A taste of Moroccan textile culture in the countryside just outside Essaouira
textiles experiences
workshops, retreats, and one to one tuition
masterclasses & experiences
Masterclasses in natural dye and weave offer an immersive, hands-on experience that blends traditional craft techniques with contemporary design principles; participants learn to prepare plant-based dyes, understand mordanting and colourfastness, and explore dyeing methods such as immersion and resist techniques.
in the 3 day masterclass you are introduced to simple, freestyle weave and learn how to use your dyed yarns to create a piece of woven art to take home with you
Dyes like madder, pomegranate and henna have all been used for centuries to colour wool in Moroccan carpets and other textiles.
Join our natural dye workshop to learn hands-on methods for extracting colour from locally sourced plants, roots, and minerals and applying them to hand spun wool using traditional mordants and layering techniques.
You will explore seasonally sourced dye materials, practice small-batch dyeing and discover how fibre preparation, pH, and heat influence hue and fastness.
The workshop emphasizes sustainable sourcing and mindful practices—composting spent dyebath material, reusing water where possible, and documenting recipes—so you leave with richly dyed samples, a written dye journal, and the confidence to recreate ethical, long-lasting colors at home.
price per person 1- 4 places available per masterclass.
Individual one to one tuition and residential workshops also available. Contact Aviva for more information.
Dyes like madder, pomegranate and henna have all been used for centuries to colour wool in Moroccan carpets and other textiles.
Join our natural dye workshop to learn hands-on methods for extracting colour from locally sourced plants, roots, and minerals and applying them to hand spun wool using traditional mordants and layering techniques.
You will explore seasonally sourced dye materials, practice small-batch dyeing and discover how fibre preparation, pH, and heat influence hue and fastness.
The workshop emphasizes sustainable sourcing and mindful practices—composting spent dyebath material, reusing water where possible, and documenting recipes—so you leave with richly dyed samples, a written dye journal, and the confidence to recreate ethical, long-lasting colors at home.
price per person 1- 4 places available per masterclass.
Individual one to one tuition and residential workshops also available. Contact Aviva for more information.
Day 1 Natural dye workshop
Begin your journey by dyeing hand spun wool with spices sourced from the local souk. Discover how henna, madder, pomegranate and other natural ingredients can create a vibrant palette, while exploring the significance of color in Moroccan culture.
Learn hands-on methods for extracting colour from locally sourced plants, roots, and minerals and applying them to hand spun wool using traditional mordants and layering techniques.
You will explore seasonally sourced dye materials, practice small-batch dyeing and discover how fibre preparation, pH, and heat influence hue and fastness.
The workshop emphasizes sustainable sourcing and mindful practices—composting spent dyebath material, reusing water where possible, and documenting recipes—so you leave with richly dyed samples, workshop notes and the confidence to recreate ethical, long-lasting colours at home.
Day 2 Indigo Resist workshop
Delve into the ancient art of indigo dyeing.
Learn how to create a natural indigo dye bath. Create intricate patterns on cloth using this deeply rooted technique that has been celebrated for generations in North Africa. Experiment with different application methods to achieve unique resist designs that reflect your personal style.
Take home a collection of fabric samples that can be used in your own textile projects and a scarf or bag as a reminder of your special experience.
Join our intensive 3-day masterclass in dyeing and weaving to immerse yourself in traditional handcraft techniques and contemporary design approaches. Over three focused days, you will learn natural dye preparation and color extraction, , how to create and work with an indigo vat and practice freestyle weave techniques on a simple hand loom under expert guidance. Materials and tools are provided; the class is suitable for beginners with patience as well as intermediate makers seeking to refine their process and build a cohesive small collection of naturally dyed and unique pieces.
Day 1 NATURAL DYE WORKSHOP
Dyes like madder, pomegranate and henna have all been used for centuries to colour wool in Moroccan carpets and other textiles.
Learn how to use these and other ingredients from the souk to dye local, hand spun wool using eco friendly methods.
Rich shades of reds, oranges and yellows can then be over dyed the indigo vat to achieve secondary shades.
You will also learn how to use natural ingredients to modify the colours to achieve different shades.
Day 2 INDIGO RESIST WORKSHOP
Learn how to prepare an indigo vat using natural ingredients.
Experiment with various resist techniques including stitching and binding to make a unique indigo dyed scarf inspired by African textiles.
Use traditional printing blocks and other everyday objects with a special mud resist paste to decorate an organic cotton bag to be dyed in the indigo vat.
If time allows, at the end of the workshop, you may also dye a selection of your own materials in the indigo, these must be 100% natural (cotton/linen) and not weigh more than 50g per item.
Day 3 FREESTYLE WEAVE WORKSHOP
Learn how to weave using a simple loom
Create a beautiful hand woven textile (eg. scarf, fabric for a bag, wall art) using the locally hand spun wool dyed with plant dyes and other up cycled materials. Learn various techniques to create pattern and surface interest and take home a unique piece of woven art.
Experience a one-to-one bespoke textiles masterclass with Aviva Leigh, working directly with her to design and handcraft a unique textile piece rooted in traditional techniques and local provenance.
Select your own dates and duration (subject to availability) for this unique opportunity to spend time with Aviva at her beautiful home and studio in the countryside just outside Essaouira, sharing her inside knowledge of this special place.
You will be staying in a purpose built en-suite studio with use of the garden and swimming pool and taking part in hands-on workshops with Aviva.
We've also included an excursion or two to ensure you really get a taste of authentic Moroccan country life and experience hidden corners of this wonderful Atlantic city, visiting country souks and immersing yourself in the textile culture of this beautiful land. You will also have plenty of time to relax and explore your own creativity, enjoying home cooked and healthy meals made using local produce.
Begin your experience with a focused session - explore yarn selection, colourways and various methods tailored to your skill level and aesthetic, with Aviva offering practical guidance, hands-on demonstrations, and an opportunity for you to document and refine your design for future projects—resulting in a personal, heirloom-quality textile informed by authentic craftsmanship.
Plant dyed wool or fabric, resist dyeing and printing, indigo vats, hand weaving and slow stitch projects are all possible. Come away inspired with a bag full of samples, happy memories and a notebook full of ideas!
NON-RESIDENTIAL AND GROUP OPTIONS ALSO AVAILABLE.
CONTACT AVIVA FOR MORE INFORMATION
one to one bespoke residential textiles masterclass
Now taking bookings from October 2026 onwards.
Now taking bookings from October 2026 onwards.
