Natural Yarn Dyeing and Urban Dye Plant Foraging

Join natural dyer and knitwear designer Ria Burns for a day of natural yarn dyeing and urban foraging in Bristol this Summer! Celebrate summer abundance with an immersive exploration into foraged and homegrown colour on British wool.

We will meet at Bristol Textile Quarter, then, after an introductory talk, we’ll walk to a nearby urban green space and forage for dye plants to use later in the day. Ria will also help identify other plants that can be used for dye at different times of the year.

At the venue we will use these plants plus other natural dyes to create colour on a range of British wool yarns. Using a variety of yarns and breeds, ranging from super chunky to Ria’s bespoke 4ply weight yarn spun from local sheep, we will look at the different ways natural dyes can be applied to yarn to create striking effects.

You will leave with a variety of mini skeins of naturally dyed yarn in a range of hues, suitable for knitting, crochet, or any other fibre craft.

Yarn, materials and handouts are provided but you may want to bring a notebook and pen. Please bring an apron or clothes you do not mind potentially getting dye liquids. Rubber gloves are advised if you have sensitive skin.

As there is an outdoor walking element to the workshop, please dress appropriately for the weather and for walking on footpaths and grass.