What is Indigo? Indigo is a plant grown for use as a blue dye material. We use it today thanks to the many people around the globe who, for centuries, have cultivated it’s growth and developed sophisticated techniques for use.
In this outdoor, in-person workshop* we will explore indigo immersion dyeing and shibori resist techniques (Japanese cloth binding for dyeing).
Experience the unique qualities of indigo as your fabric goes into the bubbling green bath and emerges and a beautiful blue artifact.
In-Person Workshop Details:
When: Saturday, 10/03 @ 1-4PM
Where: Outside Hunt Library
Each student in intro to textile media has one seat reserved in the workshop, to claim your spot please RSVP before noon on Oct. 1. You can RSVP here: bit.ly/Indigo-SoftTech
*This is an in-person, outdoor, physically distanced, event. Everyone will need to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing during attendance. Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes will be provided.
Remote Hands-On Information:
It’s possible to do at home the same kind of Indigo dyeing that will take place in the workshop. Below are the tools and supplies that you will need. Even though the tools are the same as kitchen equipment you have at home – its very important that you keep your dye tools separate from your cooking tools. Do not use the same tool for cooking that you used for dyeing.
Supplies:
- Fabric, clothing, or yarn made with nature fibers (wool, silk, alpaca, cotton, hemp, linen, rayon, bamboo, etc). Many great natural fiber fabrics and undyed clothing item can be found at Dharma Trading. You can also dye over something you have at home!
- Jacquard Pre-reduced Indigo Kit (you could also find this to purchase elsewhere)
- Dental floss (one container)
- rubberbands (optional)
Equipment:
- 5 Gal bucket, with lid
- Stirring stick or long handle stirring spoon
- A shallow pan (for catching indigo while cloth is oxidizing) such as one of this kind, can also be found at many grocery stores
- Plastic drop cloths
- Long gloves (like dishwashing gloves)
- dust mask
- scissors
- drying line, hangers, or someway to hang your items to dry
- sink for water and washing out items.