Natural Dyes

A better photo of my yarns dyed with Ivy.  The light a little better today so showing the 4 different shades more clearly

March Workshop

This is some yarn that I spun from a fleece from one of my neighbours sheep.  I have dyed it using a natural dye.  Join the workshop in March and have a go at this,  great fun.  Colors have come out very poor,  the day was too dark

From Fleece to Yarn

I am running a two day workshop at Markree Castle Hotel,  Co. Sligo on March 9th and 10th.   This will be a hands on and demonstration of  how to get a fleece from its smelly dirty state to a wearable yarn or fibre ready to felt.

It will include washing, dying,  using both natural and synthetic dyes, carding and spinning wool.   Participants are welcome to bring a small amount of their own fleece and any spinning equipment they own if they wish.

The cost is €150 and this will include tea/coffee, lunch on both days and any materials needed.
 Hopefully at the end of the weekend you will go home with a little washed fibre,   some hand spun yarn, some hand dyed yarn and lots of new ideas and enthusiasm.

For more details contact me at mary@markreewoolcraft.com or see the Markree Castle Hotel website, markreecastle.ie

Wensleydale Spun Yarn

This yarn is made using the short bits that are left over after combing the washed Wensleydale  fibre.  I have dyed them and then drum carded each colour separately twice and then combined the colours on the third carding.   I love using autumn colours and for this yarn I used some of the new dyes I bought from 'The Threshing Barn' which are much softer shades and are the background colours..  I have called this yarn 'Autumn Again '  I have listed the yarn on my Etsy website markreewoolcraft