Why Aye-We dipped-we dyed-Holding Memory in cloth

Our ever expanding Woman Made Heritage Lottery Project played host to a wonderful group who came together to learn the Japanese technique of Shabori.

The process involved women working together to select items associated with a variety of their skills which were then bound, stitched and wrapped together to form a “resist” within fabric which was then dyed .

Memories of community wash days were evoked “It’s like dolly blue” along with a sense of how the Shabori technique was a creative and effective way to preserve memory in cloth.

As each cloth was carefully released from its wrappings everyone gathered to Oooooo and Arrgh at the effects of the chemical process upon the cloth.

A truly woman made event which had within it a very poignant sense of female solidarity.

We even dyed some rather marvellous large pants!!

Watch out for the Woman Made banners (and pants) at various events and celebrations.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and a special thanks to Frances for producing two cakes and homemade ice cream with blackberries from Amble...where else!!?