Natural Dyeing – Creating a Rainbow

Learn how different colours and shades are created using natural dyes, and discover some of the amazing histories of colour on cloth. This course offers a hands-on introduction to natural dyes and you will learn how to prepare fibres, yarns, fabrics and dyes, and how to mordant materials before dyeing. Weld, madder, cochineal and indigo dye will be included, as well as some material from the woods and gardens at Rosemoor. Students will dye a set of samples to demonstrate the phenomenal range of vibrant colours that can be created through natural dyeing techniques. 

Isabella has been working with textiles for over 30 years. Her interest in natural dyes was sparked in the 1990s after a lecture given by Jenny Balfour Paul, a world authority on indigo. Isabella began to use natural dyes in her studio and started researching the trade history of orchil, a purple dye obtained from lichens. Isabella combines her studio work dyeing scarves and shawls with teaching, writing and further research: she is a Member of MAKE Southwest, (formerly The Devon Guild of Craftsmen).

Please bring with you:

• Your booking reference number
• A notebook and pencil to make notes
• A pair of household gloves
• An apron / old shirt
• A folder or envelope to hold samples to take home
• A pair of scissors
• Camera (or mobile phone for photos)

Please wear old clothes and closed-toed shoes. Lunch and refreshments included.
 
On the day, you may wish to buy a suitable scarf for dyeing. Prices range from £8.50 - £24

Allergens / Preferences: Please note that nuts may be used on the course as a dye source, and equipment may have had contact with nuts. You may prefer not to use cochineal as it is insect-based.

Tutor: Isabella Whitworth