Exploring Indigo, Shibori and other Resists

Learn the traditional art of shibori dye techniques, other dye resists, and magical indigo dye in this extended session. The creation of both iron and fructose indigo vats are shown (others if requested), and a great number of dye resists that are found throughout the world. We discuss the historically significance of this dye and how special it is culturally for so many.

This is a special intensive that will meet two full days, allowing for more techniques and skills to be demonstrated and more time to accomplish them! Don't worry we break for lunch, so it won't be completely exhausting.  Just a lovely informative time full of wonderful blue pattern creations. The class often molds to the students who attend. No two sessions are alike.

Day 1am
Intro techniques are introduced and we will focus on creating an all natural indigo using ferrous sulfate, and the history of the process.   8 traditional Japanese dyeing techniques will be shown including Suji, Itajime, Kanoko, Kumo/Tegumo, Ne-Maki and Arashi, along with similar processes that you'll find in China, Korea, Africa, and India.

DAY 1pm
Come back from lunch and check on our indigo vat! More difficult techniques are shown like Tatsumaki, Miura, Yanagi as well as Nui, a beginner stitch resist. We finish by speaking of the proper care for the fiber and washing. Students will be allow to take tools home with them to continue to work on pieces over the week.

Day 2am
On our 2nd Sunday we will learn how to balance a vat that's already been started and get into more difficult shibori techniques and fine tune what you have already learned.

Each student will also be able to create a mini fructose vat starter in a jar.

We will focus on stitching work and some "nice and easy" techniques to balance the hard stuff. We'll be stitching fabrics to form designs. Nui, Ori-Nui, Maki-Nui, Karamatsu, Guntai, capping, and Boshi will be shown, as well as create our fructose vat.  Since the stitching will take some time you will most likely bring some work with you, but you are welcome to stitch your heart away.  We also hope to sneak in a little batik play. If you're not to focused on your shibori works, each student is welcome to try a bit of wax resist. 

Day 2 pm

Come back from lunch and STUDIO TIME and a Movie! Finish up what you would like to, experiment with more pieces, or stitch while you watch "Blue Alchemy." And others things I want you to see :-)

18yr+
6 students max

Students are welcome to bring natural fabrics they want to dye, but some materials provided the first day. An email will be sent out with signup to explain all details. All students receive a hand bound print out with information, bandanas, tea towels, and tote or equivalent along with a Better Than Jam baggie to carry everything back with you week to week.  An email will be sent out the week of your class to explain all the details. 

*This series used to be 4 three hour sessions, but not all NYers have that kind of time! Or if you're coming from out of town, it's more likely you'll be able to attend with two full Sundays. The class ends at 5pm but time is left open until 6pm just in case we need the extra time.