Join me for this weekend workshop to learn Shibori, the Japanese art of resist-dyeing.

Shibori means to bind, wring or squeeze. It encompasses a wide range of resist-dyeing techniques for embellishing cloth, which have been used in Japan from as early as the 8th century. It is a magical process and produces exquisite soft edged patterns. You will learn a range of simple techniques that include folding, pleating, binding and stitching.

I'll take you through these methods to create sample squares and your choice of a scarf, tea-towel or tote bag, after which you will transform your pieces with the magic of indigo.

The workshops run over two days, and you can choose to come along for either Saturday or Sunday, or both days.

day 1: stitch and gather - Saturday

We will work through a series of stitched resist techniques to produce some intricate patterns, ready to dye with indigo. While the stitched patterns are a little more labour-intensive than those taught in Day 2, the results are beautiful and more organic.

day 2 : fold, pleat, wrap and bind - Sunday

The techniques in this workshop focus on bolder, geometric patterns that utilize simple folding, wrapping, pleating and binding in preparation to dye your pieces in the indigo vat.

What you will get:

All materials and tools are supplied, and you will have the option of choosing a silk scarf, a tote bag or a tea towel to make and take home with you.
Morning tea and fruit platter provided.

What to bring:

An apron, cover shirt or wear old clothes as indigo can stain your clothes.
Comfortable, closed-in shoes.
A pair of rubber gloves (the washing-up kind, not the disposable ones).
A waterproof bag or container for any wet items at the end of the day.

Saturday and Sunday, 10.00 - 4.30