Half-day workshop led by Sophie Holt of Pigment Organic Dyes CIC to learn about organic natural dye plants and make a bundle-dyed tote bag and cotton swatches.
Sophie Holt is running an introduction to natural dyeing at Exeter Phoenix on Friday 30 October, from 2pm to 4.30pm in the Top Studio. It's a half-day workshop, and you'll walk away with a couple of things you've actually made: a bundle-dyed tote bag and a set of eight organic cotton swatches from two different dye plants.
Holt runs Pigment Organic Dyes CIC, a South Devon social enterprise that grows organic natural dye plants while supporting adults with learning disabilities into training and work roles. The session is built around that, so you'll be working with organic dried dye plants grown in the field rather than something bought from a shop. You'll learn about the plants themselves, and the bundle-dyeing technique is one of those things that's satisfying to watch happen—you arrange the plant material on the fabric, tie it up, and let the heat and steam do the work.
Holt farms as part of the Baddaford Collective and draws on her organic horticultural background and her love of natural textiles. The workshop also touches on regenerative farming practices—the kind that improve soil health, boost water resilience and increase biodiversity—so there's a bit of context behind where the colours come from. If you've ever wondered how plants actually turn into fabric dyes, this is a good place to start.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Exeter and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
It runs from 2pm to 4.30pm on Friday 30 October in the Top Studio at Exeter Phoenix, and costs £38, subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. You'll also get 10% off food and hot drinks at the Café Bar while you're there.
