My love for textiles started about 20 years ago when I discovered the beautiful craftsmanship, creativity and artistry of Anatolian kilims during a trip to Eastern Turkey.
It was the first of a series of trips to the Middle East, Central Asia and Morocco and with each trip I learnt more things about different weaving, embroidery and dyeing techniques applied since the dawn of civilization by various nomadic tribes while my textile collection grew and grew. Throughout the years, I discovered how different types of textiles such as amazing silk embroidered suzanis, beautiful silk and cotton ikats, batik, felt are made completely by hand, with rich colour hues and powerful geometric details. Unfortunately, with the rapidly changing lifestyles, many of these mostly nomadic techniques passed down through countless generations are now vanishing fast.
The goal of my sustainable workshops is to preserve and pass on to future generations ancestral traditional natural dyeing and eco-printing techniques. Learn to dye natural fibres or your favourite white or light-coloured garment in a sustainable way using indigo, madder root, tree leaves, herbs, walnut husks, pomegranate skins or even food scraps.
Natural dyeing is a true gift from the Earth and is a wonderful way to learn about how different natural fibres work with Mother Nature. Not only is it an activity that can bring families and friends together, but it’s also a great way to relax and serves as a therapeutic process which could offer a needed break in today’s stressful lifestyle.
Why natural dyeing? Natural dyed textiles are:
Eco-friendly – Natural dyes are derived from plants, animals, and minerals, making them biodegradable and non-toxic.
Healthier – Natural dyes are less likely to cause skin irritation and allergies compared to synthetic dyes.
Sustainable – Natural dyes are renewable and can be produced locally, reducing the carbon footprint of the dyeing process.
Unique – Natural dyes produce a range of colours that are unique and cannot be replicated by synthetic dyes.
Cost-effective – Natural dyes can be made from food scraps and other waste materials, making them an affordable alternative to synthetic dyes.
We offer the following workshops:
Textile dyeing – with plants, herbs, flowers and food waste on natural fibres.
Eco printing techniques – with plants, herbs and flowers.
If you are interested in more information on our upcoming sustainable natural dyeing courses for adults and children, click here.