All Materials Provided, 12 spots available,
Cost $85

The art of natural dyeing with indigo however, has held fast over time and Japanese indigo, in particular, is easy to grow in our area.

The indigo pigment has a long and storied history. Incredibly, across the globe, only certain plant species hold the magic that becomes indigo, many from completely different plant families. The color, once reserved only for royalty and the aristocracy, became a staple for workers in fields and at sea. Eventually indigo became the iconic color of denim around the world and once synthesized, the economy of plant-based indigo crops collapsed.

The art of natural dyeing with indigo however, has held fast over time and Japanese indigo, in particular, is easy to grow in our area.

In this dye class, Beth Mort of Snapdragon Flower Farm, will share several different varieties of Japanese indigo, Persicaria tinctoria, grown at her farm. Starting in late winter, the indigo is started from seed, planted in late March and tended in the field for months. Leaves are harvested just before class to ensure the best preservation of the molecule held in the leaves that transforms into indigo. She will guide you through the salt dyeing technique using the fresh leaves on pre-scoured and mordanted silk. In addition to learning the salt method, you will learn binding techniques to create patterns on silk and other easily grown dye flowers to incorporate into your dye work.

Dress comfortably in clothing you are comfortable with possibly getting stained and bring an apron if you have one.

Last day to register Aug 18