natural dye workshops

2 Comments December 20, 2020 thekindlydyer

I love this point in the year when its legitimately time to sign-off work mode and indulge in some relaxation and reflection on the year nearly done.

While 2020 has without doubt been a long hard slog with Covid impacts layered on top of all sorts of pressures and hurdles that happen in any year, we’re here, nigh on Christmas and the dawn of 2021. It’s a relief.

I am enormously grateful for the good things that have happened in 2020. We have been blessed to have two more grandchildren, and we’re able to see all 3 of our mokopuna regularly. We feel for our co-grandparents who are on the other side of the world and restricted to grandparenting by Skype or Zoom this year. Soon, soon……..

In August I was part of the wider Palliser Ridge whānau featured on Country Calendar doing a dye workshop. It was a super opportunity and really showed what a good operation Palliser Ridge farm is. As a result the word has spread about dye classes and they’ve become very popular.

I get such a buzz from the workshops; I always learn something new, the connection with other crafters is wonderful and especially the enthusiasm they bring. It is a fun-filled afternoon, rather like being allowed back to kindergarten to play in the paint. So thank you to all the people who have joined us at the woolshed, you really lift me up.

I especially want to thank everyone who has bought Kindly Dyer yarns. I do hope you are enjoying knitting, crocheting, and making with the yarns as much as I enjoyed colouring them. Selling still feels an unfamiliar activity for me and I appreciate every single purchase. Your support encourages me immensely.

And so as I reflect on 2020 and all the people who have put the GOOD into my year; family, friends near and far, workmates past and present, and customers, I’m getting into another favourite activity – planning for the year ahead.

Every year I make a plan for myself and write it down. I have done this since year 2000 using the 7^thHabit “Sharpening the Saw” from Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People as a framework for my personal goals. In 2021 I’m going to make a habit of reviewing and reflecting on my goals/plans more regularly and re-focusing my actions to keep on track.

Now, I’m off to do some gardening, to soak up inspiration and renew my energy tank. I’ve got my natural dyed yarns on the needles already and at least 2 more projects in the wings.

Belle shawl – designed by Truly Myrtle knit in progress with Kindly Dyer yarns Grace (100% NZ merino) and Clara (80/20 merino nylon sock)

I wish you all a joyous festive season. May your days be merry and bright, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy nature, leisure pastimes and the good company of others.

Hugs, kindness always – Keiry

1 Comment August 19, 2020 thekindlydyer

Well, hasn’t 2020 turned out to be a roller coaster! When 2019 ticked over into 2020 COVID-19 wasn’t on my to do list for the new year. But we all had to band together and do it.

To balance out the downhills I’ve had some absolute highlights – being mother-of-the-groom in January, becoming a second-time Nana in June,

and being part of the Palliser Ridge Country Calendar episode that screened last Sunday on TV1 NZ. It is a real privilege to be part of the Palliser Ridge story. I always talk about the good hands who touch the wool on its way from farm to yarn, and Country Calendar offers you the chance to see them in action.

Filming Country Calendar episode 23 Spinning a Yarn

Watching the episode reminded me how grounding nature is – the seasons arrive as expected, a constant cycle in the midst of turmoil. This week I’ve gathered seaweed washed up on the beach for the garden, I’ve weeded, pruned roses and dyed a batch of yarn a beautiful light olive green – spring green. The sure signs of impending spring are all about. It feels good. And as I’m writing this I’m enjoying watching the blackbirds flit and swoop about the garden. We have a birdbath and it’s popular – there’s frequently a queue to use it, thought it’s not in the slightest an orderly queue.

The thing is though, no matter the season there is always something to enjoy, and particularly for me, colours that set off my imagination and inspire what I want to try and create in the dye pots. Last year’s winter pruning inspired me to make these colours to partner with the Palliser Ridge rustic brown.