Summer School at Chateau Dumas

For three weeks this Summer Selvedge will once again take up residence at Chateau Dumas. Set on a hill in peaceful, rolling countryside, less than an hour north of Toulouse international airport, Chateau Dumas is a 22 acre private estate with a large pool and glorious panoramic views. Choose from our range of courses and join the Selvedge team and eleven other participants for a week-long creative holiday. You’ll learn new skills with our inspirational tutors, enjoy the delicious cuisine, visit flea markets and brocantes and the medieval market town of St Antonin Noble Val. Prices start at €1580 visit www.selvedge.org for more information

Tapestry Weaving with Fiona Rutherford will explore the creative potential of this meditative and absorbing technique. Renowned artist Fiona Rutherford will teach you the gentle, rhythmic process of weaving and demonstrate how to use colour and texture as a vehicle for personal expression. You will master a simple process that requires little expenditure or equipment and once learned can be taken anywhere and used to create beautiful, individual artworks. Your week will include a woad dyeing day with Denise Lambert which can be used to dye your yarns before weaving – making your work, which could be inspired by the Chateau’s stunning gardens and scenery, a truly personal piece. 18-25 July 2015

Sewing School with Merchant & Mills Do you long to be able to create an impeccable A-line skirt or wish you could tailor a perfectly fitted shift dress? Join us at Chateau Dumas this summer for a Sewing School where seamstress Carolyn Denham from Merchant and Mills, whose motto is “keep it simple and do it well”, will help you establish a skill set or refine your existing knowledge. Carolyn will help you choose from her patterns and select fabric before you go so you’ll be ready to create a summer wardrobe tailored to you. And, as an added extra, you’ll be able to enjoy a woad day with dyeing expert Denise Lambert where you will gain an insight into the astonishing history of this beautiful blue dye and learn how to add a dash of colour to your clothes. 15-22 August 2015

Shibori with Callishibori Those who enjoy the magic of indigo dyeing should consider shibori, this ancient technique evokes the same emotions; suspense, surprise, excitement and wonder. Our tutor Jane Callender (Cally) has been exploring shibori for almost two decades and will share her skills helping you to create beautiful patterns on cloth. Our week begins with techniques such as itajime (fold and clamp), bo maki, including arashi (cylinder wrapping), as well as several methods of stitching and binding. You will have an opportunity to dye cotton, linen and silk in both woad and indigo vats, experiment with iron rust and natural tannins such as pomegranate. At the end of your visit you will unfold and unravel your own collection of intricate and individual blue pieces. 22-29 August 2015