Creating Blue Workshop

Learn to dye with Woad or Indigo

To dye natural fibres and fabric blue with Woad (indigo), a totally different dye process is needed.  It is a mixture of science, alchemy and magic.  You can never guarantee what will happen, but that is part of the fun!

Course Outline

Initially we will set up the dye bath with either fresh Woad leaves, Woad balls or powdered Indigo depending on the time of year. While we wait for the bath to settle, we will look at the history of using Woad as a dye and the principles behind how the magic happens.

Key areas covered in the dyeing with woad course:

• How to prepare protein and cellulose fibres for dyeing – what is the difference.
• The principles behind obtaining blue from Woad/Indigo.
• How to prepare the dye bath.
• Health and safety – we will be using a chemical to create the right conditions for the magic to happen.

If you have something small you want to dye, please contact me.  It must be an untreated natural fibre, e.g. cotton, linen, wool, alpaca or silk.

Please note, I do not provide handouts, but if you wish to make your own notes then you are welcome to do so.

Children

All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult who has paid in full.  Young people have a reduced rate, please contact me BEFORE booking.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Courses run at Penally are limited to a maximum of 3 participants. I have 2 large dogs, who are locked out of the way during the course.  If you are allergic to dogs, please let me know and we will find a different venue,

My home is also at the top of 30 steps, so if you have limited mobility this would not be the best venue for you to attend.

All courses run from 9.30am – 12.30pm with a refreshment/comfort break included.  I find that we can achieve as much in this time as in a day long course.