SPIN - Silk Painters International

Introduction to Shibori and Indigo TH/F

All Levels- With Suzanne Connors

Indigo is an ancient dye derived from the leaves of plants and surrounded by magic, mystery, and folklore. Discover how the leaves "make blue" by learning about the character and chemistry of the natural indigo vat.

The complex chemistry of the indigo vat is fascinating, and students will soon appreciate how rituals have grown around the making and using a successful vat. The unique "attaching" of indigo to fiber means it is particularly suited to resist methods of dyeing, such as shibori where portions of cloth are closed off to the dye or where the flow of the dye is restricted. Different shades of blue build on the fabric after several dips, exhibiting the beautiful, graded hues which are so typical of indigo.

Students will initially learn how an indigo vat is made. A vat will be prepared in the morning and the basic chemistry explained, The natural indigo powder will be used, and the vat will be "reduced' using a commercially available chemical. While the vat develops, the students will be shown several shibori techniques: a folded and clamped method, and a twisted and tied technique.

Workshop Title	Introduction to Shibori and Indigo TH/F
Workshop Dates	10/03/2024-10/04/2024
Workshop Description	Suzanne will guide you through a discovery of the indigo vat and will teach you to make your own. She will also teach you traditional shibori stitching and tying techniques.
Materials provided	Indigo vat, buckets, wash pans, stirring sticks, items to create shibori patterns: blocks, rocks, string, clamps, shibori thread, textile markers, scissors, clothespins and rope, Japanese tenugi fabrics
Cost of materials provided	$30
What students are required to bring to workshop	pair of new long, dishwashing type gloves seam picker or small, sharp scissors an old shirt or apron closed toe shoes package of rubber bands, assorted sizes sewing needles with a larger sized eye each person can dye appx 6 items