Discover natural yarn dyeing
What you'll do
Get a glimpse into the world of natural dyeing in this experience with Bristol textile designer, Ria Burns. With Ria’s help, you’ll learn how to naturally dye a selection of British wool yarns with homegrown and foraged plants, and food waste.
On the day you’ll work with a range of seven different yarns of varying breeds and weights, including Ria's bespoke Mendip lambswool yarn, to give you a range of naturally dyed shades. Ria particularly focuses on using low impact, sustainable materials, and will share her wide knowledge of natural dyeing with you throughout your experience.
You’ll finish with seven mini skeins of your own custom dyed yarn for knitting, crochet or weaving to create a completely unique piece. With Ria’s help you’ll also have the skills to go on to naturally dye yarn at home.
Upcoming dates
What you'll do
Get a glimpse into the world of natural dyeing in this experience with Bristol textile designer, Ria Burns. With Ria’s help, you’ll learn how to naturally dye a selection of British wool yarns with homegrown and foraged plants, and food waste.
On the day you’ll work with a range of seven different yarns of varying breeds and weights, including Ria's bespoke Mendip lambswool yarn, to give you a range of naturally dyed shades. Ria particularly focuses on using low impact, sustainable materials, and will share her wide knowledge of natural dyeing with you throughout your experience.
You’ll finish with seven mini skeins of your own custom dyed yarn for knitting, crochet or weaving to create a completely unique piece. With Ria’s help you’ll also have the skills to go on to naturally dye yarn at home.
How to get there
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Facilities
- Parking
- Toilets
- WiFi
COVID-19 guidelines
This workshop involves using shared dye pots, but only you will handle your own yarns. Equipment will be thoroughly cleaned between uses, and you are advised to wear gloves. We will adhere to social distancing and wear a face covering throughout the workshop.
On the day
The workshop will start at 10am, you are welcome to arrive from 9:45am. It can get a little wet and messy during the morning, please wear sensible shoes and clothes or bring an apron. If you have sensitive skin you may want to bring rubber gloves.
Changes happen, don't worry
About Ria Burns Knitwear
For Ria, it all started with a love of yarn and an interest in sustainable fashion. She specialised in fashion knitwear for her BA in Fashion Design, but it was at Bath Spa where her eponymous brand of botanically dyed, British wool knitwear was researched and developed. Her knitwear is made with an exclusive lambswool yarn spun from fleece from Fernhill Farm, just 15 miles away from her house in Bristol. She uses homegrown plant dyes to add pops of colour to her work and loves sharing textile printmaking methods with anyone wanting to learn more about natural dyes. All Ria’s knitwear is designed, dyed and made in Bristol, using hand powered knitting machines and utilising energy and water efficient dyeing methods.
View more experiences by Ria Burns KnitwearYour host
Your host will be Ria, textile designer and the founder of Ria Burns Knitwear. She’ll take you through her processes of creating uniquely different yarn and knitwear. Ria always aims to champion the natural hues and qualities of British wool. She creates one-off designs adding vibrant flashes of colour through natural hand dyeing, and is the perfect person to learn more about sustainable crafting from.
What people are saying
A great learning experience. Ria is a very friendly and knowledgeable host.
I wasn't aware of the complexity of wool dyeing.
I came away full of excitement and wonder.
A brilliant, eco friendly, fun workshop
Any questions?
Ask your question directly to Ria Burns Knitwear.
Upcoming dates
What people are saying
A great learning experience. Ria is a very friendly and knowledgeable host.
I wasn't aware of the complexity of wool dyeing.
I came away full of excitement and wonder.
A brilliant, eco friendly, fun workshop
Share this experience