BUT ... WHAT IS INDIGO?

Wearing clothes dyed with the so-called “blue gold” was a sign of elegance and wealth in ancient Greece and Rome, as well as in Japan, India, Europe and Africa.

Training

The brilliant natural blue that has been used throughout history is fascinating to us and we want to share it with you. I have several learning models

From June to October (Free)

 I propose a visit to my orchard and if you dare, to collect Japanese indigo.

All information about these events is available on the blog

Workshops scheduled for all audiences, no previous experience is required.

 I propose some truly magical practices where you can learn to dye your own project, to print with indigo leaves or direct dyeing techniques with leaves.

 …And if you dare to have your own indigo garden, I have prepared a special course where I can teach you how to make your own indigo tubs with your harvest

 All the information is on the blog

I offer rolling training courses for all levels, with basic techniques for those who need to start from scratch and more advanced ones for those who want to experiment with new techniques.

I have been exploring different natural dyeing techniques to create a variety of colors and effects on silk and wool and/or vegetable fibers to create a variety of colors in order to teach a complete study of natural dyes.

You will learn about mordants and tannins, you will be able to work with some of the most famous dyes in the world: from the darkest reds to cochineal dyes and insect lacquer, going through the intense browns, yellows and golds that are obtained from the petals, barks , leaves and roots.

 

Also included is an exploration of indigo, perhaps the world’s most unique dye.

The workshop will cover cleaning and etching of both protein and cellulose fabrics and yarns.

We will work with both extracts and raw materials; with single dyes, with blends of dyes and with overdye techniques to create palettes of natural dyes.

You will learn about pH changes, creating color combinations with iron changes, indigo dyeing, and working with exhaust baths.

The goal of this workshop is to achieve professional level dyeing, understand precision dyeing and how to repeat the colors you want.

The workshop will progress through the creation of a large number of color swatches in a variety of fibers using both fabric and yarn.

The use of indigo dye, or aizome, has a long and cherished history in Japan. The blue colours of Japanese textiles come from the leaves of the tade ai, a plant introduced to Japan from China in the 6th century. Shibori is a Japanese technique that uses manual resistance dyeing to make patterns on fabrics.

My classes focus on shibori techniques and the creation of indigo tubs.

You will learn the history and a wide variety of Shibori techniques. We will discuss fabric selections and how to prepare your fabrics for dyeing. You will learn the traditional techniques of folding, twisting, sewing and compressing fabrics and using a tub of indigo.

Types of training

  • Up to 3 people for a 3 hour class.
  • These classes can be tailored to meet the interests of the participants.
  • An appointment is required.
  • Groups of 10 people maximum.
  • They will be taught in two-day sessions of 5 hours each session.
  • Online consulting on natural and / or indigo dyeing.
  • This service is aimed at artists, designers or enthusiasts who are starting life in the world of natural colours. We will have a one-hour meeting where we will address questions about natural dyeing process and about making tubs and indigo dyeing.
  • The topics we can address are:
    • Mordants
    • Colour modifiers
    • Botanical print
    • Cleaning
    • Raw Materials
    • Tub making procedures
    • Fibre dyeing in indigo vats
  • The meeting will be via Skype or WhatsApp for an hour long. You will need to book a date and time.

If you have any questions or want more detail more information, we will be happy to assist you!