongoing support in our community.
Important Dates:
February 25th: Course begins with orientation and on-demand content.
February 25th-April 28th: On-demand content and weekly assignments.
April 29th-June 3rd: Four live sessions with more intensive assignments (recordings available if you can’t attend).
Space is limited due to the unique nature of this personally tailored course design.
What is Color Alchemy?
In 2006 I began my foray into dyeing and really struggled trying to get the colors that I envisioned onto the fiber I wanted to spin. I thought there had to be a better way than trial and error alone. I was tired of wasting my dye, fiber, money, and time mixing colors together only to have the results be hit or miss.
I knew there had to be a better way.
As much as I love yarn and fiber, I’m also a fan of technology and working smarter not harder. I took my initial ideas and wrote them out in my dye guide “Dyeing To Get The Colors You Want”, exploring how to create a palette from a digital image, but I knew I couldn’t stop there.
I wanted to create a system that was more robust, that dove deeper into the science of color theory and explored all the ways that a dyer could take a digital color and utilize the information with in it to create something great, to create color alchemy.
Starting with images as your color inspiration (top left), you’ll learn how to create dye formulas and color palettes for your projects.
My newest book, ‘Color Alchemy: from digital to dye’ is exclusively available to course participants. It is the blueprint for my color matching and dyeing methods and will serve as the textbook for the course.
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 the course is all about:
The slideshow below covers what’s included in addition to:
Who will benefit from taking the course
How it will impact your dyeing practice
What are the course goals and contents
Click on the right side of the image or the white > to advance to the next slide.
Meet your Color Alchemist guide Alanna Wilcox
There are artists that are masters at their craft and expert teachers, but rarely are the two combined in one person.
I’m a fiber artist and color specialist with over 16+ years of teaching and a Masters in Art Education.
Not only is it important to know the techniques and skills needed to mix, create, and dye colors, but being able to effectively teach the how part is key.
I understand that each person that joins my classes is unique, and so I want to create a uniquely tailored experience just for you.
As a participant in my course, you’ll get to share with me what your color and dyeing goals are before we begin, and then based on your input, I build the curriculum and exercises around meeting your needs.
Creating an actionable step by step plan to help you achieve your creative goals is what this experience is all about.
Check out what the Color Alchemy beta testers had to say about this learning experience.
What participants are saying:
“It was great. It answered so many of my questions. This session made me feel a lot more in control of what I was going to do with the colors. Thank you! I really appreciate all the immense effort you have put into this workshop. The value is well worth the cost at this point. ”
“OMG Alanna, in all my years of taking courses I have never had a teacher that has put as much thought or effort into their work. So honored to be part of this group,. Today was amazing , thank you for spending the extra time with us.”
“Today was great!! I really appreciate what you have put together…even if I’m not ready for the information yet, it makes sense, and I understood the application and value.”
“I agree 100% with what everyone else has said. This class really brought the color matching process together for me (now I’m ready to tackle the Dharma Orchid!!)
You have done so much work to make us comfortable and I feel seen and am really loving everything that I’m learning. Thank you!”
Trace, a beginner dyer and beta tester, was able to achieve these color matching results on her first attempt after only being in the course for 2 months.
Color Alchemy Masterclass Alumni Results
Course content includes:
4 live sessions (12+ hours) covering content on:
Color Theory
Organization
Creating a color palette and color matching formulas
Creative applications & troubleshooting
Color Alchemy book (only available w/ course)
Underpinnings of my color matching system
Color theory related to dyeing
Experiments and results on color regarding
pH
Fiber base
Dyes used
Water type
Step-by-step color palette creation from photo to formula
Collection of dye formulas and dye calculator
On-demand content (20+ hours)
Direct one-on-one support from Alanna in a private Discord community
Weekly assignments to improve your knowledge of color theory, dyeing, and free online technology tools to assist with dyeing.
Kit
Sampler of undyed fibers for testing out dye colors
Syringes for mixing colors
Soap for washing fiber
Auxiliaries like citric acid and Glauber’s salt
A few extra surprises are also included 😉
Note: The kit doesn’t include dye powder, however, a list of suggested brands of dyes used will be included. This course can be applied to any type of dye, but the main focus will be on using acid dyes like:
Jacquard Washfast Acid Dyes
Prochemical and Dye’s Washfast Acid Dyes
Greener Shades Washfast Acid Dyes
Dharma Trading Company’s Washfast Acid Dyes
Additional materials needed include:
Dye pot (Enamel canning pots work well)
8 1-quart mason jars for dyeing samples
Primary colored dye powder (10g each color) of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black
50 undyed 10 gram superwash/nylon mini skeins for sampling
Dye safety equipment (masks, gloves, etc.)
Dye auxiliaries citric acid and Glauber’s salt
5-10 Syringes (10mL and 1mL each)
.01 gram scale
Access to a scanner
Receive a custom made wooden box filled with lots of helpful tools to utilize on your journey to becoming a Color Alchemist.
Pricing: $1522 $1497
(early registration price until 1/7)
Price includes all of the above plus free shipping to US addresses of the book & kit. International shipping may incur extra charges.
Sales tax will be applicable to a portion of the course for NY state residents. Payment plan options are available.
From beginner dyers to indie dyers like Emily of Fangirl Fibers, everyone that takes this course will walk away with a deeper understanding of color theory and dyeing applications in a more comprehensive way to achieve results like this. This beautiful color is called “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and Emily was able to nail it on her first attempt.
Your questions answered
-
The course doesn’t use one specific brand of dyes, however, the dyes that are used in Alanna’s color matching formulas include:
Dharma Washfast Acid DyesJacquard Washfast Acid Dyes
Greenershades Acid Dyes
ProChem Wasfhast Acid Dyes
A list of all the dyes used will be provided at the beginning of the course including a recommended dye equipment supply list.
-
Since this course is geared towards intermediate to advanced dyers, it is assumed the individual already has some dye equipment available. Different dye equipment materials will be discussed during the orientation meeting and suggestions of supplies to have on hand will be given. Basic dye equipment will be needed such as
- an enamel canning pot or preferred container
- a heat source
- fine particle mask
- gloves
- .01 g scale for weighing dye powder
- acid dyes of your choosing in primary colors such as red, magenta, blue, cyan, yellow, black and brown are recommended
- 1mL, 10mL, and 60mL syringes
- undyed 10g mini skeins to test color formulas (30-50 skeins are recommended)
- citric acid
- Glauber’s salt
Alanna’s system can work with any type of dye studio setup and dye application method. Specific brands of dyes and specific colors will be shared during the orientation session. -
High speed internet for attending live zoom sessions
Desktop or laptop computer is advised for utilizing free photo applications.
A scanner (can use ones available in a library/copy center)
Phone/camera for taking pictures of dyed samples and sharing with the group for ease of color comparison and feedback
A tablet (optional) can be helpful for dye planning purposes
-
This experience is the equivalent of taking a college level course on color theory and acid dyeing. There will be assignments given prior to the live sessions as well as assignments given to do between the live sessions. Participants will be asked to do the following prior to the live sessions in:
Read through the Dyeing to get the colors you want guide and Color Alchemy book. Questions should be recorded and submitted prior to the beginning of the live sessions to integrate into the presentations.
Go through the Digital Dye Notebook workshop and set up a dye notebook using the available template
Go through the “Planning a gradient” tutorial to get familiar with the techniques discussed
Have 1% DOS dyed yarn samples of primary colored dyes of participants choosing prior to the start of the live sessions. Colors to dye include:
Red
Yellow (golden/warm)
Blue
Magenta
Yellow (cool yellow)
Cyan
Black
Brown
Depending upon how many of these tasks a participant has completed and their comfort level with each task, participants can expect to spend 20 hours prior to the live sessions on this on-demand self-paced coursework. 3-4 hours per week will be budgeted for assignments.
Instructions will be given during an orientation session and any questions about the coursework will be answered then or in the Discord server
-
Discord is the platform that the course discussions will take place outside of the live sessions that occur via Zoom. Participants will be invited to the private channel where questions can be asked, answers will be given, and group discussions via text will take place.
-
Payment plans can be arranged. An invoice can be created to set up multiple payments to meet your budget needs. The course will need to be paid in full prior to registering, but upon receipt of full payment, you will automatically be guaranteed a spot in the next session.
-
It depends 😉
Different people have different learning styles and this course is very heavy on color theory and technology.
If you feel comfortable with those elements, learning about dyeing by diving into the deep end can be a great experience but since there is so much content packed into a 3 month time period, it might be overwhelming/intimidating for a new to tech and dyeing beginner too.
There will be instructional videos to help with the technology being used, but basic dyeing instruction isn’t the main focus. If you’re able and willing to do exercises to get you caught up to speed to become an advanced beginner, I can work with you to give you introductory dyeing assignments.
-
Yes and no :)
The course is available to take in an on-demand fashion, however, you would need to join the course during the open registration period due to the nature of the support offered with the course.
You will only receive support during the set enrollment time period of the course in the Discord server.
If you're not able to attend the live sessions, you can watch the recordings on your own time. Participation in the Discord channel is encouraged to receive feedback on any aspects that are unclear or to share your progress with the group.
If a you would like more support after the course ends, there will be an option available for graduates to continue receiving on-going support or a private consultation can be arranged.
-
Due to the nature of the course, and the methodologies disclosed being of a proprietary nature, refunds are not available once the course begins.
Once you register for the course, materials are assembled in a customized kit and sent out to you along with digital, on-demand content.
Please ensure any questions you may have about the course are asked and answered prior to registering.
Once you register for the course, materials are assembled in a customized kit and sent out to you along with digital, on-demand content.
Please ensure any questions you may have about the course are asked and answered prior to registering.
-
A non disclosure agreement (NDA) is a document that ensures a level of trust between you and myself due to the proprietary nature of the coursework. I am sharing my personal methods that have taken over 15 years to develop with you so that you can use it in your yarn or fiber dyeing businesses or for your personal artwork making.
-
For 2024 here will be a 3 sessions:
The course will tentatively be offered 3 times a year:
March-May (spring session)
July - September (summer session)
Nov-Jan (winter session)
If you would like to take the course but aren’t sure if the timing will work for you, reach out to Alanna to ask about the fully on-demand option.
-
Yes! Due to time-zone differences and busy schedules, you can take the course in a fully on-demand option, however, you will still need to be enrolled during a session for continuity purposes.
If you require more time to complete your coursework, you will have access to the recorded content for up to 1 year. There is also a graduate Discord community and extended learning opportunities as well.
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!
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.
