Many of the fibres I use are prepared from the raw fleece. I like to dye the fibres ‘in the grease’ (ie. unwashed) as this allows for an interesting variety of hues and shades in one pot of colour.

I simply add the fibre to the pot and top it up with water with a little vinegar added. The dyes are sprinkled on top and the pot is brought to the boil. I let it simmer, then wash and rinse the fibre.

The colours that emerge from the dye pot are unpredictable. This is the best part! I do not measure the amount of dye I use, as I have no intention of producing a uniform colour.

At present I use chemical dyes. I am beginning to experiment with natural dyes and eventually hope to use these frequently in my work.

Once the fibres have been dyed I usually blend different fibre types and colours using the carder, a giant comb that opens up the fibres and sets them in one direction, ready for spinning.