Colour Walk & Design Workshop

Join Helen on a walk in the countryside, taking photos of large landscapes or small close-up shots. Back at Birkhill we will use our photos to look at colour proportions within textile crafts.

A walk in the countryside near Birkhill House is a great setting to inspire colour work within textiles. Bring your phone to take photos of what inspires you. The walk will be approx. 4km mainly on unpaved tracks and earth paths. Please wear trekking shoes, bring a waterproof, and a water bottle. We can listen to the birds and hopefully spot some wildlife. Returning to Birkhill House, we will create yarn colour stripes based on the photos we have taken, looking at colour proportions and how to develop into knitting, weaving or patchwork.

• Price: £290 for up to eight participants

• Who it’s for: All ages (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)

• Length: 3.5 hours  (1.5 hours walk, 2 hours workshop)

Helen Houston

Helen comes from a long line of Shetland knitters, learning to knit from her Mum and Granny which ignited her lifelong passion for textiles. Studying at the Scottish College of Textiles (now Heriot-Watt), Helen graduated in Textile Design and has spent 30 years researching and teaching CAD design and structures for industrial weaving. The rest of her time is spent as a designer/maker for her knitwear brand Reffel and taking people into the countryside as a hill walking guide, where the scenery provides much of her design inspiration.

Creating a relaxed and sharing ambience Helen guides participants through unfamiliar techniques, allowing them to gain confidence with new textile skills. It is Helen’s joy to share her love of knitting, the outdoors and design with others.