Learn to make a variety of personal natural indigo vats without worrying about toxicity or cost of heavy chemicals. These vats use a natural chemical reduction process to produce a quick, reliable, long-lasting indigo blue. We’ll make at least four different types to compare (fruit syrup, fructose, henna, and iron) and discuss the merits of each. We’ll also sample some simple resist techniques to produce pattern on fabric and thread. Finally, we’ll cover care and maintenance of the vats and give you the option to take one home.

All materials are included in workshop fee. An assortment of silk and cotton fabric samples will be provided. Students may bring a cotton t-shirt, linen napkins, cotton socks, or up to one yard of natural fiber fabric to be dyed; these materials should be pre-washed and dried without fabric softener.

Please be advised that students should wear appropriate clothing and shoes, items that you won’t mind potentially being stained with indigo. Bring a pair of rubber gloves. If you wish to take home a sample of the indigo vat for further exploration, bring a one-gallon container with a tight fitting lid, such as a paint bucket.

Students are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. Coffee, tea, water and light snacks will be served.