The Complete Guide to Dyeing Cellulosic Fibers

"I’ve been following Michel Garcia’s work for many years, both as an online learner and a participant in his in-person workshops. But this course on dyeing cellulose fibers truly stands out as one of the most generous and transformative experiences I’ve had as a dyer. What makes Michel unique is his ability to combine deep plant knowledge, chemistry, and a poetic, intuitive approach. In the studio, he’s spontaneous and passionate. In the video tutorials, that same energy is paired with structure and clarity—making even complex chemistry feel natural and achievable. The dry-and-fix aluminum acetate mordanting blew my mind. It’s so elegant and efficient—no long pre-soaks, no fuss—and it works beautifully on the linen and cotton I use in my mixed-media work. His new iron-aluminum combination opens up a whole new palette of greys, greens, and earthy blues I couldn’t get before. These are not just recipes—they’re systems you can adapt and evolve for your own practice. I also appreciate Michel’s respect for sustainability. He shows us how to reuse dye baths, turn dye waste into pigments, and really understand what’s happening at every step—not just copy a formula. This is a rare kind of generosity. I keep the handouts printed and annotated in my studio, and I revisit the videos often. Every time I do, I see something new. If you’re serious about learning how to dye plant-based textiles naturally, and if you want to understand your materials from the inside out, this course is simply essential."_