Do you want to the learn the magic of creating these colours, using just three dye plants, Woad, Weld and Madder. I also offer the chance to learn how to prepare fleeces for use and some of the ancient textile techniques. Please sign up to my course email list if you want to be informed of up coming courses.
I have taught science at all levels from year 4 to final year degree students, including adults, for over 30 years. I regularly give talks on subjects ranging from ancient dyeing and fibre production to ways we can apply ancient techniques to modern day fashion. Contact me if you want to learn about possible talks.
Most of the workshops are currently at my home. This means that groups are limited to a maximum of 3 people, although I can also run them with just one person booked in.
Most workshops will run for up to 3 hours depending on the content.
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
My home is at the top of 30 steps, so I am sorry if you have mobility issues as access is currently limited. Please let me know and I can arrange a course at a suitable venue in the future.
I also have 2 large dogs. They are shut away during courses, but I cannot easily remove their hairs etc, so if you are allergic to dogs I am again sorry. Please let me know though, so we can arrange a course at at better venue in the near future.
Natural Dyeing Workshops
Working in small groups, the workshops will cover all you need to know to start using natural dye plants safely and effectively. A practical course, you will leave with samples and are welcome to take your own notes.
The courses will focus on a particular dye plants, as I specialise in just Woad, Weld and Madder. The techniques you will learn for Weld and Madder will enable you to go out and explore natural dyeing. Woad is a totally different type of dye plant and you will learn how to dye without the use of chemicals.
These three plant dyes were used from the Bronze age until the mid 1850s. They are amazing, because they give a full range of colours, as seen in the Medieval tapestries and, going further back, the Bayeux tapestry. There is increasing evidence of their use in the late Neolithic too.
Introduction to natural plant dyes
A basic introduction to using plant dyes to create amazing colours on wool and linen.
Creating Blue
Blue isn’t easy to dye with, indigo requires special treatment. Come along to find out more.
Wool Processing Workshops
Are you interested in learning more about the processing of wool? I also teach carding on hand and drum carders, combing and spinning on wheels or drop spindles. You could also learn more ancient techniques, like nalbinding (the precursor to knitting) and using a lucet to make cord.
How to prepare a fleece for any woolly project
How to prepare wool fibre for spinning
I look forward to meeting you on a workshop soon!
Jo