In this one-day workshop we will be exploring the Art of Shibori and Indigo Dyeing.

Shibori is the Japanese term for cloth that is folded, stitched, wrapped or pleated to create a specific pattern on the cloth.

Indigo is one of the oldest natural plant dyes known to humanity.

Saki-Ori is a Japanese term for weaving strips of old kimono cloth into something new.

We will begin by learning some Shibori techniques called Itajime (fold and clamp) and Arashi and or Bomaki (to wrap cloth on a pipe). These two Shibori techniques create bold patterns on the cloth that translate to an interesting pattern when woven.

We will be working with simple cotton muslin pieces to create our Shibori patterns as well as cotton, bamboo, and any natural fiber yarns (except wool) to dye for either warp or weft in your handwoven sample.

This class is designed to acquaint you with the possibilities of using both Indigo and Shibori in your future weaving practices. The Shibori techniques can be used with other natural dyes or Procion cold water dyes as well.