Introduction to Indigo Shibori [Adult Workshop]

​Discover the beauty of shibori, a series of Japanese resist dye techniques, which create unique patterns on fabric by folding, binding, and sewing. Students will produce an array of designs dyed in traditional, beautiful indigo. First, we will learn a brief history of shibori in Japanese culture. We will also learn a variety folding and binding techniques including: Kanoko (binding with thread), Kumo (found objects bound with thread), Itajim (folding and binding), Arashi (pole wrapping), Nu (hand sewn binding), and Miura (looping and binding with thread). Next, we will dye multiple shibori pieces in an indigo vat prepared by the instructor. Once we are done, we will be able to take home our very own handmade shibori pieces! 

Materials Needed:

• 5 small/medium articles of pre-washed 100% cotton, linen, silk, or wool (i.e. scarf, t-shirt, baby clothes, raw fabric 1 yard max, etc) to dye; white/off-white preferred, but lightly colored fabric will do. Poly/natural fiber blends are not guaranteed to dye properly.
• Rubber gloves (ie kitchen gloves, disposable latex, etc) - preferably long cuffs
• Please wear clothing that can get permanently dirty

About the Teaching Artist: Kate Eggleston is a mixed media fiber artist who uses found objects and homespun techniques to create caricatures of her personal experiences. While Eggleston’s diverse practice includes printmaking, drawing, and sewing, her passion for indigo dye and shibori (Japanese resist dye techniques) has seeped into all aspects of her art making. Eggleston received her BA in Visual Art from Ramapo College in 2005, as well as her K-12 New Jersey Art Teacher Certification.  She attended artist residencies at _gaia studio (Wonder Women 9: Superfood) in 2015, the Tyler School of Art at Temple University (Summer Sculpture Intensive) in 2012, and completed the Creative Capital Blended Learning Professional Development Program for New Jersey Artists in 2016. She was awarded 3rd Place for her Indigo Sukkah installation (at Sukkahwood), and 1st Place for Textiles (at Highland Park Arts in the Park) in 2017.  Eggleston was a Student Mini Grant Recipient of the Andrew W. Mellon Arts and the Common Good Grant from Drew University in 2014.  She exhibited a collaborative installation, AUTOMATON, with fellow artist Christy O’Connor at Artworks Trenton in 2016.  Eggleston’s forthcoming solo show will also be exhibited in the ArtLab at Artworks Trenton in Spring 2018.  She lives in New Jersey where she exhibits her work, teaches art, and lives with her husband and daughter. To see her work, please visit kateeggs.com.