The focus of this workshop will be the indigo process. There will be time in class to prepare
shibori samples for dyeing. If you’ve already taken a shibori workshop, please feel free to
prepare some shibori to bring to the class. If you haven’t worked previously with shibori,
I’ll be available to teach the basics. The dye pots won’t be suitable for large pieces
of fabric. Best sizes are about 8-12” square and fat quarters (9” x 22”). We’ll prepare and
maintain smaller vats which are more practical in terms of time and space for most projects. This
process can be translated into larger containers.
Students should wear old clothes and bring rubber gloves to the class. Both “Playtex” and lighter
weight surgical types are useful. Please bring any interesting shibori or indigo fabrics you’d like to
share.
There is a $5.00 materials fee.
The following are the usual supplies for my shibori workshop, which covers the range of basic
techniques. Feel free to bring some or all to class, so you can experiment.
3 yds or so of washed, untreated, 100% cotton, linen or silk; white or light colors are best
(Note: PFD or "prepared for dyeing" fabric is not required but guarantees the best results.)
Thread: Button & Carpet Thread (stronger than regular sewing thread)
Waxed dental floss, any flavor
Sewing needles (large enough for button & carpet thread) , thimble if you use one
Embroidery-sized scissors with pointed blades (not your best) or thread snips; Seam ripper (optional)
A 12 inch ruler
A pencil
Small spray bottle
Masking tape
Twine or medium to heavy weight crochet thread
A few plastic bags (for shibori and to take wet fabric home if needed)
A couple of wine corks or pink pearl erasers
Clothespins (10-12, plastic or wooden, the ones with hinges/moving parts) or large paper clips
A few rubber bands (the tiniest ones, eg. for hair or braces)
A few pebbles, beans or marbles
A 1-quart plastic container (eg. large yogurt)
A trash bag
An old towel
I’ll supply the following if the workshop is within driving distance of Cambridge; otherwise it’s
optional for students to bring: one PVC pipe, 24 inches long, 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter (if leftover
from plumbing project, outside surface needs to be smooth & non-perforated).
If you have any questions, please contact Carol Anne at info@carolannegrotrian.com
or 617-868-4055. For more information, see www.carolannegrotrian.com.
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