my story

I live and work in Norfolk, a fine county in the East of England with a big blue sky that once was famed for its rich and colourful textiles.

Inspired by a 'slow' ethos that celebrates artisan skills and local provenance of materials, I colour my world with natural dyes such as madder, weld and woad, using traditional skills to produce contemporary woven and stitched textiles.

projects

2023 Design concept and styling for Shirehall Apartments - three self-catering units above Make Holt. Featuring the work of local artisans and special commission hand knotted carpets made from plant dyed wool, designed by me and made by the artisans at Berberology.
2022 Plant dyed colour consultancy with Berberology, Morocco. Working with local artisans developing their natural dye practice through workshops using locally grown plant dyes and Indigo.
2021 Curator and co-organiser Holt Sunday Market - more than 60 independent traders - local makers, artisan food and drink producers, music and street food.
2020 Founder of Make Holt . A unique concept store supporting independent makers and artisans from Norfolk and nearby. Considered Craft with a touch of the hand.
2019 Colours of the Sun developing own practice working with plant dyes and running a series of retreats in Morocco
2018-19 Colours of Norfolk plant dyed yarns, collaborations with Knorfolknots knitwear designer Gianna Bertolli Knowles
2017-18  Geoffrey Squires Bursary Strips, Stripes & Satins project creating weave samples using 18th century natural dye recipes
            City, Coast & Countryside quilt project with Norwich High School for Girls & community during Makers Month
            established FRESH Artisan Market at The Shoe Factory Social Club, St Mary's Works, Norwich
2016     Co-founded The Workrooms creative learning space in Norwich offering textiles workshops in weave, dye & stitch
2015     Blue Hands Studio residency and interior design/renovation private beach house at Cart Gap, Norfolk
2014-15  95 Pottergate residency and interior design/renovation of private residence in historic Pottergate, Norwich
2013      Strips, Stripes & Stories community weave project at The Forum, Norwich
2012      set up Slowstuff Studio and established Slowmakers Group in Norwich
            Project Officer Heritage Lottery funded project with Worstead Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers, Norfolk

my learning journey...

working with natural dyes is a never ending voyage of exploration - constantly asking 'what if?' After completing my first 7 year 'apprenticeship', I continue as a 'journeyman'  working towards mastering some of the magic of plant colour, especially blue...

With a background in fashion in South Africa, I rediscovered textiles after a 'eureka' moment on a roof terrace in Marrakech in 2007, when I decided to quit my boring corporate job in the UK, follow my heart and become a full time art student. As George Eliot allegedly said... "It's never too late to be who you might have been"

2013    Post Graduate Certificate in Textile Design - Norwich University of the Arts
2011     BA (Hons) Textile Design (first) - Norwich University of the Arts
2008   Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (distinction) - Stamford College, Lincolnshire
2007   Level 3 Diploma in Interior Design (distinction) - National Design Academy, Nottingham

words & pictures

2019 True Colors book by Keith Recker published by Thrums books. Featured as woad dyer

Gist Yarn & Fibre podcast 78. Interview with LaChaun Moore September 2019

2018     appeared on Channel 4 'Britain's Most Historic Town' - "Tudor Norwich" dyeing madder with Dr Alice Roberts

2014     participant on More 4 'Real Craft' Weavers episode with Monty Don

HAND/EYE MAGAZINE
http://handeyemagazine.com/content/painted-warp
http://handeyemagazine.com/content/slowstuff
http://handeyemagazine.com/content/seachange

Mindfulness & Creativity - article in Spectrum magazine 2013

The Wheel - Ashford magazine 2014 - Mindfulness & Weave
No Serial Number Magazine The Resurgence of Natural Dyes, Eco Textiles and The Slow Fashion Movement: An Interview with Aviva Leigh by Naina Bajaria

follow me on instagram @avivaleightextiles