Next weekend we are running a natural dyeing weekend at Crochail woods. As much of the weekend as possible will be spent outdoors, making dyes over a fire. It is a great weekend for really getting started in natural dyeing. We combine foraged local plants, imported ancient dyes and houshold items, to create a full palette of colours. Naturally Dyed … read more…
Author: Rosie
Felt-making with pony -how we did it
I thought it might be quite handy to have a few instructions in case anyone wants to try this method at home! Part of the finished wall hanging! If you have watched the short film below, it gives you some idea of how we did it. We started by washing a dyeing local fleece. … read more…
Mongolian felt making film (with a pony!)
We have finally done it -made a piece of felt Mongolian style using a pony! We think this is the first time this has been done in the UK, as we have not heard of anyone else trying it. Mongolian felting in Scotland is definitely a first! Thanks to Ian and Sasha and their family, as well as Nutmeg … read more…
New! September Relaxation Week
River Affric We had a great week for our Spring Relaxation week. We had sunshine everyday, which meant we were able to have yoga outdoors in the morning, which was a real treat. We had picnics by the river and some of the group went for a dip more than once -it felt wonderful! There’s nothing quite like … read more…
The Guardian Review
It is here! Our review in the Guardian, or you can click on this link Relaxation Retreat. More information about our relaxation retreats is here. Scotland for the soul: a relaxation retreat in the Highlands A new relaxation retreat in northern Scotland strips life back to the simple pleasures of being creative in one of the … read more…
Getting ready for the summer
For the last few weeks Alex and I have been getting ready for the season. Our friends Ele and Craig have lent us thier Mongolian Ger (Yurt), which we put up with the help of Julie last weekend. It was a last minute decision, as it looked like the weather was going to turn for the rest … read more…
Permaculture magazine article
This Spring you can find us in Permaculture magazine. I wrote a ‘how to’ article on Natural Dyeing and Felt-Making. It’s an interesting magazine full of lots of great articles, with a really good course listings in the back.
The wildlife camera
Stag at night Last month we set up a wildlife camera in the woods. It has been brilliant, meaning we have been able to take photos and films of animals which are using the woods. The camera has infra red so it can also work at night. It is sensitive to movement, so at first we … read more…
Sorting Fleece
Last week I finally got around to sorting some more of my fleeces. I had been waiting for a sunny dry day so I could get them out and really work out what was worth washing and what was best to compost, I had a real mix. Ottie not very impressed! Most of my fleeces … read more…
Growing Things!
At last we have our Polytunnel and it’s going up. It is amazing how many parts it came in. Luckily Alex neatly laid them all out in the barn and has systematically put it all together, adding his own little bits and bobs here and there. Before the skin was on Our soil has only … read more…