I first met Judy when I came to teach at the Waldorf School of Atlanta. She was the handwork teacher there, and her husband, Kini, taught German. While we were all three still working together I got to know Judy and Kini as talented, kind colleagues and dear, fun-loving friends. We have all moved on since those days. Here is what Judy has been up to.
Judy is an extremely skillful handworker who is always expanding and deepening her knowledge and interests. She connects well with children, and this has led to a successful venture teaching handwork to a local home school group. She also started an Etsy store she calls Mama Jude's Plant Dyed Stuff.
"I am a dyer working with natural plant dyes, and a Waldorf handwork teacher (knitting, crochet, handsewing, embroidery, felting... you get the idea). After teaching and working full-time for over 16 years (at two different Waldorf schools and two homeschool groups), I left my position at the local Waldorf school to spend more time with my toddler daughter -- she is so sweet, and I love being home with her." - Judy Forster
At her Etsy store, you'll find yarn, felt, spinning and felting fibers, handmade toys and hats and more.
"I've been working with plant dyes for over 12 years. It's an artistic passion of mine, and my daughter loves to help dye stuff! We're having fun, and we make a good team!"
The colors Judy gets with her natural dyes are vibrant and true. She makes variegated as well as solid colored yarns, to which she gives compelling, imaginative names.
In her blog, Hangin'Out With Mama Jude, you can read about the dying process, the fibers, and some of the projects Judy has been working on both for her store, and with her homeschool group. She is a member of Ravelry (mamajude), a knitting and crocheting enthusiasts web community where she also shares some of the projects she has made for family gifts.
The colors Judy gets with her natural dyes are vibrant and true. She makes variegated as well as solid colored yarns, to which she gives compelling, imaginative names.
In her blog, Hangin'Out With Mama Jude, you can read about the dying process, the fibers, and some of the projects Judy has been working on both for her store, and with her homeschool group. She is a member of Ravelry (mamajude), a knitting and crocheting enthusiasts web community where she also shares some of the projects she has made for family gifts.
Who wouldn't want a pair of these socks to go with your flip-flops on cool spring or autumn days?
"I love working with natural dyes," Judy explains. "They are so much fun. The colors look alive, and I feel they have soothing, healing properties as well. Wood chips, nut hulls, flowers and plants are my dye materials of choice. They can often be reused, and they make good mulch when I'm done. I think that each plant or tree has its own individual color to share. I work in small batches, and often let the dyes speak to me - blending dyes and overdying to create unique, one-of-a-kind colors and colorways."
I have used some of Judy's felt and yarns in making my knitted animals, and find that they improve the overall look and quality of my work. Judy is a master dyer! Don't miss the opportunity to try out some of her beautiful, hand-dyed stuff.
