Indigo, Shibori & Plant-dyeing

DAY ONE

• Set up Indigo vats – view samples of tutors work for ideas/understanding, history of Shibori

• Learn and practise Shibori techniques on the fabric of your own choice

• Procedure for dyeing fabric in the vats

• Apply Shibori techniques to scarves, own fabric, or white clothing

• Discuss Individual projects that students may wish to work on

• Prepare vats for resting overnight

DAY TWO

• Check Indigo vats and prepare for use

• Introduction to Stitching techniques- Mokume, Karamatsu, Guntai, Ori-Nui, Maki-Age, Spiral Stitch

• Binding techniques – use of rope, string, beads, elastic bands

• Design development- how to layer techniques to produce a more complex design on fabric

DAY THREE

• Check indigo vats and prepare for final use

• Apply learned techniques to fabrics

• Prepare any of the fabric pieces to immerse into vat

• Wash all Indigo pieces once dry and set aside best pieces for display

• Simultaneously start getting metal pots prepared for plant-dyeing

• Heat water and when hot immerse selected plant material

• Allow an hour prior to starting the dye process

• Once dye colour selected, immerse Shiboried fabric/paper into dye pot

• Leave to cook for at least 2 hours

• Prepare Vats for resting overnight

DAY FOUR

• Continue dyeing fabrics in existing vat, and make new vat in different colour

• Dye selection of fabric, paper, clothes once new vat is ready

• Once cooked, hang out on line and allow to dry in shade

• Discuss and plan classroom setup for displaying of work on day 5

• Prepare vats for resting overnight

DAY FIVE

• Check vats and prepare for final use

• Finishing of fabric and paper projects

• Set up room for class display

• Cleaning up and disposal of vats

Please bring the following on your first day of class:

• Natural fabrics - an assortment of cotton, linen, silk, if you have access to a good fabric supplier, or you can purchase from me directly. (at least 3 metres assorted) and/or a few wearables in white/light colours

• Bucket

• Gloves

• Apron

• 2 balls of string

• Scissors

• Quick-unpick

• Needles

• Strong thread

• Identifying buttons (1 type/colour)

• 1 piece of plumbers pipe 7–12cm diameter x 25 cm long

• Wear old clothes as dyeing is MESSY

This class has an extra materials cost of $65, which is payable directly to the tutor.

Once you book your ticket, the tutor will be in touch to arrange payment.

Cost of $65 includes:

• 3 scarves per student

• Mordants

• Clamps

• Perspex shapes

• Clotheslines

• Pegs

• Portable stovetops

• All materials to make Indigo and Plant-dye vats

• Comprehensive notes of all processes to take home.

Additional fabrics and paper available for purchase from me, if students wish.

No experience required.