Botanical Dye – Connected Colour

Description

Let’s come together and experience the ancient magic of making colour with plants, in the open air, over a fire. We will see what colourful plants we find on the land to create a seasonal palette and also work with plants I’ve grown or harvested. In this two-day workshop, you will learn how to prepare fabric to hold natural colour, how to extract colour from local plants (pending their permission) and how to permanently dye fabric with natural dyes. Essentially, you will learn the fundamentals of scouring, tannin, mordant and dye for cellulose fibres such as cotton and linen. We will play with techniques of folding, twisting and tying to make prints and patterns, based on traditions around the world.

Throughout our time together, we will explore our relationships with textiles and dyes in our daily lives. By dipping our hands into this intentional process, we will consider the energetic impact of the plants and fibres that we wear and use. Connecting your clothing to the plants around you can help create a deeper relationship with the natural world. All materials provided and included in workshop fee.  Option to bring your own cellulose (plant-based) pieces to dye. Something small, white or light-coloured; for example, a t-shirt, pair of socks or kerchief. More info to come after sign-up, in advance of the workshop dates. Bonus: Bring a lidded jar to experiment with solar dyeing!

Rebecca Duyzer