Saturday 23 + Sunday 24 May 2020
10:00am – 4:00pm each day
In the Dye Studio and surrounds at Tarndie
Instructed by Heather Thomas
Topic: Botanic Dyeing – expanding the colour wheel
You’ve learnt the basics of botanic dyeing- now it’s time to experiment with colour creation!
Over the two days we will dye Polwarth yarn using locally foraged plants to create yellows. We will then experiment with madder and cochineal extracts to create a range of reds. Having extra time allows us to play with the natural indigo vat at Tarndie to create all kinds of blue shades.
On the second day we will expand our colour range by over-dyeing these yarns to create colourfast shades of green, orange and purple, resulting in a beautiful range of soft, rich, handmade colour.
Note: This workshop is designed for those with some previous dyeing experience .
What you will learn
Preparation of wool fibres for natural dyeing
Preparation of leaves and botanics to make dyes
Dyeing process using plants
Techniques for good colourfastness
Over-dyeing
Take away
Sample book with yarn swatches of colours obtained using Tarndie Polwarth wool
Showbag of Tarndie white wool to start dyeing at home
About Heather
Heather has been working with natural fibres + plant colour for more than two decades and imparts her knowledge and expertise through regular workshops, symposiums and consultations.
With an Advanced Diploma of Arts in Studio Textiles (RMIT 2011), Heather was awarded first place in the Dreamweaver Design Award sponsored by Warwick Fabrics in 2008.
She directs her own business Wild Heather, and says “I have been exploring the plant kingdom and the extraction of colour for many years – dyeing yarns + cloth with fresh foraged leaves + dried extracts of plants. Facilitating workshops + events is the perfect way to share such knowledge.”
Heather has recently been awarded a Churchill Fellowship to pursue her research and learning in this area.
Find out more here
Includes:
Polwarth natural yarn (valued at $25.00)
Tuition from Heather of Wild Heather
Plant dyes
Your own swatch book to take home
Delicious morning tea
Tour of historic “Tarndwarncoort” – working wool farm and view the plans for the Dye Garden and existing dye rich trees/plants.
You will take away
Swatch book of dyed yarn
A list of helpful links to continue your learning.
Please bring your own
Notebook
Apron
Lunch to eat in the sunny courtyard or before the fire in the Homestead Dining Room