Join us for a full day of hands-on textile making inside in the Print Clan the studio, exploring natural dyes, GOCCO screen printing and sewing, with long time Print Clan member Molly Mac

Inspired by Molly's sustainable approach to textile design, you’ll begin by creating your own hand-drawn designs, which will be transformed into reusable GOCCO printing screens. You’ll then print your designs onto fabric using natural dyes made from plants and botanical extracts, before sewing your printed fabric into a unique, handmade tote bag to take home.

What will happen during the workshop?

We'll begin with a series of drawing exercises inspired by plants, flowers, leaves and the natural world. You'll develop your drawings into simple designs that can be translated into screen prints, before creating and stretching your own reusable GOCCO printing screen.

You'll then experiment with printing your designs onto fabric using naturally dyed printing pastes. Explore layering, texture and pattern as you build up your printed fabric, learning how natural dyes can be used to create dynamic, layered and unexpected results.

After printing, you'll use your fabric to create a tote bag. We'll guide you through cutting out your sewing pattern, preparing the pieces and sewing them together to stitch up the finished bag.

Throughout the workshop, we'll introduce you to the natural dyes being used, sharing more about their plant origins and how they can be produced and used as an alternative to conventional textile colours.

I have never done screen printing before, can I come?

Of course! This workshop is suitable for all skill levels. Everyone is welcome and no previous experience is necessary.

Equipment Provided:

All necessary equipment, materials and fabric are included, including GOCCO screens, squeegees, a range of natural dye colours, newsprint paper, cutting mats and knives.

To help inspire your designs, please bring along an image or small item connected to the natural world, particularly plants, flowers or foliage.

You might also like to bring along a notebook or sketchbook to help document the process and sketch out any ideas.

Your Tutor:

Molly is a maker/designer of textiles, clothing and costume. She works extensively as a tailor/maker for Scottish Opera and develops her own work under the brand name MacFin. She is inspired by the flora and fauna of Scottish landscapes, fashion and textile history, a love for textile experimentation and is driven by a deep concern for environmental sustainability. Recent work has focussed on experiments with dyeing and screen printing using plant materials.