Taking inspiration from nature and the plants around us, one day workshops invite you to explore botanical dyeing. You will learn about the heritage of natural dyeing, which plants are easiest to transform into dyes, the ways different foliages react with different dyes and tannins, and you will create your own botanically dyed and foliage printed silk scarf using foraged leaves and natural dyes.
It is fascinating to experience the ways plants generously give up their pigments to create beautiful colours and patterns. Respect for the materials we use is a central part of the process of transformation.
The process involves creating patterns on the fabric with leaves, covering this with a blanket of dye, rolling the layers up and steaming the bundle. Alongside this hands-on practice, I share techniques on mordants, additives, and fabric care. We also discuss responsible foraging for dye plants in local environments, and suggestions for cultivating your own dye plants.
You leave with your own scarf and the knowledge to repeat the process at home.