I’ve been on a learning binge lately which has been fun. Recently I signed up for an on-line class in Shibori techniques. I’ve done some woven shibori in the past, but never the traditional techniques on silk.
I’m in the second week of a 5-week session and it’s been a blast. Not only is Glennis a wonderful teacher, the class of people from all over the world has been enthusiastic and very creative. Glennis designed the on-line class to be a weekly uploaded teaching pdf document with embedded videos and a blog where we all share ideas.
The first class was about using clamped resists on silk samples using ColorHue Dyes. I wasn’t thrilled with the pale results.
The itajime technique was difficult for me with all the clamps and shapes, but fun nonetheless.
Last week in Lesson 2, Glennis introduced three different techniques using hand stitching–mokume (rows of running stitches, similar to woven shibori), makiage (pattern within a motif), and orinui (overcast stitching on a fold). This was more my style. I love to sew, these techniques give me much more control, and an additional video gave me much more information on how to increase the intensity of the color.
The photos show the initial stitching, everything gathered and dyed, and the unveiling which I’m crazy about!
I’m very pleased that the color was so intense. The blue sample was simply dyed, but the other two were immersed up to a point and the rest of was painted. Fascinating how it all works.
This summer I’ll be attended an indigo dye workshop and I’m sure I’ll be bringing plenty of work from the techniques I learn over the next few weeks to place in the dye pot.
I will continue to post with each new technique learned. Stay tuned.
Between the Threads 
March 21, 2011 at 2:03 am
don’t you love those little dyed bundles with all the threads hanging out just waiting for the big reveal. that’s my favorite part. i need to try that heart. love the deep blue color.
March 21, 2011 at 2:07 am
cool- nice to see another weaver in the group. where are you taking your indigo workshop?
March 21, 2011 at 1:32 pm
My spinning and weaving guild has hired Nancy Zeller from Long Ridge Farms in New Hampshire to come and conduct a 2-day Indigo Dye Workshop at one of our member’s farms. The guild is very involved in natural dyeing but felt that something devoted to the process of starting and maintaining a vat in addition to the science and art of the dyeing would be really interesting. I’m excited.
March 21, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Nancy,
Please share where you found the on-line class. I would love to be able to do this on-line! I am traveling so often lately, it is very difficult for me to commit to a workshop. I could take my computer with me though. This particular class sounds wonderful. I am going to China in April, and will be visiting a silk factory there!
Leslie
March 21, 2011 at 6:19 pm
Leslie:
This class is only being offered once this year by Glennis Dolce at http://www.shiborigirl.com. You can view her work at that site. She had a huge response and there are students in the class from all over the world. So she may offer it again next year. You can see some of her work on YouTube.
Remember that this summer, our guild is offering an Indigo Dye workshop where you can bring some of your Shibori work to be dyed. We can talk about that at one of the meetings.
Cheers.