Precision & Repetition: Pattern Language in Shibori

An Aizome Studio Signature Series Workshop with Suzanne Connors

Hosted at WagonMaster Adventure Ranch

September 15–16, 2026
Tuesday–Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Murphy, North Carolina

Register Here→

A Two-Day Intensive in the North Carolina Mountains

A two-day immersive study exploring repetition as a pathway to pattern, rhythm, and visual language within Japanese shibori.

Working on traditional Japanese tenugui cotton using authentic tools and materials, students investigate how repeated forms create movement, structure, and subtle variation across cloth. Through careful binding, repeated dyeing, and controlled compression, participants begin to understand how disciplined repetition transforms simple resist methods into complex visual language.

Day one includes the preparation of a natural reduction indigo vat, which becomes the working vat throughout the workshop. Through repeated dipping and observation, students deepen their understanding of indigo behavior, oxidation, and tonal development.

This workshop emphasizes process over speed. Attention is given to alignment, spacing, thread tension, compression, and the cumulative effect of repeated resist work.

Instruction remains adaptive within a shared framework. Beginners focus on establishing consistency and control, while returning students explore increased precision, scale, and layered variation.

Students will complete a series of patterned tenugui reflecting both repetition and individual decision-making.

Part of the Aizome Shibori Signature Series. Workshops may be taken individually or as part of a progressive course of study.

What We Will Study

  • The discipline of thread tension and its impact on the line integrity

  • The use of buffers and compression to preserve negative space

  • Traditional methods for achieving multiple shades of indigo

  • Building depth through many slow dips and full oxidation cycles

  • The relationship between cloth memory, stitch rhythm, and pattern clarity

  • Pattern development through repetition, variation, and restraint

Rather than rushing toward results, we will allow the process to unfold slowly — stitch by stitch, dip by dip — building luminous blues through patience and repetition.

Authentic Materials & Tools

Participants will work with:

  • Japanese shibori cotton

  • Traditional shibori thread

  • A living indigo vat

  • Authentic Japanese shibori tools and equipment designed for proper compression, tension, and pattern definition

Using traditional tools connects us to the historical discipline of this craft and allows for technical precision difficult to achieve through modern shortcuts.

What to Bring

Students need only bring:

  • An apron

  • Long dishwashing gloves

  • Small hand tools (scissors, seam ripper)

  • Hand-sewing needles

  • Old terry cloth towels

All specialty materials are provided with the materials fee. Additional materials and tools will be available for purchase through the studio.

Who Is This For?

  • Artists ready to deepen their shibori practice

  • Beginners seeking strong foundations rather than surface exposure

  • Returning students interested in refinement and precision

  • Anyone drawn to heritage-based textile study and indigo process

This is not a fast, trend-driven workshop.
It is immersive, disciplined, and process-oriented — while remaining fully supportive and accessible.

The Mountain Setting

Held in the quiet of the North Carolina mountains, this workshop invites contemplation and focused making. Surrounded by forest, fresh air, and slower rhythms, students practice shibori as it was traditionally approached — with patience, stillness, and respect for cloth and process.