After visiting Provence, in the South of France, and seeing Shabby Chic style furniture comfortably settled into Ochre washed stone homes, I became inspired to explore my creativity in a new way. I have enjoyed the magic of growing plants that can be used to dye wool and cloth with the subtle colours of nature for many years. I wanted to use my skills and create items for the home using natural colours and recycled materials. Natural plant dyes, Ochre pigment and Lime wash combined help me create the Shabby Chic style I so enjoyed seeing when I was in France. Why not bring that natural comfortable style into my home in Shetland? Here I share the ideas and work that has evolved into Shabby Chic Shetland.

Colours of Nature


It is very satisfying dyeing wool naturally with plants grown in my dye garden. Using the wood burning stove outside means that the fuel is free and the process so much fun!  Today I dyed wool a deep green using onion skins and a small amount of iron mordant. Making the iron mordant with a rusty nail in vinegar is another satisfying experience, finding creativity with very little cost is always rewarding.
The wool in this video appears yellowish, the deep green was achieved afterr simmering for about an hour. I enjoy the challenge of dyeing naturally without thermometers, scales etc. Doing things the way it would have been done long ago means working intuitively and taking the risk that it might turn out differently than planned!
A fun process.......more to follow soon?

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