Plants have been used to dye fibre and fabric for thousands of years and a beautiful natural palette is still available to you without the need for harmful chemicals. Local weeds or kitchen off-cuts can offer harmonious hues in a range of values and intensity. This hands-on workshop introduces a selection of local colour possibilities, as well as discussing fibre types, mordanting options and safety of dyes. Shibori techniques will also be used to produce patterned cloth. Come and discover some of nature’s hidden sources of colour!

Please bring to the class:

1. A Bucket

2. Large sealable jars / containers to take dye home in.

3. Notebook and pencil

4. Your lunch, snacks to sustain you and a water bottle.

5. Optional: As many Avocado pips, Sourgrass flowers (yellow oxalis) and Onion skins as you can collect

(separate red from brown).

Ilka will bring Fabric samples and other dyestuffs.

*Wear old, casual clothes you wouldn’t mind splashing.