Talks & Demonstrations
If you are a member of a WI group, Crafts Guild or any other group that has speakers, then please consider me for one of your meetings. I offer a range of talks, detailed below, which have been enthusiastically received ​to date. I am based near Dunmow in Essex and will undertake talks in Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire - I can also occasionally cover parts of London, Norfolk Suffolk, and Northamptonshire.
An abundance of colour
This is a talk and demonstration about dyeing protein (animal) fibres with suitable dyes.
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During the talk I dye two samples which you can choose - the possibilities are - turning a super long skein of woollen yarn into a self striping yarn, a tie dyed silk scarf, a randomly dyed skein of wool or fleece. At the end of the talk, after question time, I reveal the results from the dye pots - two beautiful, brightly coloured, hand dyed projects.
I am now offering a version of this talk for cellulose (plant) fibres.
Spinning - puppy dog tails and other furry critters
In this talk I share with you my spinning journey, and talk about fibres that can be spun, tools of the hand spinner, then finish with a potted history of spinning from 25000 BCE to the present day.
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I also provide a wealth of samples for your members to see and feel, both of fibres and yarn, and occasional finished objects along the way. There will be a chance to ask questions at the end of the talk.
Natural dyeing
Do you know what is in your garden or kitchen cupboard that will produce beautiful colour on fabrics, yarn, paper and fibre? Prepare to be amazed.
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In this talk I will cover the history of natural dyeing, traditional dyes, how to fix them, and share with you the amazing range of colours that can be produced from everyday ingredients. I can also provide a demonstration of dyeing with this talk
The Useful Garden
This is a new talk for 2017 exploring the many uses to which the things growing in the garden can be put.