WOAD WEEK

ReMode’s FREE natural dyeing workshops

Lochwinnoch Parish Church

Tuesday 29^th – Thursday 31^st of August

Summary of Activity

Over the course of the week participants will gain a strong understanding of how to create natural dye baths in order to dye; fabric, yarn and garments – using a range of techniques. Participants will dye garments for sale in ReMode and produce a technical file to take away with them for future reference. The focus for the week will be using Woad, a native blue natural dye, which we will use alongside a selection of other locally foraged plants to extend the range of colours we can achieve.

While the week has been set out as a journey from beginning to end, it will be possible for participants to drop in and out and we can re-cap anything that they will need to know. I will also have a natural inks kit and drawing materials available to fill any gaps if necessary.

Timetable of Activities

Tuesday 29th – Introduction to Natural Dyes and Vat Creation

12-3pm  

1. Brief Intro

2. Creation of hydrosulfite vat

3. Creation of fermentation vat

4. Discussion on mordants / fibres / natural dyeing as a process / sustainability

 5. Maintaining hyrdrosulfite vat

6. Adding to fermentation vat

7. Prepping sample books

 8. Initial fabric tests

6-9pm

7. Re-cap on process so far for new participants

8. More fabric tests

9. Initial shibori technique tests

10. Maintaining hyrdrosulfite vat

11. Adding to fermentation vat

Wednesday 30th – Dyeing Techniques Part 1

12 -3pm

1. Maintaining vats

2. Further testing if necessary

3. Beginning to dye garments

4. Further techniques explained

5. Creation of second set of vats fresh / powdered

6-9pm

6. Maintenance of vats

7. Foraging walk for over-dying

8. Further garment dyeing

 9. Prep for tomorrows sessions

Thursday 31st – Dyeing Techniques Part 2

12 -3pm

1. Creation of new dye pots with foraged plant matter

2. Maintenance of vats

3. Testing of new colours

4. Over-dying of some garments

6pm-9pm

5. Maintenance of vats

6. More testing

7. More over-dying

8. Paste application / print techniques

Danielle Editor

Danielle McGuire is one of the editors behind Paisley.org.uk, a prominent website dedicated to chronicling and enhancing the community spirit of Paisley, Scotland.

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