A Beginners Day of Natural Dyeing - Warm Autumn Wool

“A fabulous course for a complete beginner like me to get hands-on experience of hand, natural dyeing” Jessica Join dye expert Jenny Mercer for a day discovering the world of natural dyeing using winter plants we find all around us, including barks and foraged materials. This hands-on workshop takes you through the full process—from exploring seasonal dye plants and seeds, to extraction and dyeing – as well exploring some of the fascinating history of natural dyeing traditions along the way. Although we will discuss dyeing a range of fabrics, we will especially concentrate on the material of cotton, and other cellulose fibres. At the end of the course you will take home a pair of cotton socks that you have dyed yourself using a range of beautiful, natural colours extracted during the workshop. Plus you’ll leave equipped with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to carry on your dyeing journey—and a deeper appreciation for this ancient art. Plan of the Day: Enjoy refreshments as Jenny introduces you to the vibrant world of natural dyeing. She’ll share a brief history and walk you through the dyeing process—from plant selection to extraction techniques. You’ll explore a variety of dye plants and work together to extract their natural colours. As the dye pots simmer, you’ll prepare the wool using mordants, essential for bonding dye to fabric.