Talks, Courses and Workshops

When I started my journey with these wonderful dyes there were very few options for learning about Natural Dyeing. It has taken a lot of research and experimentation over the years, studying the old texts, not the modern “coffee table” books, to really master the techniques necessary to create the colours that hold and last. I love having the opportunity to share my experience with Natural Dyes, helping my students skip the struggles I had to go through in those early years. I ensure that all my courses are thorough and hopefully inspire my students to take this research and enthusiasm further themselves.

I offer natural dyeing courses from beginners to masterclasses, in varying techniques and with different natural fibres.

My favourite dye is madder and I specialise in teaching different methods from the basic reds to the complex “Turkey Red” a process so complicated it is said to be the most difficult colour of all to achieve.

Shibori dyeing with indigo is a favourite technique, but why not add in other colours to see what can be achieved?

I am happy to delivery workshops and courses for SWD Guilds, Museums, Schools, HE  and Textile Groups, please contact me for details and costs.

I am currently a Post graduate Researcher at the University of Leeds, which is full time, however I am still happy to book in courses over the weekends – do please get in touch!

As well as the practical dyeing courses I also give talks on aspects of the history of Natural Dyes.

Current talk titles:

The Life and Times of the Mediaeval Dyer,

The Life and Times of the Tudor Dyer,

Dyeing in WW1.