Calling everyone near Leek (UK) in the Starffordshire Moorlands who is interested in growing Natural dye plants, whether you have a garden or just a few pots !

I am so very delighted to join forces with The League of Artisans https://www.instagram.com/leagueofartisans/ this summer as they have decided to join in my “From seeds to Blue” home growing program for Japanese Indigo and Woad and together we will be learning a lot about dye plants and natural colours.

The organisation is based in Leek an area in England that has an amazing heritage in natural dyes and textile and their newly formed group is keen to gather a community of dye lovers. I am so excited to hear that they have organised for the coming September A textile week during witch we will use the dye plants grown locally to create shades of yellow, blue and green.

This is a call out for wannabe growers/dyers and I hope we will find a good few to help.

You must be based in the Leek area in the Moorland and have a minimum of growing space which can be pots… and a great desire for the colour blue…

But better read what they say

🪴We are excited to announce our involvement in the community of Japanese indigo and woad-growing natural dye plants. As the organisers behind Leek Textile Week, we invite you to join us in growing, harvesting, and dyeing with these plants leading up to and throughout the week of 23-29 September!

🌱We will provide the woad and indigo seeds for those interested in growing dye plants and cover the participation fee for online workshops.

🌍By joining this programme, you will be part of a community growing blue sustainably, gaining valuable insights into the growth and chemistry of plants and colour, along with producing your very own dyed fibres and cloth!

The amazing Elisabeth (@bettysbeautifullife) will be hosting the online course, as well as workshops during Leek Textile Week.

⏱️Here’s what to expect:
April → Germinate seeds
End of April/May → Repot
June → Plant in ground
July → online demonstration of how to use fresh leaf indigo and woad, as well as step-by- step instructions
End of August → second online workshop showing how to extract pigment and make a woad vat and dye process.
27-29 September Leek Textile Week → 2 days of in-person workshops delivered by Elisabeth Viguie-Culshaw and Kate Turnbull (@thesecretdyer)

🧡A special thank you to Elisabeth for her generous support and for hosting this amazing workshop! If you are interested in participating in growing woad or indigo, please DM for more information with an indication of area/seeds required. Participation only open to those who live in the vicinity of Leek.

I hope you will all join in forces and I look forward to meet you in Leek in September.

Love Betty xx