Allan Brown
Allan is a weaver, spinner, and dyer with a focus on sustainability, traditional crafts and natural fibres, notably nettles, flax, hemp and wool.
Nettle thread making with Allan Brown
Ref: S1D35301
About this course
On this one day 'Nettle Course' we will learn how to take the nettle from living plant through to spun thread, with the maker of the Nettle Dress.
Course Description
Learn from the tutor’s expertise of making thread from nettle plants; when the nettles are at their optimum for textile purposes; where to find them and what to look for when you do. The tutor will also discuss the importance of nettles to our ecosystems and particularly to our native butterfly species and how to forage for them responsibly.
Over the course of the day you will look at their long history and some of the folklore and mythology associated with them in Europe, as well as their use in other countries, particularly Nepal.
You will learn how to twist simple cordage from various plant fibres, then concentrate on how to best harvest nettles and prepare the stalks for ‘retting’. We will discuss ‘the art of retting’ and in so doing compare nettles to the other primary bast fibres we are likely to encounter, namely flax and hemp. In addition we will discuss alternative nettle extraction methods that don’t use ‘retting’.
You will then work with prepared ‘retted nettles’ from previous years and learn how to best remove the bast fibres and process them ready for spinning. Then spend some time learning the basics of how to spin nettle fibre on drop spindles.
Finally, the group will look at and handle examples of woven nettle cloth and discuss how to approach creating cloth from spun fibre as well as how to best finish it for softness and comfort. In addition, how to best dye nettle yarn and cloth.
Course Materials
Included
On this course the tutor will supply dried ‘retted’ nettles for processing on the day. All the tools and equipment needed will be provided by the tutor.
What students need to bring
Notebook and pen for taking notes
Leather or gardening gloves (optional)
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.
Timetable
Timetable for one day courses
Students should arrive by 9am for registration.
Classes are from 9.15 - 5pm
Lunch is included.
General Information
Tutors
Further study options
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