Kentish Dyes at the Craft Dome

Multiple crafts are available at the new Craft Dome, but the main offering is needle felting and natural dyeing - at the moment..I started learning natural dyes in my teens with an elderly friend - back in 1970! She was skilled in a variety of wool-crafts but wasn't keen on the dyeing, and promptly bequeathed all of her dye stash to me. This provided for much trial and error.Over the years, I have taught mostly informally, usually by request. Some of the most notable places include the National Trust in Sissinghurst, the Wye Community Farm via the local AONB, and The Bushcraft Magazine's May Meets. For a number of years, I was the chairman of the Kent Guild of Spinners, Dyers and Weavers until health issues intervened in 2021.My natural dyes provided much of the coloured fleece for Romney Marsh Wools until the pandemic and associated family matters called a halt.Quick zip to 2024 when a combination of factors permitted establishment of The Craft Dome. This is a purpose-built geodesic dome, complete with the Hobbit Stove for comfort, and a wide variety craft equipment. This is largely for fibre crafts but by no means all. The present offering is for needle felting, but there will be considerable opportunity as things develop.Other useful information: I've been insured as a craft teacher for several years. I also have a PhD in chemistry. I usually say that this provides a better idea why the dye work failed! (It rarely does). I'm a retired scientist, and during the pandemic, I convened the Biodyes Interface Workshop. This was held in a virtual world (Virbela). For the really keen, some of this is still available on YouTube! Whatever happens, work at the Craft Dome will be unique and fun.