Initially we will set up the dye bath with either fresh Woad leaves, Woad balls or powdered Indigo depending on the time of year. While we wait for the bath to settle, we will look at the history of using Woad as a dye and the principles behind how the magic happens.

Key areas covered in the dyeing with woad course:

• How to prepare protein and cellulose fibres for dyeing – what is the difference.
• The principles behind obtaining blue from Woad/Indigo.
• How to prepare the dye bath.
• Health and safety – we will be using a chemical to create the right conditions for the magic to happen.

If you have something small you want to dye, please contact me.  It must be an untreated natural fibre, e.g. cotton, linen, wool, alpaca or silk.

All courses run from 10am – 1pm with a refreshment/comfort break included.  I find that we can achieve as much in this time as in a day long course.  Please note, I do not provide handouts, but if you wish to make your own notes then you are welcome to do so.

Courses run at Penally are limited to a maximum of 3 participants.  This because it is held in my home and there is limited off-road parking.  I have 2 large dogs, who are locked out of the way during the course.  If you are allergic to dogs, please let me know and we will find a different venue (I have some courses planned in different venues).

My home is also at the top of 30 steps, so if you have limited mobility this would not be the best venue for you to attend.

The post Dyeing with Woad to get Blue appeared first on Jo Nash Textiles.

In this 3-hour course we will cover:

• Storage of fleeces before processing
• How to sort a fleece
• What makes a good fleece
• Selecting fibre for different projects
• How to clean a fleece, depending on what you want to do with it.
• How to store a washed and dried fleece.

Please note that we will be handling raw unwashed fleece initially.  This is optional and you will be able to wash your hands immediately afterwards.  If it worries you, then please bring your own hand protection e.g. gloves.

Courses at home

Courses run at Penally are limited to a maximum of 3 participants.  This because it is held in my home and there is limited off-road parking.  I have 2 large dogs, who are locked out of the way during the course.  If you are allergic to dogs, please let me know and we will find a different venue (I have some courses planned in different venues).

My home is also at the top of 30 steps, so if you have limited mobility this would not be the best venue for you to attend.

This course runs from 10am – 1pm with a refreshment/comfort break included.  I find that we can achieve as much in this time as in a day long course.  Please note, I do not provide handouts, but if you wish to make your own notes then you are welcome to do so.

The post How to prepare a sheep’s fleece for any Woolly project appeared first on Jo Nash Textiles.

In this 3-hour course we will cover:

• Suitability of different types of fibre for different types of spinning and different projects
• How to use Viking hand combs safely
• How to use English combs
• Using a drum carder.
• Is a picker useful or a lethal object?
• Hand carders and metal combs

Courses at home

Courses run at Penally are limited to a maximum of 3 participants.  This because it is held in my home and there is limited off-road parking.  I have 2 large dogs, who are locked out of the way during the course.  If you are allergic to dogs, please let me know and we will find a different venue (I have some courses planned in different venues).

My home is also at the top of 30 steps, so if you have limited mobility this would not be the best venue for you to attend.

All courses run from 10am – 1pm with a refreshment/comfort break included.  I find that we can achieve as much in this time as in a day long course.  Please note, I do not provide handouts, but if you wish to make your own notes then you are welcome to do so.

The post How to Prepare Wool Fibre for Spinning appeared first on Jo Nash Textiles.

Starting at 10am we will prepare and mordant some British wool fibre ready for dyeing.  Then set up the pots to extract the dyes.  There will be a break for refreshments, whilst I teach you some of the basic knowledge you need to successfully carry out dyeing experiments at home.  This will also cover health and safety.  The final stage will be dyeing the fibres with more discussion of the methodology.  Before washing and taking home what you have created.

We aim to finish at 1pm

Key areas covered in the natural dye course:

• How to prepare protein and cellulose fibres for dyeing – what is the difference.
• What a mordant is and how to use them safely.
• Types of dye plant.
• How to dye.
• Health and safety – not all natural things are safe!

If you have something small you want to dye, please contact me.  It must be an untreated natural fibre, e.g. cotton, linen, wool, alpaca or silk.

The dyes I plan to use are onion, madder and weld, although this may change with season and availability.

Please note:

Courses run at Penally are limited to a maximum of 3 participants.  This is because it is held in my home and there is limited off-road parking.  I have 2 large dogs, who are locked out of the way during the course.  If you are allergic to dogs, please let me know and we will find a different venue (I have some courses planned in different venues).

My home is also at the top of 30 steps, so if you have limited mobility this would not be the best venue for you to attend.

All courses run from 10am – 1pm with a refreshment/comfort break included.  I find that we can achieve as much in this time as in a day long course.  Please note, I do not provide handouts, but if you wish to make your own notes then you are welcome to do so.

The post Introduction to Natural Plant Dyes Workshop appeared first on Jo Nash Textiles.