Guided by textile designer, researcher, artist and textiles teacher Joanna Fowles, we will be using food scraps and waste from The Craft Sessions weekend retreat. Utilising what we have available (onion skins, cabbage, avocado pits etc) we will convert this waste into precious dye before it hits the compost heap. We will also use a beautiful pre prepared indigo vat.

Students will explore simple shibori stitch and fold resist techniques to then immerse in a variety of natural dye baths.

Teacher: Joanna Fowles

Workshop Duration: Full Day

Description: Natural dyes and the process of dye will be discussed.

Swatches of shibori samples will be shown alongside discussion of three simple techniques - stitch, wrapping and folding. Students will then have the opportunity experiment on small text swatches a variety of explorations.

Materials to bring:
Optional Kit for each student to purchase at $35 which includes:
1.5 x metre organic cotton pre washed
10 x metres wool yarn
10 x metres cotton yarn
20cm alpaca wool fabric swatch

Or students are to bring:
1-2 metres pre washed natural fibres - cotton / silk / linen / wool
yarn - wool / silk or cotton

Takeaway: A basic understanding of natural dye, fibre types and preparation of fibres. A beautiful selection of samples.

Level: Beginner

Prerequisites: None

Homework: Pre wash any fabrics you are bringing to class.