Colors to dye for at library tie-dying workshop

AMENIA — Despite the heat, enthusiasts of all ages came to the Amenia Free Library to attend a tie-dying workshop on Saturday, June 22. The event was held on the patio to allow the youngest participants the creative freedom they might need when wielding the colors.

This was not the first such fabric-dying workshop. Others had proven popular and were worthy of repeating, explained workshop leader Beth Hale, noting that it would be her last day on the job.

“It ‘s been a great job, a great place to be. I am going to miss it,” Hale said.

The planning for the event was apparent, with an organized array of free white cotton tee shirts provided in all sizes from the smallest for children up to the adult sizes. And there were book bags, backpacks, and scrunchie hair elastics, all freely available for the dying process.

Diligently working on their colorful creations at the Amenia Free Library on Saturday, June 22 were, left to right, Ian Pelico, 6; Wilmer Pelico, 4; and Ashley Dota, 8, in foreground.Leila Hawken

The dye chosen for the occasion was Basic Tulip brand, Hale noted. There were plenty of colors to choose from. The youngest children were not shy about determining that they would need to combine several colors for their envisioned rainbow effect. Once the dying was done, the still-tied wet items were dropped into baggies for the trip home.

Also participating in the event was newly hired program assistant Megan Marshall of Stanfordville, who will work alongside program assistant Hope Bruzzi on a variety of future programs to be sponsored by the library. Marshall had begun her duties on Tuesday, June 18.

“I’m really excited to work with everyone,” Marshall said, praising the library staff. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art and Creative Writing, and a Master’s in Library Science. She said that she does considerable work in arts and crafts, painting, mixed media, and pottery. And she has experience in volunteering to work with a range of age groups.

Marshall said that she is enjoying connecting with the community.

“It’s really nice to talk with everyone when they come into the library,” she added.

Beth Hale demonstrated how to bind a tee shirt to prepare it for the next steps.Leila Hawken