Discover Ancient Food Wisdom on our Fermenting & Preserving Workshop
Hello there, this week we wanted to introduce you to the magical, word of Fermentation.
Fermentation has made a resurgence in recent years with sourdough, kombucha, and kimchi making waves, but it's been part of human culture for millennia. This age-old process, where bacteria and yeasts transform food, was once essential for preserving fresh produce and creating long-lasting, nutritious staples. From sauerkraut in Germany to yoghurt carried by ancient herders, fermentation has a fascinating history, and today, we're rediscovering its benefits.
If you're curious about incorporating ferments into your life, there's an upcoming workshop at Common Knowledge led by llewyn máire. This full-day course will introduce you to the science, history, and practical skills behind fermentation. You’ll learn how to preserve vegetables, boost your gut health, and even experiment with wild yeasts to make delicious fermented drinks.
The workshop offers more than just food knowledge; it’s also an exploration of how fermentation connects us to the land, our communities, and ancestral traditions. You'll leave not only with your own homemade ferments but also a fresh perspective on how we can transform our relationship with food and the world around us.
Ready to dive into the magic of microbial transformation? Discover more in the full article here and find out how to join Llewyn’s fermentation journey!
Get ready to sew!
So you know that pile of clothes looking to be repaired that you've hidden in the back of the wardrobe, or those curtains you were absolutely, definitely going to make for the spare room that haven't taken shape just yet, well if you'd like to do something about them and are just not 100% confident where to start we've got the answer for you. Textile designer and tutor, Emma Hill is ready and able to take those unfinished projects and get them off your to-do list as well as inspire you to craft and mend your own clothing with confidence with our Introduction to Sewing course coming up in October.?
You'll come away with not just the sewing machine basics but pattern cutting ones too. You'll also know how to mend and revitalise your well-worn favourite clothes to keep them going a while longer, and you never know where this creative outlet will take you and you could soon be designing and creating your own mini fashion collection at home!
?Find out more and book your place here.
Autumn and Winter Courses 2024
Build School - Level 2
Weekend course: 04 -06 October
Leave the tools at home and join us for an in-depth weekend retreat designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently oversee your own self-build project. Information and booking →
Build School visits Portugal
Week long course: 10 - 17 October
In an exciting collaboration, Jardim de Mira, a pioneering reforestation project in Odemira, and Common Knowledge have joined forces to offer a special Build School Edition. The partnership was created to explore and develop green-wood construction techniques using Eucalyptus timber from Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park Information and booking →
NEW DATES Cook with Confidence
Weekend course: 09 & 10 November, 07 & 08 December - Christmas Edition
Join us this winter for a festive cooking weekend at Common Knowledge, led by renowned Ottolenghi-trained chef Ashley Gribben. Designed to bring the world’s flavors to your home, Ash has designed these weekend courses to offer a different cuisine each month. Information and booking →
NEW DATES DIY & Repair at Home
Weekend course: 19 & 20 October, 16 & 17 November
Whether you've been meaning to get a little handier around the house, put up that shelf, or repair that kitchen cupboard door, this is the course for you. Information and booking →
NEW COURSE DIY Kitchen Cabinets
Weekend course: 12 & 13 October
In this two-day intensive workshop, learn to design, build, and repair your own kitchen cabinets. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing kitchen, this course equips you with the skills to create a beautiful and functional space, tailored to your needs. Information and booking →
NEW DATES Introduction to Furniture Making & Design
Weekend course: 02 & 03 November, 07 & 08 December
Design and craft your own solid hardwood stool, while exploring the ergonomics, aesthetics and techniques involved in creating your own furniture. Information and booking →
NEW DATES Introduction to Fermentation
One Day Workshop: 05 October, 16 November
Enter this the realm of plant and fungi-based knowledge to explore the queer ecology of microbes, engage in discussions on how to reduce food waste, incorporate food medicine, make kin, and decolonise our food-ways, as well as, take home new skills and ferments to steward and share. Information and booking →
领英推荐
NEW DATES Introduction to Letter Carving
Weekend course: 12 October, 30 November
Design and craft your own hand-carved solid oak sign using traditional tools and techniques. Anyone looking to learn a slow woodworking skill or embarking on a longer journey into woodworking will love this. A hand-carved wooden sign also makes a wonderful addition to a home, workplace, or as a gift. Information and booking →
NEW DATES Introduction to Steel Fabrication & Welding
Weekend course: 05 & 06 October, 02 & 03 November
Discover the art of metal fabrication and welding - you'll leave confident in your ability to join metal together safely. Information and booking →
NEW DATE?Introduction to Sewing
Weekend course: 19 & 20 October
Learn the fundamentals of designing, making and repairing your own textiles. Gain an invaluable life skill and learn to use a sewing machine, create your own objects and manipulate fabric into useful everyday items. Information and booking →
NEW DATE Natural Dyeing
Weekend course: 30 November & 01 December
Learn how to create beautiful natural dyes, stains and inks for use with textiles and in the home with Wicklow based designer and natural dyer from Mexico, Malú Colorín. Information and booking →
Seasonal Permaculture
Weekend course: 15 - 17 November
Our four part course is run over the seasonal year. Each weekend is an exploration of Permaculture principles and practices, as they apply to each of the seasons. Led by our Permaculture manager, Ciara, who will teach the concepts, strategies, and practical hands-on activities needed to help participants integrate permaculture into their own lives and landscapes. Information and booking →
NEW COURSE Weave Your Own Scarf
Weekend course: 09 & 10 November
This course is perfect for anyone who's ever been curious about weaving and wants to create their very own handmade scarf. Whether you're making it for yourself or as a special gift, this workshop is a fun, hands-on dive into the world of weaving, blending time-honoured techniques with your personal flair. Information and booking →
NEW DATES A Weekend of Willow Weaving
Weekend course: 30 November & 01 December
In this workshop, hosted by West Country Willows, participants will delve into the ancient craft of basketry, learning the intricate techniques that transform supple willow rods into two functional and beautiful baskets. Information and booking →
NEW DATES Wood Turning for Beginners
Weekend course: 16 November, 30 November
Open to complete beginners, this weekend course will give you all the skills and confidence you will need to start or continue your journey in wood turning. You'll be able to work on a few projects of your choice throughout the weekend. Information and booking →
Community Events
You are invited to join the Common Knowledge team for our September Heritage Open Day. We will start the day with at 11am with a Nature Trail workshop where we learn how to repair and restore nature trails, this will be followed by a walk and talk as we discuss all things heritage and biodiversity on our 50 acre site in Kilfenora. Info and booking →
Join us for an afternoon of harvesting, music, song?and heritage as we celebrate the changing of the seasons at Common?Knowledge.
The afternoon will include an?Apple pressing, harvesting ?vegetables, live?traditional music, learning traditional harvest song and dance?along as well as tours of our?site where?you can?find out all about the?heritage and biodiversity of our 50 acre site in Kilfenora. Info and booking →
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