Katazome is a Japanese stencil dyeing technique. It is a rice flour resist paste. And it is a unique and fairly old process used to dye cloth. This dyeing technique utilizes natural materials – paper, rice paste and indigo. Katazome means ‘repeat dyeing”, referring to the use of a stencil to create a repetitive pattern. Traditional Katazome designs feature natural motifs, such as flowers and birds
We will spend the first day learning how Katazome is made. And then we will create patterns onto fabric. You are encouraged to bring natural fiber clothing or cloth from home. Each person can bring up to 4 items. We should have plenty of materials. I will also provide white fabric from upcycled cotton sheets to practice on.
We will use stencils and kitchen spatulas to apply the kataxome paste onto the fabric. And then it needs to dry overnight. So we will resume the following day to dye our clothes/cloth.
Day 2, I will mix up an indigo vat which you all are encouraged to participate in. We will mix up a new vat so you can see the process. And I will have a ready-made vat too so we can jump right in. I will have disposable gloves available for some easy indigo dyeing. But if you would like to bring more sturdy gloves, there’s a better chance you won’t become blue.
By the end of day 2, you will be able to take home your items. We will wash and spin them enough to transport them home. But you will want to wash them again at home.
MATERIALS FEE: 15 dollars for the paste and indigo
LEVEL: Beginner
REGISTRATION: Members: $100 , Non-members $120
INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Woodruff
WHAT TO BRING / HOW TO DRESS: Bring up to four white clothes/sheets/fabric, etc from home. As long as the material is made of a natural fiber: cotton, linen, wool (fabric), silk, etc
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