by Jennifer Fong June 27, 2019
A couple of weeks ago, I taught two energetic groups of students how to dye with organic indigo and Shibori techniques. The weather was perfect. People brought all kinds of old and new clothes to work on. The best thing about shibori is it’s a great way to upcycle clothes without sewing.
Using organic indigo is a special dye. We move carefully in the vat making sure not to over work it. I always have a heating element to keep the indigo activated during dyeing. Students build and build layers of blue, always oxidizing between dips. It’s not a quick process but most beautiful things in this world take patience.
Sunday’s group was super energetic and prepared! Kylie W wanted to do a duvet cover so I supplied her with a bigger instant indigo vat. The reason for this is because the vat size had to be very big and I didn’t have a heating element that would hold that much water. And check out the duvet! Other students brought clothes to upcycle, like a red tank top with a circular stitch pattern on it. Indigo dyeing on top of colors is rewarding because the indigo layers up, creating a color mixing effect.
It’s shibori in action! Such a great shot. I love how the patterns work so well with what Angie already had going on the couch. If you’ve taken a class from me and have photos you’d like to share, I’d love to see them. I’m working on a blog post with just student work out and about. If you want to be included in this post, please send ‘em!
If you’re considering taking a shibori workshop, what've you been thinking about upcycling or refreshing? I’d love to know in the comments below.
You can also get inspired by looking at past workshop posts here and here.
Author
May 29, 2020
If it’s ever possible to socially distance and do another Shibori class I’d love to come! Thanks
July 09, 2019
Thank you so much for bringing your curiosity and energy to class! It was a pleasure to teach you and see your wonderful creations coming from the vat.
July 01, 2019
I was looking for techniques to create repetitive and deliberate patterns with dye. I don’t have expertise with indigo and Jenny delivered on both. Teaching new and beautiful patterns with everyday items that are easy to find and teaching us how to make an indigo vat and to monitor it during the dye process. The class was relaxing and self-paced and it was fun to watch what other students did and to see how their ideas and work turned out. It is definitely worth the time to attend.
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by Jenny Fong January 07, 2021 1 Comment
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Jenny
May 29, 2020
Hey Kate!
I have an idea about teaching online through my website. You’ll learn about what this is by joining my email list if you aren’t on it already.