An Introduction to Natural Dyeing - 4th November - 10am-1pm

An introduction to Natural Dyeing with Ros Humphries of The Natual Dyeworks

About this event

Natural dyeing is a process that uses botanical ingredients to dye cloth in ways that have been used for thousands of years. It is petro-chemical free, 100% natural, slow and sustainable.

Dyeing with plants encourages the dyer to build a strong connection with their natural surroundings and experience the seasons in a new light. Plant ingredients suitable for dyeing can be sourced through foraging (Nuts, leaves, berries, bark), growing (Flowers & herbs) as well as everyday plant-based food waste.

In this introductory workshop (aimed at Beginners) you will learn the skills needed to continue your practice at home. Ros will talk through simple steps for how to prepare different fabrics through scouring and mordanting and share techniques to avoid disappointing results. We will work with dye baths created from foraged seasonal and kitchen ingredients and we will then dye a range of swatches, using modifiers to obtain a broader palette. You will then have the opportunity to dye a silk or bamboo silk square which can be used as a scarf, hair ribbon or for wrapping gifts.

We will discuss the different natural ingredients that can be used to create a wide palette of colours, responsible foraging and tips on what to look out for throughout the seasons.

All materials will be provided and there will be a worksheet for you to keep as well as all samples made during the workshop. Please bring an apron or wear old clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting marked

There will be refreshments in the middle of the session.

The workshop will run from 10am to 1pm.

About Natural Dyeworks

The Natural Dyeworks was founded by Ros, a natural dyer living in the Kent countryside.

Ros makes small batch, slow-crafted accessories and homewares using the alchemy of 100% plant-based dyes, which are natural and non-toxic.

Using natural fibres including linen, silk & wool, she crafts an ever-evolving palette of colours through the use of petals, leaves, bark, roots & seeds. 

Nettles in spring for cool greens, coreopsis in summer for wild oranges, hollyhocks in autumn for soft blues, alder cones in winter. for burnished golds.

Ingredients are foraged in the Kent countryside, grown on her allotment or sourced from food waste/sustainable sources.

The process is 100% natural, slow and sustainable and care for the environment is at the heart of The Natural Dyeworks. Wastewater is reused on the garden and allotment, dye pulp is composted which in turn feeds our soil.

There will be refreshments served in the middle of the session so that we can get to know each other. Why not book lunch in our restaurant after your workshop. Click here to make a restaurant booking.