Plant dyeing course with Elin Hestdal Grev, Thursday 2.7 and Friday 3.7 2026

About plant dyeing

It is an old technique for dyeing wool and textiles, and until the latter half of the 19th century, all dyeing was done with natural dyes.

About the course

The course starts with some theory and preparations of yarn and equipment.

We will pick plants near the course location in Ullinsvin.

The course instructor will also bring some plant material so that various colors can be achieved. By the end of the course, we will have some nice bundles of dyed yarn.

No prior knowledge is required to participate; the most important things are motivation and patience. Everything we will do is time-consuming.

Materials

Participants can purchase yarn for dyeing from the course instructor. The price depends on each participant's consumption, but 200 - 300 kroner will suffice for a lot. Those who wish can bring their own good quality wool yarn.

The course lasts for 10 hours over 3 sessions.

About course instructor Elin Hestdal Grev

"I am now retired, and was previously a farmer with sheep. It has therefore been natural for me to work with wool from my own sheep, and to use sheepskins and wool for both joy and utility. It is a good and calming material to work with, whether one is carding and spinning, sewing leather, dyeing wool or yarn. I learned carding, spinning and plant dyeing about 40 years ago, and later sheepskin felting 13 years ago. I have practiced this knowledge more or less throughout the years. I am an active member of an active Vågå handicraft association".

About assistant instructors Ragnhild Tovsrud and Sigrid Seim Lysne

Both have engaged in plant dyeing with course instructor Elin and others in Vågå who have extensive knowledge and experience in plant dyeing.

See the program for times.