Last month I spoke about Jane Hare's talk "Collaborating with Nature" holding the Grassington Embroiderers' Guild spellbound, but her workshop this week was truly riveting and her preparation unprecedented. She is a tutor of the highest quality and attention to detail in her preparation for our course was unbelievable. We can only suggest that more Guilds book her for this workshop. I know all the 14 ladies partaking on Thursday will endorse this. A very, very big thank you Jane for a wonderful inspirational action packed learning experience.
First we were coached on how to eco print recycled wool blankets using a vinegar mordant/boiling method. Participants arrived with containers of foliage and began to arrange them on strips of wool cut and provided by Jane.
These were wound up tightly on a plastic tube, tied and placed in the boiling pan.
A range of dark subtle colours and soft leaf images were the designs created on our samples.
While the woolen samples were in the boling pot, we were introduced to eco printing on paper
The samples were sandwiched between two tiles, tied up and placed in a steamer.
The final prints were so varied and will make beautiful handmade cards when embelished with stitch.
While the paper samples were in the steamer, Jane explained how to eco print a silk scarf.
Each scarf was so individual. While we were waiting for the scarves to steam the next project was given to us! We were to make concertina note books and make a cover with a paper eco print provided by Jane.
All the above in 5 hours! What a fantastic day and what a learning experience for me! It was my first introduction to a "mordant", and the science of fixing an organic dye on to paper and fabric. Jane's workshop has certainly inspired me to continue with eco printing at home and I shall look forward to experimenting with foliage and fabrics this summer.
