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Welsh Blankets
Heritage Crafts - Natural Dyeing
Heritage Craft Courses and Workshops
Heritage crafts refer to traditional handiwork and techniques that have been passed down through generations and have cultural, historical, and artistic significance. Examples include pottery, weaving, wood carving, blacksmithing, needlework and also candle making. These crafts often use locally sourced materials and reflect the cultural identity of a particular community. Preserving and promoting heritage crafts is important for maintaining cultural diversity and passing on valuable skills and knowledge to future generations.
Natural Dyeing - Background
Natural dyeing is without doubt one of the oldest heritage crafts with a history going back thousands of years. During this time, dyeing methods and processes have not changed that much! Natural dyeing today is still a heritage craft carried out by hand using dye ancient dyes from plants, insects and tree barks, such as Madder, Weld, and Cochineal.
Heritage Association
We are a member of the Heritage Crafts Association which aims to protect heritage crafts such as natural dyeing. Our ethos at FelinFach is governed by the three words NATURAL - TRADITIONAL - HANDMADE. We strongly believe that hand dyeing animal fibres such as sheep wool, and plant-based fibres such as linen and cotton is a heritage craft that should be preserved.
Natural Dyeing Heritage Crafts Courses
Learn a heritage craft. Our natural dyeing courses are a modern-day hands-on learning experience but still using the same basic ingredients and processes as in times gone by. Our natural dyeing heritage craft courses use ancient dyes such as Madder, Weld, and Cochineal, to name a few, in their natural form as well as extract. Our courses range from half-day "Taster Courses" to 1- and 2-day courses. Full details of all courses, click the button.
Heritage Craft Courses and Workshops
Customers have asked us...
- What is a heritage Craft?
We think a heritage craft is a skill or process that has been practiced by the human race over many, many years or even centuries. The skills and processes are by hand. Hand dyeing fibres with natural dyes is a heritage craft. - Is Natural Dyeing and Endangered Craft?
We think not as the interest in natural dyeing is growing. It remains a small part of the dyeing industry today, but we believe demand is growing. - What Crafts are Endangered?
The Heritage Crafts Association of which we are a member, maintains the list of endangered crafts, known as the 'Red List'.
Recent Customer Reviews
Here is a selection of Reviews from 2023. All Craft Course reviews are 5 stars! See all Reviews
Sue U., Verified Buyer, on 6th August 2023, "Had a great day with Karen, still amazed, what colours are available as natural dyes. Was able to dye a couple of my own yarns, which turned out beautifully. The folder with all the information is also great, ideal for keeping the samples and future projects. And there will be future dyeing projects..."
Rosa H., Verified Buyer, on 10th June 2023, "I had a really lovely time on my workshop with Karen. She tailored the content for my specific uses and gave me lots of useful tips. I came away with some beautifully coloured cloth and more confidence to get on with dyeing at home".
Nia P., Verified Buyer, on 18th May 2023, "'I enjoyed every minute of an absolutely inspiring day. It was a wonderful experience for me and more than worth every penny of the cost. The instruction was excellent, and the results were amazing. Hands on experiments were very well thought out and prepared with good materials. This made the processes that were introduced totally understandable and memorable in every way. I would highly recommend the course at FelinFach to anyone. For me it was an inspiration".
About FelinFach
Located in Pembrokeshire Wales, our ethos is defined in the three words...
NATURAL TRADITIONAL HANDMADE.
- Hand woven iconic Welsh blankets and Welsh tapestry blankets.
- Handmade candles, candle accessories, Candle Making Workshops and soapery.
- Natural Dyeing Craft courses.
- Yarn shop, hand dyed yarn, yarn bowls, project bags, tools and accessories for knitters and crafters.
- Welsh Gifts, souvenirs, made in Wales, handmade in Wales.
We are a proud supporter of Americymru, the Campaign for Wool, Global Welsh and Red Dragon America.
Last updated 23rd August 2023
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