Indigo & Shibori Natural Dye Workshop
Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 1:00 to 4:30 PM
Saturday, May 18, 2024
All experience levels welcome and all materials are provided! No previous dye or textile background necessary.
This is an introduction to Indigo - the plant, they dye and the process! In the cozy studio in Silver Lake, we’ll explore the possibilities of dip-dyeing in the indigo vat with a focus on creating patterns using folds and clamps.
I’ll guide you through the best practices for preparing fabrics for dyeing, from fabric selection, to washing, scouring and post-dyeing treatment that will give your dyed goods the longest life possible!
We will discuss the process for extracting color from plants with as much show-and-tell as possible. From there we will mix up an indigo vat and I’ll demonstrate (and you’ll practice) dipping fabric into the vat in a way that allows for good color uptake and long health of the vat. We will fold and clamp a couple different pieces of fabric and then dip them into the indigo vat. From there we’ll discuss wash and aftercare options for your dyed goods, before sending you on your way with your newly dyed fabrics!
I’ve been working with indigo plants, pigment and pattern for the past fifteen years and I love to share my experiences. If you’ve done any indigo work in the past and have questions or observations that you’re curious about, please bring your questions and any material samples you’d like to share and I’d be happy to discuss them in the class.
Pattern is my speciality and I’ll be sharing the following base-folds which can be combined and modified to create infinite repeat graphics
• STRIPE - fat lines, skinny lines, pinstripes and gingham looks all originate from this one simple fold.
• GRID - ideal for lattices, zigzags and repeating dots or Moroccan tile looks.
• KIKKO - a hexagonal tessellation
• WEDGE - a radial fold perfect as a base for star and floral shapes
Make sure to show up wearing clothes and shoes that you wouldn’t mind getting some splashes of blue on!
Additional fabric, dyeing supplies, soaps and seeds are available for purchase at the shop before or after class.
As always, if you’re interested in attending as a photographer or videographer, I have complimentary spots available if you’re willing to share the images with me for use on my instagram, website or promotion for future classes. I can never get it together to teach and document the classes at the same time!