slow red

Madder grown from seed, harvested after two years, roots soaked with water and silk.

"The speed at which we do something - anything - changes our experience of it." John Freeman.

fleeting blue

 A solar dye bath made from the last of my 'Queen of the Night' tulips, so deep and dark.

A scrap of alumed silk fabric and thread, soaked in the above for a day.

I know from experience that this beautiful blue is fugitive, and not light sensitive. When I tried this last year it faded prettily through shades of green and violet to just a suggestion of grey when left on a sunny windowsill in a matter of weeks. It doesn't make me like it any less though.

::  If you would like to spend a day learning about a very colourfast blue, there are spaces available on my Indigo Day on 20th July at my home workshop. We will be using a fresh leaf technique with the plants I have been hovering anxiously over since February, and also have a vat for some deeper blues. More info here.

out and about

A few days off spent outside as much as possible. Photos taken at the abandoned plot next to the allotment and in my back yard.

I've so enjoyed reading and replying to all the comments on my last post. These stitching communities are everywhere and I love being part of this one.

stitching community

Teaching about the restorative powers of textiles has been a big part of my work for some years now. This week I was working with a new group of men and women, in a project that explores the textile heritage of the area they live in. It's a diverse group and English is a second language for many of the participants. I brought out needles, thread, and fabric and watched as a quiet room was transformed into a buzz of chat, demonstration and sharing.

It's good to be reminded of the power of the needle. For me stitching is a common language, it relaxes, unites and inspires.

Does stitching play a part in your life? Share a tale in the comments if you like... .

(Photos are of my own most recent stitching).

farfield mill

A drive through the very wet Yorkshire Dales to Farfield Mill to lead a workshop about natural colour.

New leaf, acid bright and fresh.

The colours we made mirror the landscape. Thanks to all who came.

silver and gold

Plants from the backyard. Tagetes (French marigolds) and Geranium robertianum (Herb Robert).

Silver and gold silk threads. Plant alchemy.

natural threads

Thanks to everyone who came to my workshop yesterday to create a palette of naturally-dyed threads. Kate, who makes beautiful hand-bound books, has a written a lovely review of the day on her blog.

:: Upcoming workshops: Natural Dyeing at Farfield Mill Heritage Centre, Sedbergh,Cumbria, 18th May and an Indigo day here at my home workshop on 20th July. More details here.