shibori intensive

Join textile artist Sandy Shelenberger in our studios for this 2 day shibori intensive and experience the magic of Indigo. We are so excited to bring Sandy’s talent and expertise to Jamestown! Her work has been in several publications and juried art exhibitions. Sandy took her first quilting class in 1984, and began to see quilting as an art form and a means of self-expression. Her work has been included in prestigious exhibits such as Quilt National, Fiberarts International, Quilts=Art-Quilts, Visions Art Museum in San Diego, CA and Ohio Craft Museum. Sandy loves teaching and sharing her knowledge and passion for the creative process.

Over the course of the two days in the studio with Sandy, participants will learn Arashi Shibori, Itajime Shibori and experiment with stitched Shibori techniques.

Shibori is a Japanese word used to describe a variety of manual resist techniques such as binding, twisting, stitching or clamping that create patterns on the fabric before putting in dye bath. Traditionally, Shibori is dyed in Indigo vats, but Procion MX dyes or other fiber reactive dyes can be used. Indigo is the oldest known natural dye and is derived from the plant Indigofera tinctoria and related species. There is a long history, both ancient and in the early colonial times of the importance of Indigo. We will be using Synthetic and Organic Indigo to dye our cloth. These Shibori techniques can create complex looking patterning using simple techniques.

Dyeing with Indigo is unique in that Indigo is insoluble in water in its natural state. The Indigo goes through a process whereby it is ‘reduced’ and put into a liquid state with the oxygen removed. In its ‘reduced’ state, the indigo is a yellow-green color and can penetrate the fibers. When the fabric is removed from the Indigo, the fabric starts to turn blue as the oxygen in the air reacts with the Indigo and the dye then becomes permanent on the fabric. Indigo can be used on cotton, silks and rayon fabrics.

The course runs from 10-4 each day. The workshop fee includes snacks, beverages and lunch on both days. There is a $25 kit fee payable to the instructor on the first day of the workshop.

Shibori dyed dinner napkins

Number 5 in the series of 6 Japanese craft inspired workshops at the beautiful Crary Art Gallery.

Folded dyed textiles are found throughout the world. In Japan, these designs are executed in indigo. In this workshop we will experiment with some different folding techniques, along with some sewn, shaped Shibori designs. Each folded pattern will emerge from the dye pot slightly differently, as part of the wonder is how the dye seeps into the folds each time. We will also experience the magic of watching the indigo turn from fluorescent yellow/green to the mystical blue as it oxides. Each participant will leave with a unique set of hand dyed table napkins.

To register for this class head to the Crary’s website here

Shibori Pop-up

ART Cloth + Craft in collaboration with Pearl City Clay House will be hosting a Shibori Dyeing Pop-Up!
Folded textiles are found throughout the world. In Japan, intricately folded or sewn textiles are dipped in Indigo.
Come try your hand at creating a Shibori T-shirt and experience the magic of watching the indigo dye oxidize from bright yellow/green to the deep beautiful blue. Not only is the process magic, but indigo fades beautifully over time, as your favorite blue jeans prove!
We will have white cotton shirt kits for children and adults ready with a dyeing station. Deb Eck with her guided expertise will help you choose from different Shibori folding techniques depending on the design you would like, then in it goes in the dye bath for a few seconds. Once it comes out it will go up briefly on a clothes line, then placed into a bag with care instructions on how to set the dye at home.
This is a fun and family friendly event to do while you are enjoying the Summer Block Party hosted by Reg Lenna Center for the Arts!
To reserve your Shibori T-Shirt kit in your preferred size, we recommend prepaying online by clicking on this link or stop in at ARTCloth + Craft to register.
Pre-ordering will end July 21st. We will also have a limited stock available for walk-ins.

Class Guide

  • Root

    Beginner level classes suitable for everyone.

  • Shoot

    Ready for a little more of a challenge?

    These classes build on skills from root level classes – but may still be suitable for those with little experience. Not sure if the class is for you, just ask us.

  • Bloom

    Get ready to REALLY grow your skills!

    Classes for students with experience. Our teaching artists will identify what skills you should already have. If you are unsure if a class is for you, please ask, we’d be happy to help you!