OUT OF THE BLUE- an Online Shibori Workshop

There are basically 2 different steps when making Shibiro dyed Fabrics. Creating the patterns and dyeing the fabric.

 Most of the real work is done prior to dyeing the fabrics.

During this course we will spend the 1st 4 classes preparing our cloth for dyeing. In the 4th class we will make the indigo vats and I will show you how to dye your fabrics and then how to process and finish your fabrics.

I am going to break this supply list into Shibori items and Indigo Items; All of the supplies will not be needed before the 1st class and you will not need the dye supplies until almost the end of class..

Fabrics and dyeing for Indigo and Shibori are very safe as long as they are used properly.

To set yourself up for dyeing you need running water, good ventilation and a place to hang your dyed fabrics after dyeing. If you choose to make a Natural Vat, you will need a heat source to heat your vat. The Pre-Reduced Vat is a good choice for beginners, Natural Vats need more tending A 1-2-3 Fructose Vat requires Heating and an Iron Mineral Vat is a cold vat.

Although it makes good sense to do it in your kitchen, it is not the best place for dyeing. The chemicals used are not meant for ingestion, and your pans and spoons should never be reused for cooking.

Many of the items we will need for Shibori will be found in your home. You may need to order a few items, but most can be found right at home or in a dollar store. * items are also available on the studio website

 For Shibori:

  • Scissors

  • Seam Ripper

  • Ruler (or quilting square)

  • Compass

  • Shibori Thread (bonded nylon)*

  • Needles

  • String

  • Water Soluble marker for fiber

  • Small water spritzer

  • Rubber bands of various sizes

  • Small round plastic curtain rings (like for making roman shades)

  • An Iron

  • If you have a marked cutting mat it is handy for layout

  • 1-2 pieces of clothes line 36”long

  • Masking tape

  • Objects for tying into fiber ( marbles, rocks, old thread spools, wine corks)

  • Wood Clothes pins- both clip and old school with head

  • Set of clamps-

  • Tongue depressors

  • Piece of PVC pipe (24” long- 3-4”)

  • Wood shapes for clamping ( Joann Fabric, Michaels, Hobby Lobby)

  • Binder clips (metal from office supply)

  • Net bag (onion)

 

For Dyeing:

  • INDIGO KIT: can be pre-reduced, or Natural Vat

    • Apron or clothing you don’t mind getting stained

    • Long Stick for Stirring

    • Electric Hot Water Kettle/ or boiling water

    • Measuring Cups

    • Measuring Spoons

    • Thermometer (ONLY for Natural Vats)

    • PH Strips or Digital PH Meter (ONLY for Natural Vats)*

    • Heat Source (ONLY for Natural Vats)

    • (2) 5 gallon buckets- 1 for water and another with a tight fitting lid

    • Digital Scale- to weigh dyes and fabrics*

 

For Scouring:

  • Soda Ash or Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

  • Synthropol or Blue Dawn

Fabrics:

For your 1st few shibori projects, you should buy a few yards of Natural Fibers like Silk, Cotton or Linen. Preferably cotton or linen. We will be making mostly samples for the different types of shibori techniques. Cotton or Linen napkins are popular with my in-person classes. You can also use cotton sheeting or old sheets, even thrift store items that are torn to size. Just do NOT use synthetic materials- indigo will not bond with synthetics. NO POLYESTER

Tear your fabric into 14” w x about 24” long sized samples- (20-24 pieces)

Cellulose fibers will dye the BEST These are fibers that come from plants cotton, linen, flax, rayon, hemp.

Protein fibers like Silk and wool come from animals- they will dye nicely but you will see a difference in color. Don’t be afraid to experiment. We will try to achieve 3-4 different techniques during each class, but once you get going you will have ideas of your own.

No matter what fabrics you are using, they will need to be scoured. We will discuss scouring and all supplies listed in our 1st class and this will be your 1st class homework to prepare all your fabrics and collect needed supplies. Proper scouring is essential to good dyeing. In our discussion about fabric selections, I will also talk about PFD (prepared for dye) fabrics. I also have a link on my website that describes scouring: https://www.ayafiberstudio.com/scouring-fabrics-1