Using a drop spindle to turn fibre into yarn is the most ancient form of spinning. What began as pulling, twisting and winding stuff around a stick evolved, adding a weight (in the form of a whorl) and a hook or notch greatly increased efficiency in yarn production up until the invention of the spinning…
Eccles cakes aren’t really cakes, they are small currant filled pastries naked after Eccles, the town in Greater Manchester. Like all regional dishes their origins are unknown but were sold commercially in the town as Eccles cakes from the end of the 18th century. They are sweet and comforting, perfect for fresher autumnal days and…
Natural dyeing is addictive. A year on from first forays into the process it’s as bad as ever. This post is by way of a summary of discoveries, thoughts and lessons learnt along the way. This is not a ‘how to’ post – but if natural dyeing appeals to you then you might glean some…
“Dawe’s Twineworks in West Coker, Somerset, is said to be the only surviving rural twineworks with its original Victorian twine-making machinery in place. The Coker Rope & Sail Trust exists to preserve and restore the works, and to record and celebrate the flax and hemp based industries (twine, rope and sailcloth) which were once dominant…
Around here the natural dyeing adventures continue. The hunt for red is on. A true red dye is hard to find, and therefore highly prized. Before imported or chemical dyes were available reds for Scottish tartans were obtained from white Crotal (a lichen that grows on rocks) or madder root. In northern Europe the best…
Yesterday was Potato Day in the village hall. Turns out that it’s quite a big deal. Having missed out on most of the local events, that generally happen on a Saturday, for all the years that the Bridport shop was open, it’s nice to finally get to see what all the fuss is about. It’s…
Gorse Dyeing is something that’s been on the list to try. Another natural dye making adventure. At this time of year nature’s bounty for dye stuffs aren’t so plentiful. But as they say ‘When Gorse is out of bloom kissing’s out of fashion’ and the bright yellow blooms are all over the hills, hedges, heaths…