Behind the scenes of the Intro to Dyeing Workshop
with Holly Kane
I have two golden rules when starting new hobbies:
- Learn from the experts
- Don’t splurge on equipment until you know you like it.
So when Bridget suggested I join the Intro to Dyeing Workshop, I jumped at the chance. Learning from the expert herself and getting access to the Cowgirlblues dye studio? Yes please.
Behind the Hues
Bridget guided us from start to finish. We toured the bustling studio floor, watching all the winding, soaking, dyeing, drying, and knitting already underway. As Bridget explained the processing wool goes through before reaching Cowgirlblues, she also shared her own journey – from a corporate career to building a creative business.
Bridget’s philosophy – “I like to work with waste” – came to life in her demonstration. Gathering leftover dyes from across the table, she freely mixed, poured, and dripped them over a fresh tray of wool. Her confidence with colour was impressive – inspiring us to be braver with our own palettes.
Before dyeing our own, Bridget used variegated skeins to teach us colour theory. Tambourine Man for the primary colours, Natural Woman for complementary purples and yellows. We discussed how different yarns interact, and the conversation drifted naturally to the meditative process of knitting itself – those repetitive motions that so many of us use to calm the mind.
Primary and secondary colours in Merino Linen solids
Bridget kept returning to one idea: play. Playing with dyes, yarn combinations, colour. For her, that exploration brings as much joy as the finished object. I nodded along but didn’t truly understand until we started dyeing.
My Dyeing Debut
Once our palettes were planned, we headed to the dye stations. The concrete floor guided the way, stained a variegated purple from years of colourful splatters.
The air began to hum as we gained confidence. Nervous drops turned into joyful pours. It’s a surprisingly tactile process, pressing the yarn down with your fingers to help the colour soak through. Whenever I needed guidance or the perfect shade, Phumeza was there to help.
While the trays simmered, we peeked under lids to compare palettes, watching as the wool soaked up the colour.
We debriefed with Bridget: what went wrong, what went right, how it felt. While dyeing, we weren’t worried about the outcome – too mesmerised by the shifting pools of colour. Armed with new knowledge, we headed back for our second round of dyeing.
The Big Reveal
The skeins were all dried and hung up alongside each other so we could admire the full display. Despite sharing the same dyes, each batch was entirely unique. We sifted through the skeins, picking out favourites and swapping with others that caught our eye.
Whether you want to learn from the experts before dyeing at home, or you’re dreaming up a custom colour palette for your next project – this workshop offers something special.
There will be more Intro to Dyeing workshop dates in 2026. It’s the perfect opportunity to roll up your sleeves, play with colour, and see the magic for yourself. Maybe, like me, you’ll let go of perfectionism and rediscover the joy of creating without expectations. Without a doubt, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the colourful hand-dyed yarns of Cowgirlblues.
by Holly Kane