An Introduction to Natural dyeing workshop – The Loom Shed, Devon – 1 March 2025
After a successful online workshop with The Loom Shed, I’m really pleased that to be joining them again and this year it’s in person!
In this exciting, colourful workshop, we’ll be using natural dye extracts to create a set of dye recipes that will give you a fascinating insight into the world of natural dyeing. You will finish the day with your own range of dyed samples and recipes refer to and use again. A rainbow recipe book if you like!
I’ll be guiding you through the process of mordanting your yarns and how to choose your dyestuff. The day will then be spent exploring the ‘grande teints’; madder, weld and Saxon blue* as well as dipping into the magic of logwood and cochineal**.
There will also be time to learn about fun natural dyeing techniques including achieving a solid colour, gradients, dip dye and hand painting.
This promises to be a fun, comprehensive workshop that you’ll leave full of information, inspiration and a range of samples to treasure.
I’ll be bringing all the materials and equipment you need apart from a notebook and pen and an interest in exploring the wonder of natural colour!
This is a great opportunity to learn a lot about the world of natural dye extracts, the different techniques we can use and leave with an arm full of samples for you to play with.
*(Notes: Saxon blue is a natural indigo, formulated to work without an indigo vat and mordant with alum. An indigo vat could be substituted but forms part of a separate workshop. **Cochineal is produced from the cochineal bug – as an alternative for those who prefer to work exclusively with plant dyestuffs, we recommend sustainable brazilwood).
About the classes
Debbie loves to teach and has been a dyer for over 30 years so you’ll be able to pick her brains for tips, tricks and hacks!
Debbie’s dyeing sessions are fun and enjoyable. The pace is relaxed and there is time for questions and we make time for a brew too!
About Debbie
Debbie has been a hand-dyer for over 30 years. She has worked with yarn companies, hand-dyeing yarns for commercial collections. She also ran successful yarn and fibre dye clubs for a number of years.
Debbie teaches dyeing and printing with both synthetic and natural dyes, including indigo and woad vat dyeing. She works with yarn, fabric and fibres.
Debbie is the author of 5 internationally published books, Hand-Dyed Yarn Craft Projects, Complete Knitting Skills, 250 Knitting Stitches, Knitting.Learn it.Love it and How to Knit.
When she’s not dyeing, designing, knitting or crocheting, you’ll find her in the garden, tending her dyeplants, enjoying a nice craft beer or hugging a big mug of builders’ tea. And if you’re out and about, she can often be found in the mosh pit at a gig or enjoying some folk music!
Is there anything we can help with?
If you need any information about this course, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by email or phone.
‘Loved this workshop. Thanks for your patience and your calm and relaxed style was great. Looking forward to trying out some of these techniques!’ Jo
‘Great fun, great class size, Debbie on hand to help whenever I got stuck. Liked the pace and felt very at ease. I am so pleased at learning these techniques! Thank you!’ Rose x
