Defashion Dorset returns to Hawkers Farm, Stour Provost, on Saturday 30th May, bringing together fibre growers, makers and designers for a day exploring natural materials, traditional skills and sustainable fashion.
This year’s event will celebrate the work of two Dorset women whose careers have centred on natural fibres and plant-based craft traditions.
Sturminster Newton ethnobotanist Anna Lewington will discuss her long-standing research into the relationship between people and plants. Her work has taken her from the Peruvian Amazon to Ecuador, and her 1990 book Plants For People, written for Kew Gardens, was later described by Eden Project founder Tim Smit as ‘a complete inspiration’.
Lewington also founded the RushWorks project in 2006, reviving traditional rush cutting and rushwork along the River Stour through community and school involvement.
Joining her is textile designer Sarah Burnett, founder of The Natural Dye Company, whose hand-knitted garments became widely known for their use of naturally dyed wool, silk and cashmere. Working from a converted cowshed near Wimborne, Burnett and her team produced knitwear using dyes derived entirely from plants, creating subtly varied, one-off pieces that are now highly collectable.
The event will also feature Devon weaver and researcher Ali Spindler, who recently co-founded Waeve and is developing plans for large-scale natural dye plant growing.
Alongside talks and demonstrations, visitors can browse stalls selling clothing, wool products, haberdashery and handmade goods, with food and farm-pressed apple juice available throughout the day.
Tickets are £5, with free entry for children. Further details can be found at hawkersfarm.org.
