Discover the traditional Japanese art of katazome, a stencil dyeing technique that uses hand-cut stencils and resist paste to create intricate patterns on fabric. In this workshop, students will learn the step-by-step process of preparing fabric, designing and cutting stencils, applying paste resist, and dyeing with indigo to reveal beautifully layered designs.

Along the way, we’ll explore both traditional materials and contemporary alternatives suitable for a home studio. Students will also learn how to build and maintain a natural indigo vat while experimenting with layered patterns and rich shades of blue on cotton and linen. This workshop offers a rewarding introduction for beginners while also providing new techniques and inspiration for those with dyeing or printmaking experience.

→ A focused immersion into stitch, binding, and indigo—where precision, rhythm, and tradition come into alignment.

Suzanne Connors will teaching at the Madeline Island School of Arts; July 13-17, 2026

Step into the timeless world of Japanese surface design through this immersive hands-on workshop dedicated to the elegant art of Katazome — Japanese paste-resist dyeing — and Katagami, the intricate hand-cut stencils used to create it.

Traditional Katazome Rice Paste Resist

Join a two-day immersive shibori workshop in Murphy, NC. Explore traditional Japanese resist dyeing, indigo processes, and the disciplined practice behind pattern and cloth.

“Blue in the Mountains Fall Retreat — immerse yourself in color, craft, and autumn landscapes with Suzanne Connors, Claudia Lee, and Theresa Brown, October 13–23, 2026 in Murphy, NC.”

4-Day Botanical Print — deepen your eco-print practice through immersive, layered techniques with Suzanne Connors, November 10–13, 2026.”

Deconstructed Immersion with Kerr Grabowski explores experimental screen printing using dried dye to create layered, painterly textiles full of surprise and texture.

Hand Appliqué, From Tiny to Humongous — explore scale, texture, and composition in stitched textile work with Heidi Parkes

Joomchi — transform Korean paper into textured, expressive forms with Jiyoung Chung.

Mindful Stitching — slow down and create vibrant, meditative embroidery with Judy Coates Perez

Immerse yourself in a rare 10-day indigo and shibori retreat at Aya Fiber Studio in Stuart, Florida. This intensive retreat explores Japanese shibori techniques through daily hands-on practice, authentic tools, stitched and bound resist, and repeated work in a traditional sukumo indigo vat. Designed for artists seeking depth, discipline, and transformation through cloth, process, and immersion.

Create a Japanese boro-style pouch using sakiori weaving and sashiko stitching. Learn traditional techniques while transforming textiles into functional, hand-stitched work.

Explore traditional Japanese papermaking and bookbinding techniques in this hands-on intensive. Create handmade paper and bound books while learning process, structure, and design.

Explore bold color and layered mark-making in this experimental print and dye workshop. Combine surface design techniques to create expressive, one-of-a-kind textiles.

Combine fiber, encaustic wax, and natural elements to create layered textile works. Explore texture, transparency, and composition in this mixed-media workshop.

Create wearable art from hand-dyed yardage in this immersive workshop with Karen Rose. Learn design, drape, and garment construction techniques.

Discover the beauty of natural color, botanical printing, and slow stitching in this immersive five-day workshop with Lisa Binkley. Learn botanical dyeing, tannin-rich printing techniques, simple shibori processes, and Japanese-inspired boro stitching while creating richly layered fabrics that can be transformed into art quilts, wearable textiles, and personal fiber art projects.

Build expressive, sculptural boxes using layered surfaces and mixed media techniques in this creative workshop with Claudia Lee.

Learn traditional Japanese katazome resist dye techniques using rice paste and indigo. A hands-on workshop exploring pattern, process, and cloth.

Create richly layered textile artworks through intuitive monoprinting, collage, and hand stitching. Join author and fiber artist Cheryl Rezendes for an immersive exploration of cloth as a surface for creative expression.

Carve, print, and repeat. Design and print your own bold patterns on fabric using linoleum blocks.

Create a unique artist book using mica, layering, and contemporary bookbinding techniques with Daniel Essig.

Experience a 2-day shibori and indigo dyeing workshop in Stuart, Florida. Explore traditional Japanese stitch resist techniques and create unique hand-dyed cloth in an immersive studio environment.

Create light, layered fiber compositions using mixed media, stitch, and transparent materials with Valerie Goodwin.

Southern Japan Textile Retreat: Indigo & Island Traditions offers an immersive journey into the rich textile heritage of Japan’s southern islands. Participants will explore indigo dyeing, regional techniques, and cultural practices rooted in place and tradition.

Through hands-on learning, local engagement, and guided exploration, this retreat weaves together craft, history, and landscape—inviting a deeper connection to indigo, cloth, and community.

Join Aya Fiber Studio for an immersive Northern Japan textile journey exploring indigo, sashiko, stencil cutting, shibori, papermaking, and traditional craft culture across Japan. Traveling through Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Arimatsu, and beyond, participants experience private workshops with artisans, historic textile regions, antique markets, gardens, and deep cultural immersion designed for textile lovers, makers, and collectors.

I will be teaching at MAFA Hands On 2027- June 24- 27, 2027

Details soon!