The Loom Shed Natural Dye Study Group – Protein Fibres 2025/2026

This year, we are running our popular online natural dye study group for those interested in getting to grips with natural dyes on protein fibres (Silk, Wool etc). Perhaps you’ve tried a few different plants, but want to know why you get a certain colour. Or you’ve enjoyed a natural dyeing workshop and are hungry to know more. This group will give you the framework for a thorough exploration of this topic.

We will be meeting seasonally throughout the year to explore weld in September, madder in January, Saxon blue in April, then enjoy overdyeing in July. Each session will be led by expert dyer and Loom Shed regular, Jane Deane, who will lead us in a discussion, demonstrate a certain technique, and set your project for the months ahead.

Meeting dates – 17th September 2025, 14th January 2026, 29th April 2026, 8th July 2026, 7th October 2026

Debbie Bamford and Helen Melvin will also join us to share their expertise and inspire you to explore different avenues in your research.

We will focus on dyeing protein fibres, looking at different mordants and modifiers to create a wide palette of colours. We will also discuss salient issues that affect the dyer – how best to dispose of your unwanted dye material? What is the best policy for foraging for materials? What effect does your water have on the colour?

You will need a certain amount of dye equipment and an area away from food preparation to complete this study. You will be sent a materials list upon booking, and we are working with Debbie Tomkies at DT Crafts to be our one-stop-shop for dyes, mordants, modifiers, mini skeins, and equipment. She can also answer any questions you may have about what resources you need.

We estimate this course will take 12 hours of independent practice time, but we don’t ask you to produce a certain amount of samples. How involved you get with each session depends on how much time you have available that season. Each session will be recorded and sent out to all participants in the following week, so you can catch up if you miss an evening or simply watch a bit that needed clarifying again.

For ongoing communication, we have an online group system set up with groups.io where you can share your results and ask questions throughout the year. It’s always good to have a group to celebrate your successes and commiserate your failures with! Our final session in October 2026 will be a celebration of what everyone in the group has achieved during the year.

**You can pay for this course in instalment – £85 now and £55 by 1st April 2026**