An introduction to foraged natural dyes. Sep 21st 2024

An introduction to foraged natural dyes with Emma Fallon (Kulu textiles)

A one day creative retreat exploring foraged dye plants using the wool from the land Emma lives on (near Shepton Mallet) in Somerset. The day will start on the land that is managed regeneratively. We will forage a selection of natural dyes from the land, discuss the potential of dye plants and see the sheep that the wool is produced from. We will then go to Emma’s studio to dye and mordant skeins of wool using the foraged dye plants.

Participants will learn:

How to identify and forage natural dye plants
How to prepare fibres to dye
Basic principles of natural dying and mordants
Iron modifier mordanting
Dying with Birch and Eucalyptus and another plant (depending on the season)
Recording natural dying
Winding skeins

Each participant will take home:

a skein of naturally dyed wool
samples of dyed silk for embroidery or mending
a natural dye library and instruction cards

There will be a maximum of six participants on each workshop, allowing for plenty of one to one tuition in an inclusive and relaxed atmosphere. Please note that Emma’s studio is upstairs and there is unfortunately no lift so access is limited due to this. Tea/Coffee and cake will be provided, please bring your own lunch.