In this natural dye workshop led by the Dogwood Dyer’s Liz Spencer, participants will be exploring a multitude of ways to work with the king of natural dye stuffs: Indigo. We’ll be sharing in the incredibly unique experience of dyeing with organic indigo that was grown in the United States to make a vat as well as working with indigo to learn how to paint with pigment. Together with participants, we will create an organic indigo vat from scratch where the chemistry and science will be thoroughly explained. Unlike most modern indigo dye vats that are prepared quickly with a synthetic reducing agent, this workshop will use only natural ingredients to activate the dyeing power of the indigo vat. Learn the science behind the nature of indigo while experiencing the alchemistic wonder of its transformation from indigo “white” to yellow then green to blue! This dye is perfectly suited for experimenting with shibori- traditional tie, bind, and stitch techniques. Liz will demonstrate her favorites including itajime and encourage students to try their hand at surface and pattern design including painting with indigo! Participants will each receive a variety of natural fabrics to test and dye with are also encouraged to bring their own medium to small-sized natural fiber (cotton, wool, silk, linen, etc.) garment or item to dye in the vat (ensure your personal item to dye has been washed well beforehand).

Learn more and sign up here: https://www.pacrafts.org/events/organic-indigo-dyeing-october-12