A weekend of indigo within the grounds of the picturesque Sandy Hill Arts in Dorset!
Indigo Weekend: Two Day Workshop
Day 1: Indigo 1,2,3 dye vat, shibori folding (Itajime), wrapping (Arashi) and using objects (Ne-Make).
Day 2: Stitch shibori (Ori Nui), indigo dyeing and maintaining the dye vat.
Full Weekend: £160
One Day (Saturday or Sunday): £85
During this weekend workshop you will get the chance to fully immerse yourself in the wonderful world of blue! You will learn about the natural process of indigo dyeing whilst experiencing the joy and magic of this fascinating age-old process.
Day 1:
We will start day 1 by creating a natural indigo dye vat using the 1,2,3 method (a method developed by Michael Garcia). We will discuss the dye process and how to care for the vat. This, along with the printed handouts, will give you the information and confidence to set up your own indigo dye vat at home.
Throughout the day you will learn various Japanese shibori resist techniques including folding (Itajime), wrapping (Arashi) and using objects (Ne-Make) to enable you to create a multitude of patterns in your dyed fabric. I combine verbal instruction, practical demonstrations and visual aids to support a variety of learning styles and beginners are very much welcome. Through experimenting with these techniques you will create a number of samples which you can take home to incorporate into future projects.
Along with a number of fabrics samples, you will each have an organic cotton scarf or table runner to work on as a finale to the day. For this, you might choose to incorporate some of the techniques you have learnt throughout the day, or try something new. Either way, the outcome is always a surprise!
At the end of the day it’s always lovely to take a moment to view everyones work together, hanging on the line, and reflect on the day.
Day 2:
We will start day 2 with a check-in and stirring of the indigo vats whilst I give information on maintenance, care and balancing the dye vat. Those who are new on day 2 will also get a brief overview of the indigo process.
You will be introduced to Japanese shibori stitch resist techniques, which involves stitching areas of cloth to create patterns of resist. These designs are often inspired by nature and we will look at creating patterns that might include waves, flowers, petals and stems. Using templates and with lots of inspiration to draw from, you will be guided through creating one or two small hand-stitched and indigo dyed samples.
Working in smaller samples will allow time to progress to a larger hemmed piece as a final outcome.
You will be invited to select a design and process that suits your preferred style and pace, to ensure that you are able to complete and dye your fabric by the end of the day!
At the end of the weekend it would be lovely to display all the work from the weekend, take a step back and appreciate all that we have achieved!
All workshops and courses are run in small groups, allowing time and space to experiment, ask questions and explore the process.
Indigo Weekend (Two Day Workshop)
Day 1 : Indigo 1,2,3 dye vat, shibori folding (Itajime), wrapping (Arashi) and using objects (Ne-Make) and indigo dyeing.
Saturday 23rd August 2025 (10.30 - 16.00)
Day 2: Stitch shibori (Ori Nui,Ne-Maki and Miru), indigo dyeing and maintaining the dye vat.
Sunday 24th August 2025 (10.30 - 16.00)
Full Weekend: £160
One Day Only (Saturday or Sunday): £85
Price includes all materials and refreshments throughout the day.
The day includes a break for lunch, please bring a packed lunch with you.
Bookings close 48 hours prior to event to allow for preparation time.
If you are a group who would like to attend together, please get in touch via email to arrange a private session (minimum 3 people required).
Contact emma@emmamcginn.com with any questions.
Concessions available, please get in touch by emailing emma@emmamcginn.com.