Wednesday 10 September, 10 - 4 pm: Workshop, Creating Vibrant Colour with Natural Dyes with Liz Baltesz

The Pavilion, Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8EA

Get ready to unlock the rainbow hidden in your hedgerow. Join expert natural dyer, knitter and joyful colour enthusiast Liz Baltesz for a vibrant, hands-on introduction to the magical world of plant-based dyeing. This six-hour workshop is perfect for beginners and curious crafters alike.

Designed as a practical, creative day, participants will work in pairs to extract colour from natural materials - including fresh and dried plants, as well as high-quality dye extracts - and use them to dye six mini skeins of soft, mordanted super-wash merino yarn (20g each), which you'll take home at the end of the day. The dye materials will include madder, weld, logwood, onion skins, Saxon Blue, tansy, walnut, dock leaves and other seasonal surprises.

Throughout the day, you’ll be guided through the complete process - from preparing yarn, understanding mordanting options, to safely handling dye materials and making colour from plants. You'll also explore extending your palette using modifiers, exhaust baths, and over-dyeing. You'll learn how to finish your dyed yarn properly, keep dye records, and get inspired to continue at home. Baltesz will also share valuable resources, recipes for the dyes used in the session, and the story of how her natural dyeing journey began - and evolved into a passionate practice of foraging, experimenting and teaching.

Baltesz's workshops are warm, welcoming and rooted in creative exploration. With over 40 years of knitting experience and a deep love for colour, Shetland traditions and bold experimentation, Baltesz has taught at Loop, Wild & Woolly, and Unravel Festival. She now brings that playful spirit and thoughtful guidance to every workshop she leads.

All materials provided, and all skill levels are welcome. You’ll leave with not only a bundle of beautifully hand-dyed skeins but also the knowledge, confidence, and inspiration to start your own natural dye adventures.

Please note: This workshop uses protein fibres.

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