Shibori Napkins

Shibori Napkins  

Instructor: Suzanne Connors

Day & Date: Saturday, September 14

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tuition: $85.00

Ages: Adult (18 and Up)

All levels are welcome. No experience required.

Students Please Bring:

• A pair of new rubber gloves that go up to the elbow (dishwashing gloves).
• An old shirt or apron (Clothes that can get dirty).
• Closed-toed shoes that can get dirty.
• A seam-picker or a small pair of sharp scissors.
• A package of rubber bands- assorted sizes.
• Sewing needles with a larger-sized eye.
• Note taking materials.
• (Optional) A snack and/or water bottle. Filtered water is available in the classroom.

Description: The complex chemistry of the indigo vat is fascinating, and students will soon appreciate how rituals have grown around the making and using of a successful vat. The unique ‘attaching’ of indigo to fiber means it is particularly suited to resist methods of dying, such as shibori, where portions of cloth are closed off to the dye or where the flow of dye is restricted. Different shades of blue build on the fabric after several dips, exhibiting the beautiful, graded hues that are so typical of indigo.

Students will initially learn how an indigo vat is made. A vat will be prepared in the morning and the basic chemistry explained. The natural indigo powder will be used, and the vat will be ‘reduced’ using a commercially available chemical. While the vat develops, students will be shown several shibori techniques appropriate for napkin size. Students can expect to make a set of 4 cotton napkins.

Instructor provided materials are included with an estimated $35 FEE PAYABLE TO THE INSTRUCTOR at the time of the workshop. Material fees may change depending on the number of participants and price of materials at the workshop. *Payment by cash or check is required for materials fees. 

*There will be a 1-Hour lunch break. Please bring a sack lunch or explore local dining options.

* Workshops are subject to low enrollment cancellation if the minimum number of 4 students is not reached. You can check enrollment listed below the workshop photo. We do update these manually so if you have any questions, you’re welcome to call Olive’s Porch for more information.

About Instructor: Suzanne Connors has always loved art and textiles and has maintained an active fiber art studio since 2008. Her academic background in architecture and design lays the groundwork for her practice using traditional shibori techniques. Creating a body of detailed design, establishing order, combining simple techniques and textures, and using design repetition are the foundations of her work. Suzanne enjoys sharing her passion for texture, color, and pattern through her artwork and while teaching workshops. Suzanne’s teaching experience includes studio and professional practices at institutions throughout the U.S.