Introduction to Hand-Dyeing with Debbie Tomkies -

About this course:

In this one day introductory course, you'll start the day learning the basics of dyeing yarn with synthetic (procion mx fibre reactive) dyes - how to prepare your yarn and dyes, how to blend colours and plan colourways.

You'll be making sample cards as a reference to take home and you'll dye 150g yarn in your own choice of colours to take home. Debbie will be demonstrating some exciting, simple techniques and showing you how to dye your skein. You can then choose from a range of Debbie's exclusive knitting and crochet patterns and take home your skein and pattern to make something super-special!

You will learn:

• How to prepare yarn for dyeing
• How to make up dyes
• How to create deep through pastel shades
• Prepare a set of dye sample recipes
• Tips for choosing and combining colours
• A range of easy techniques including handpainting, solid colour (immersion), glazing, veil dyeing, low water immersion
• How to fix and finish your hand-dyed yarn

Do I need to bring anything?

All the dyes, yarn, sample cards, handouts, equipment and materials are included!

Tea, coffee & biscuits are included but you will need to bring lunch. Alternatively, tak a short stroll into Altrincham and choose from the many eateries that cater for just about every taste!

What's included?

You will be taking home:

• A set of useful dye sample cards with recipes, ready for you to continue your dyeing adventures!
• A 50g skein of handdyed yarn, dyed by you in your choice of colours
• A further 100g skein of your own beautiful, handdyed yarn chosen from our extensive selection of different yarns - from laceweight to super chunky
• A knitting or crochet pattern from a selection of Debbie's exclusive designs.

Course level:

This workshop is suitable for absolute beginners and is also great for dyers in need of a refresher or would like some 'me time' to play with new ideas and colours! It's a popular choice for baby showers, leaving gifts, wedding celebrations, and parties. Private group bookings can be arranged on request.

This is a course for over 18s. We may be able to accommodate accompanied younger participants but please ask before booking.

About your tutor:

Debbie has been a hand-dyer for over 25 years and teaching hand-dyeing for over 12 years so you'll be in good hands!

Debbie has designed yarn collections for a number of companies and for many years ran monthly fibre and sock clubs, producing hand-dyed yarns and fibres to her own unique colourways. She has been a tutor on the Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers Summer Schools and has produced workshops for the Online Guild.

Debbie is the author of four knitting books: Hand-dyed Yarn Craft Projects, How to Knit (with 27 online videos), Knitting - Learn it.Love it. and 250 Knitting Stitches.

Debbie says...

"I love teaching workshops and courses – part of the pleasure of doing something I love for a living is in knowing that other people have shared my passion and enthusiasm, learned something new, had lots of fun and generally had a good time! Teaching is a learning process for the tutor as much as for the students so I like to keep a comments book for feedback. Here are some of my favourite excerpts…

What our students say:

'What a wonderful hand dyeing course. Really supportive, patient and ready answers. Cannot wait to get home and try it out for myself. One of the best training sessions I have been on if not the best'.

'Fantastic time, well worth the visit. Debbie was a fabulous person - her knowledge and information was second to none. Thank you! ' Janet

'Loved this workshop. Thanks for your patience and your calm and relaxed style was great. Looking forward to trying out some of these techniques!' Jo

'Great fun, great class size, Debbie on hand to help whenever I got stuck. Liked the pace and felt very at ease. I am so pleased at learning these techniques! Thank you!' Rose x

Any questions?

If you need any information about this course, please don't hesitate to get in touch by email or phone.

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