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SCDG MASTERCLASS: Nettle Day!

Saturday, 7 September '24   2pm – 6:10pm BST
Victoria Park Community Building, Victoria Road Entrance, Stretford, Manchester, M32 0AD
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SCDG MASTERCLASS: Nettle Day!

Details

As part of the Stretford Community Dye Garden (SCDG) project, throughout 2024, we're hosting a series of Masterclasses with local natural dye experts. With these sessions, we aim to share ideas, skills and enthusiasm for natural dyes, that can be put to use with the dyestuffs we're growing at SCDG, in Victoria Park, Stretford.

To find out more about SCDG and all the different ways you can be involved, visit:
https://stretfordcommunitydyegarden.wordpress.com/

NETTLE DAY
Join us for a fun day exploring the creative potential of nettles! We're delighted to be hosting a masterclass with historical textile artist Katie Sawyer, showing you round the dye garden and then showing beautiful film The Nettle Dress.
You are welcome to join us for one or all parts of this day - just make sure you book tickets for the masterclass AND film if you'd like to attend both. No booking needed for refreshments/tour.

RUNNING ORDER
2-4pm Nettle Thread Masterclass
4-5pm Dye garden tour (optional) + refreshments
5-6:10pm The Nettle Dress Film

NETTLE THREAD MASTERCLASS
Get ready to dive into the fascinating history of stinging nettles with a hands on workshop! Learn how to transform this prickly plant into a beautiful and sustainable thread. Historic textile artist Katie Sawyer will guide you through the entire process of creating your very own thread. No prior experience is necessary, so whether you're a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, this workshop is for you! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the versatile and eco-friendly world of stinging nettle fabric.

DYE GARDEN TOUR + REFRESHMENTS
If you'd like a tour of the dye garden, our Project Worker Jo and some of our wonderful volunteers will be on hand to show you around. Then join us to share some drinks (alcohol-free) and light snacks and chat with fellow participants before the film starts.

THE NETTLE DRESS FILM
Textile artist Allan Brown spends seven years making a dress by hand, just from the fibre of locally foraged stinging nettles. This is ‘hedgerow couture’, the greenest of slow fashion and also his medicine. It's how he survives the death of his wife and finds a beautiful way to honour her. A modern-day fairytale and hymn to the healing power of nature and slow craft.

"This is an exquisite film. Extremely beautiful and helpful  for anyone suffering loss or grief. An inspiration."
Sir Mark Rylance

"If you’ve ever wondered what the earth would have fashion do, this is your answer."
Professor Kate Fletcher, sustainable fashion activist

"Craft transformed by imagination into art, like an alchemical allegory."
Patrick Harpur, author

Please note this film contains themes of grief and the passing of a loved one and may be particularly upsetting for some.

Level: Beginner

Instructions

All you need to bring is your wonderful self!
If you're joining our dye garden tour, check the weather forecast - we'll continue rain or shine but make sure you're dressed for whatever the weather has in store for us!

Tickets

Cost

MASTERCLASS: Nettle Thread

Nettle Thread Masterclass with Katie Sawyer 2-4pm
£20.00

FILM: The Nettle Dress

The Nettle Dress film 5-6:10pm
£4.00

Location

Victoria Park Community Building
Victoria Road Entrance
Stretford
Manchester
M32 0AD

Drivers, please note that there is limited street parking available, so it is best to travel by other means where possible.
If you are driving, the best place to park is on Prichard Street as it is non-residential.
Stretford Metrolink and buses stop nearby and there are bike locks right outside the building.

Amenities

  • Toilets
  • Baby changing