Introduction to Natural Dyeing

After a short introduction to natural dyeing, where our dyes come from, the difference between raw/dried dyestuffs and natural extracts and so on, you will be creating a fabulous set of samples, taking you through the colours of the rainbow. With your samples you’ll be able to recreate a huge range of colours, all from natural dyes.

Next, you’ll dye a 50g ball of lovely wool yarn which you can knit or crochet into a small project at home.

After lunch Debbie will be showing you some fun natural dyeing techniques – from solid colour (immersion) dyeing, gradients, dip-dye, speckling, handpainting and more.

You can then choose another 100g of undyed yarn to dye using your choice of techniques.

Debbie will also include a pattern from her own design collection for you to take away so you’ll have a project to take home and make right away!

Artist bio:

Debbie Tomkies has been a hand-dyer for over 30 years. She has worked with yarn companies, hand-dyeing yarns for commercial collections. She also ran successful hand-dyed yarn and fibre dye clubs for a number of years.

Debbie teaches dyeing and printing with natural dyes, including indigo and woad vat dyeing. She works with yarn, fabric and fibres.

Debbie is the author of 6 internationally published books, Hand-Dyed Yarn Craft Projects, Complete Knitting Skills, 250 Knitting Stitches, Knitting.Learn it.Love it, How to Knit and Cable Knitting Stitch Dictionary.

When she’s not dyeing, designing, knitting or crocheting, you’ll find her in the garden, tending her dyeplants, enjoying a nice craft beer or hugging a big mug of builders’ tea. And if you’re out and about, she can often be found in the mosh pit at a gig or enjoying some folk music!

When attending a workshop you can receive 10% off within the Gallery Shop on the day of your session.

About the venue

Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley, Leeds. Founded in 1829, these glorious Mills are being regenerated by the sixth generation of the family owners, creating a wonderful blend of work, leisure and culture.

Course terms and booking conditions

Workshop and course bookings can be cancelled and refunded up until 7 days before the scheduled start date. As materials and equipment are ordered in advance, we regret that refunds cannot be offered less than 7 days before the workshop date. Please note that Eventbrite’s booking fee is non-refundable.

If we need to cancel the course for any reason your ticket will be fully refunded.