Sat. Oct 9, 10-noon, $100 pp. Ages 12+. Limited numbers for best experience.
Dive into the wondrous world of blue with this introductory workshop in indigo dyeing. Students will dye with an organic indigo vat and explore the Japanese art of Shibori, a traditional method of folding and binding fiber to create patterns. Did you know that when you pull fiber out of an indigo vat it is green, and then turns blue as it oxidizes? It’s a magical process and we’ll learn all about it!
We’ll explore the unique qualities of an indigo vat, learn the history of this mysterious dye that has been used for millennia throughout the world. After a demonstration of some basic Shibori techniques, you will dye a cotton tea towel with a Shibori pattern of your own making! The prepared organic indigo vat and equipment needed to bind and dye the fiber, and the 100% cotton tea towel will be provided. Please bring a pair of long dish washing gloves and consider wearing an apron or clothes you don’t mind getting blue.
About the Instructor: Laura Berkowitz Gilbert
After graduating with a BA in History from University of Pennsylvania, Laura moved to New York City and immersed herself in the world of design while receiving her BFA in communication design from Parsons School of Design.
While working at various design firms and then her own company, Laura entered the world of fiber through knitting and ultimately felting. She launched Tocco Studio in 2016 with hand-knit felted vessels and votives. She soon began incorporating her natural dyeing practice into her fiber work. While she loves all natural dyes, indigo is her true love. She is excited to introduce her students to this wondrous dye that is rich in color and history.