Explore the dyeing potential of your garden and local surroundings in this hands-on dye workshop.

Teacher: Julia Billings

Description: We’ll begin this half-day workshop with a gentle walk in search of the dye plants growing in the surrounding landscape- you may know them already as weeds, landscape trees or indigenous species but you’ll see them differently after this walk...

We’ll then head back with our samples and spend the rest of the session using several of them to dye yarn and fabric. There will also be a chance to discuss some of the other key aspects of dyeing; fibre preparation, mordanting and tips and tricks for dyeing with plants and other natural materials.

Materials: There will be a materials fee of $15 to cover pre-mordanted yarn, fabric and other materials. Students will need to dress warmly (as the workshop will take place outside) and to bring a raincoat, walking shoes and a pen and notepad. It is unusual for clothes to be permanently stained with plant dyes but, to be safe, wear something dark or old!

Takeaway: Participants will take away samples of yarn and fabric dyed in the workshop.

Level: Beginners welcome

Workshop Length: Half day