Ref: S2D40651
This course will enable you to explore the process of natural dyeing by foraging for your own plant matter. You will learn how to forage sustainably and identify common and rare flora.
Using seasonal flowers, fruits, leaves, bark and roots from different habitats around West Dean, you will create over 20 natural dye baths and learn how to extract the dye colour from the plant. You will also learn how to mordant your fabric in a range of mordants, so that it is receptive to the dye.
As well as dyeing sample pieces of silk, you will have the opportunity to experiment with a range of after baths and modifers, enabling you to create many shades and tones from one plant.
You will be creating accurate records of your own learning through the creation of your own Natural Dye Recipe Book. This will enable you to continue your journey of discovery in your garden/studio and develop your own practice.
This course will have a special emphasis on sustainability, looking at seasonal, local materials, and working towards having a zero-waste impact on the environment.
On this course, the following items will be supplied: Plant identification books, lining paper and pens for the plant ID; small dye pots, stirrers and labels and recipe sheets. Mordants (and mordant baths) and after baths; one metre of silk for mordant and dye sampling, and a hemmed silk square to dye in your favourite dyebath.
For the foraging:
For the dyeing:
Available from shop: Additional fabric, if needed
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
Sarah Burns is a pattern-maker and textile printer. She studied politics at Jesus College, Cambridge, and Textile Design at Chelsea College of Art. She teaches natural dyeing and printing in her West Sussex studio as well as at Ditchling Museum. Her designs can be seen at the Guy Goodfellow Collection in Chelsea, at Dartington Hall, and as part of the Virginia White Collection.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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