Natural Dyeing Experiments: Old Man’s Beard or Travellers Joy

Old Man’s Beard, Traveller’s Joy or Clematis Vitalba was an iconic part of traditional British hedgerows when and where I grew up. As kids we loved those hairy fronds that appeared around about the same time as blackberries. As a gardener however, too much of the old boy in the hedgerow is a pest. I’m not alone in thinking this and clematis vitalba for all its charms has become regarded as an invasive species in … More Natural Dyeing Experiments: Old Man’s Beard or Travellers Joy

Embarking on new journeys without leaving home: Natural Dyeing

What could a jar of dried and wizened black walnuts possibly suggest about its owner? A desire to embark on a journey into Natural Dyeing Perhaps? Absolutely ! Natural Dyeing is something I’ve long wanted to try, hence the jar of wizened walnuts, a classic natural dye material. I fed this interest by taking a course with Elizabeth Johnston at Shetland Wool Week 2018, and after observing the alchemy she performed, it’s a miracle that I’ve managed … More Embarking on new journeys without leaving home: Natural Dyeing