Indigo and Shibori Summer Workshops
Textile Courses
The season for outdoor textile courses Indigo workshops kicked off in May and has been going ever since. We have had such an amazing summer that has lent itself to us doing all the textile workshops outside. I had no idea I would visit so many lovely gardens and teach such happy enthusiastic people. For that I am so grateful. I love the freedom and space of creating patterns outside. All my workshops , textile courses, have around 4-8 people. This allows me to spend lots of time with each one and show them the basics get them started.
In May the first couple of workshops were held in Hertfordshire, at home in my shed at the bottom of the garden. This is my make-do summer studio. I’m lucky to have such a big space. Its a great treat for me to have folk come and experience and learn about shibori pattern making and dyeing with indigo. I have worked on my own for years so to share the process and my passions with people is extremely special.
In June I headed down to Sussex. I will always be in love with Sussex, it feels like I’m coming home everytime I arrive. One workshop was held in my friend Louisa’s beautiful garden in Gunhill and the other was held over in Crowhurst, nr Battle, at the home of Anna Reddings, also known for her floral styling on instagram as Tales from Apple Tree House She also holds floral based workshops and works as an event florist. It was a stunning setting to be dyeing next to her cutting garden.
The day long textile classes workshops are a bit different as we all have a lot more time and get to have lunch together, talk indigo, swop stories of textiles and life. The image below was our lunch at Anna’s. We ate quiche and a salad with fresh peas and edible flowers. It was mouth watering! Of course we also needed our afternoon tea break so we ended with chocolate brownies and raspberries. Gorgeous.
July was an absolutely amazing and completely jam packed month. Not only did I hold 2 workshops but we also went to Childwickbury Arts Fair for the first time. The sun continued to shine and summer got started in ernest. It was an insane pattern making month. But looking back the best parts for me are always seeing that person unfold and reveal their pattern for the first time. They have a look of complete wonder and pride that is completely priceless. Their faces just say it all………..
It always makes me laugh when the indigo bug (so to speak) takes hold of them and they turn into pattern making lunatics. Its great to watch the creative passion kick in and off they go till they run out of things to dye or the indigo is used up.
As well as scheduled workshops I also offer private ones. I get to travel to some beautiful places that are a slice of a different world.
In August I was invited to go to Soho Farm House over in Oxfordshire. Its set in a stunning location rolling into the Cotswolds. My workshop was a class focusing on itajime techniques. I was spoilt for space! We had such a great morning it just went by too quickly.
