Next Saturday 22nd February I will be back down at The Loom Shed in Devon doing a talk for their annual Symposium.

I’m stepping out of my comfort zone again – I’ll be in “modern” dress and talking about the science of natural dyes rather than their use as art – to me it is really important that there is an understanding of the science to be able to get really good results. I am a dyer not an artist!

Having said that I am all for having a good play, the science can be fun stuff, natural dyes lend themselves to play time, but it’s so much better if you do it safely and with understanding! You’ll need to join to know more!

The other speakers on the day are –

Cochinillas Guatiza (Online) – In Lanzarote the cochineal insect is collected from the cactus cultivated in the towns of Guatiza and Mala, and its quality is recognised as the best in the world. The speaker comes from a family of farmers in the town of Gualiza. The talk will cover the history of the dye, the process and the challenges and joys of working with cochineal.

Ria Burns (in person) – is a natural dyer and knitwear designer who has adopted a hyperlocal approach to her practice, she will talk about her work and research into wild and cultivated natural dyes. her aims to champion sustainability at every stage of the process and share ways of becoming more environmentally friendly in our dyeing practices.

Winona Quigley (online) is from Green Matters Natural Dye Company. Following her design qualification she returned to Lancaster (USA) to open a dye house that offers plant based dye services to product and fashion brands. She offers workshops and small batch custom dyeing, she will discuss the growing of the business whilst slowing down the production of fashion is integral to reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.

I’m looking forward to a really good day!

For tickets and further information The Loom Shed