Naturally Dyed Textiles - Silk Scarf & Cotton Purse - Threads 2026

Discover a rainbow of vibrant colour locked within a smattering of petals or a handful of wood. Together we will discover the ancient beauty of nature’s palette, harnessing centuries-old practices to extract colour from plants, minerals and insects.

This session will be focused on creating a Naturally Dyed silk scarf and cotton purse, perfect for gifting to a loved one, or cherishing yourself.

The sessions are beginner friendly and outcomes will be led by your own creativity, with guidance from Olivia's expert eye.

Key information:

This will be a 4 hour session, with a 1-hour break for lunch while your pieces are dyeing.

All materials and equipment will be provided.

(Participants are free to leave the studio during our break).

Basic sewing skills are advised (a simple running stitch), but aren't necessary.

You will leave with:

· Knowledge of the basic concepts of Natural Dyeing; including: fabric preparation (souring and mordanting); selecting dye materials; making a dye bath; bundle dyeing; and fabric care.

· A naturally-dyed silk square in colours of your choice.

· A naturally-dyed cotton bag.

· A new-found passion for the wonders of natural colour

Feel free to get in touch with any questions.

[email protected]

This workshop is suitable for those age 18+.

Artist bio:

Since stumbling upon the beauty of natural colour while at University, Olivia has taught in classrooms, floral studios, museums and festival fields, in an effort to re-enchant people with the natural world around us.

She is often found enthusiastically explaining how magical a handful of wood or a smattering of petals can be in the hands of a dyer.

Olivia seeks to rekindle the knowledge of this forgotten craft; allowing us to live more connectedly with nature, in the way our ancestors knew to be best.

About our Threads Textile Festival

This workshop is taking place as part of Sunny Bank Mills' annual celebration of the art of textiles; featuring a series of workshops, new exhibitions, talks and Textile fair. This year’s Threads Festival will take place across the site of Sunny Bank Mills on Saturday 16th – Sunday 17th May.

Find out more about our Threads Textile Festival weekend on our website.

See the full Threads Textile Festival workshop collection.

About the venue

Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley, Leeds. Founded in 1829, these glorious Mills are being regenerated by the sixth generation of the family owners, creating a wonderful blend of work, leisure and culture.

Course terms and booking conditions

Workshop and course bookings can be cancelled and refunded up until 7 days before the scheduled start date. As materials and equipment are ordered in advance, we regret that refunds cannot be offered less than 7 days before the workshop date. Please note that Eventbrite’s booking fee is non-refundable. If we need to cancel the course for any reason your ticket will be fully refunded.

Accessibility

The venue of this workshop is within the Finishing Room, which is accessed up a flight of stairs through the Gallery or via step free access via the main yard.

There are accessible toilets on the same floor of the venue. We will have attendants on hand to offer assistance throughout the day. If you have any queries prior to your booking, please email [email protected].

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Host or Publisher Sunny Bank Mills Gallery