An Introduction to Natural Dyeing with Natural Dye Extracts with Debbie Tomkies

After our successful online workshop with Debbie we’re really pleased that she will be joining us for again and this time you get to work with Debbie 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! Debbie will guide 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.
Debbie will 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).