Dyeworks: Real Conversations Returns – Exploring Natural Colour Together

Six online conversations from November 2026 to May 2027, beginning with a free gathering for everyone interested in natural dyeing.

Natural dyeing has a wonderful way of keeping us curious.

No matter how many years we've spent working with plants and colour, there are always new questions, unexpected results and discoveries waiting around the corner.

A dye pot that behaves differently from last time. A new material that responds in a surprising way. A technique we thought we understood, only to discover there's still so much more to learn.

And sometimes, the most useful thing we can do is talk about those experiences with other people who understand the joys and challenges of working with natural colour.

That's exactly why we created Dyeworks: Real Conversations.

We're delighted to announce that our next season begins on 18 November 2026, with six online gatherings running through to May 2027.

What Is Dyeworks: Real Conversations?

Dyeworks is a series of guided online conversations hosted by Jennifer of AppleOak FibreWorks and The Natural Dyers & Growers Academy.

Unlike a traditional workshop or online course, these gatherings aren't built around formal presentations or demonstrations.

Instead, we bring together natural dyers, dye plant growers, textile artists, makers, teachers and curious beginners to explore a particular topic through shared experiences and discussion.

Some people arrive with questions. Others bring years of experience, stories or practical insights. And plenty of participants simply enjoy listening to the conversation.

All of these ways of participating are equally welcome.

The idea is simple: we all have something to learn from one another.

A Programme Shaped by Our Community

One of the things that makes Dyeworks particularly special is that our Academy members help choose the topics each year.

Rather than repeating the same programme, we invite members to tell us what interests them, what challenges they're facing and what they'd love to explore together.

This means every season has its own character.

Sometimes the conversations are more business-oriented, exploring the realities of teaching, selling or managing a natural dye studio. Other times, we focus on materials, techniques, creative development and the practical questions that arise when working with plants and colour.

Our 2026–2027 programme brings together a little of everything.

Our First Conversation Is Free!

18 November 2026 – When the Dye Pot Doesn't Do What We Expected

Wednesday | 6.30pm Irish time | Live on Zoom

We've all been there.

You've prepared your materials, followed a familiar process and carefully tended your dye pot — only to discover that the resulting colour is nothing like you expected.

Perhaps it's a little disappointing. Perhaps it's completely baffling. Or perhaps you've accidentally created something wonderful.

Natural dyeing involves so many variables, from the plants themselves to water, fibres, preparation, temperature and timing. Even experienced dyers encounter results that raise new questions.

For our first Dyeworks gathering, we'll talk about those unexpected outcomes.

We'll explore troubleshooting, happy accidents, the things that can influence colour and what our experiments can teach us when they don't go according to plan.

It's an opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and discover how other dyers approach similar challenges.

Best of all, this opening conversation is free for everyone in The Natural Dyers & Growers Academy, including members of our Free Community.

You don't need to be an experienced dyer, and there's no pressure to contribute to the discussion. You're very welcome to come along and listen.

👉 Register for the free Dyeworks conversation on 18 November

What's Coming Up in 2027?

Following our November gathering, we'll take a break over Christmas before returning in January for five more conversations.

20 January – Finding Your Own Way with Natural Colour

Many of us begin our natural dyeing journey by following recipes and learning established techniques.

But how do we move beyond those first steps and develop a practice that feels like our own?

We'll talk about experimentation, building confidence, finding inspiration and following our individual interests.

17 February – Beyond Cloth: Dyeing Fibre, Paper, Wood & Other Materials

Natural dyes aren't limited to finished textiles.

Inspired by a suggestion from one of our Academy members, we'll explore the possibilities of working with unspun fibres, paper, wood and other materials.

How do different surfaces respond to natural colour? What preparation might they need? And what creative opportunities could they offer?

24 March – Sharing What We Know: When Are We Ready to Teach or Sell?

At what point do we feel ready to share our skills more formally, offer workshops or sell our naturally dyed work?

We'll explore confidence, experience, responsible knowledge-sharing and the questions that arise when we begin offering our work or expertise to others.

It's a conversation that may interest anyone who has considered teaching, selling or simply sharing what they've learned.

21 April – Consistency or Variation: What Are We Actually Aiming For?

Variation is one of the most fascinating aspects of natural colour.

But while subtle differences can be beautiful, there are situations where we need greater consistency.

We'll explore the relationship between repeatability and experimentation, the variables we can control and those we might choose to embrace.

19 May – The True Cost of Natural Colour

What does it really take to produce a naturally dyed colour?

Beyond the finished result are the plants, growing space, materials, water, energy, equipment, experiments, failures and accumulated knowledge that make it possible.

This conversation will look at the resources and time behind natural colour, and how we recognise and communicate their value.

Not just for those who sell their work, but for anyone who grows, dyes, teaches or creates with natural materials.

Join Us Through The Natural Dyers & Growers Academy

Dyeworks is part of The Natural Dyers & Growers Academy, our international online learning community dedicated to natural dyes, dye plants and the knowledge surrounding them.

Our first conversation on 18 November is open to everyone in the Academy, including Free Community members.

The remaining five gatherings, from January to May, are included in Full Academy Membership.

But Full Membership offers much more than Dyeworks.

Members also have access to our annual Indigo Week, the Seed to Dye to Seed garden series, Colours of the World, the ongoing Sukumo Project, and our growing library of recordings and educational resources.

Previous Dyeworks conversations are also available in the Full Membership recording archive.

All six gatherings take place on Wednesdays at 6.30pm Irish time, live on Zoom.

Join our free November conversation

Explore Full Academy Membership

See all upcoming Dyeworks events

Come for the Questions, Stay for the Conversation

After nearly twenty years of working with natural dyes, one thing I've learned is that there's always more to discover.

And some of the most interesting insights come from hearing how someone else approaches a familiar question.

That's what we hope to encourage through Dyeworks: a welcoming space where curiosity, practical experience and different perspectives can come together.

Whether you're just starting to explore natural colour or have been working with it for years, we'd love to welcome you.

Our first gathering is on Wednesday, 18 November 2026. We hope to see you there!