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In September 2004 Maiwa launched its Maiwa School of Textiles. The school has become a place where knowledge is shared, techniques perfected and students, makers, educators and cultures meet.

JOURNEY INTO INDIGO

Learn to build a range of indigo vats including organic vats made with fruits, the iron vat, and vats made with plants. Learn a wealth of introductory and advanced shaped resist techniques on silk, linen, and cotton. Learn how to handle materials in the dye vat to get the most from indigo.

In this workshop students will be taken, step-by-step, through the process of making a number of indigo vats, including three "fruit vats." Students will learn not only how to make a vat but also how to maintain it, revive it, and put it to bed. The different vats will be explored through the use of many forms of shaped resist - including bound, clamp and stitch resist. An astonishing array of patterning is possible through these techniques. Students will learn how to adjust vats for different fibre types and conditions.

  • 35 detailed instructional videos.

  • All shaped resist techniques shown with clear, step by step instructions.

  • Works taken from blank cloth to finished piece so you can see the entire process.

  • An in-dept explanation of the chemistry of indigo extraction and indigo vats so you can learn how and why they work.

  • Discover why indigo is the worlds most magical dye.

What do I need for this workshop?

We have prepared a kit for this workshop that may be purchased by enrolled students at a discounted kit rate. 100 of these kits will be available for opening day. Students will receive purchase instructions once enrolled (these kits are not available to the public). Download the SUPPLY LIST as a PDF for JOURNEY INTO INDIGO

Alternatively, students may source their own ingredients based on the supply list — either locally or from their favourite supplier. Students who already have a well-stocked studio can fill any gaps by purchasing locally or through maiwa.com.

See the Supply List at the bottom of this course page for full details.

What is the cancellation policy?

See our Terms of Use on maiwa.teachable.com for our cancellation and refund policy.

Meet your instructors:

SOPHENA KWON AND DANIELLE BUSH

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SOPHENA KWON

Sophena Kwon grew up with Maiwa as the family business. She has learned much from the artisans Maiwa collaborates with (including master dyers in India, Africa, Peru, and Mexico) and from experimenting alongside her mom, Charllotte.

In 2009 Sophena studied with Michel Garcia in France. She has taught natural dye workshops with Charllotte (including at the Penland School of Craft and at Shakerag) since 2012 and developed and taught workshops for the Maiwa School of Textiles since 2014. In an effort to bring natural dyeing to a new audience, she founded the immensely successful Indigo Social in 2015. In 2016 Sophena was invited to present at the Mood Indigo Exhibition at the Seattle Art Museum. In addition to her natural dye work, Sophena is a skilled photographer and clothing designer. Each year she travels to India to direct the Maiwa line of clothing.

DANIELLE BUSH

Danielle Bush is the manager of Maiwa Supply. Her career in textiles began with sewing and fashion studies at the University of the Fraser Valley. Upon completing courses in design, drawing, drafting, and construction, she was accepted to do a weeklong practicum in the textile collection at Maiwa Handprints. In her words, “It changed my life.” Since 2011 Danielle has developed and taught workshops for the Maiwa Textile Symposium. In 2009 she represented Maiwa at the International Shibori Conference held in France, and in 2011 she was a facilitator for the Maiwa Natural Dye Master Class taught by Michel Garcia in Bengal, India. Danielle has a deep understanding of and aptitude for dye techniques and the creative process. Together with Sophena Kwon, Danielle travels to India each year where she helps manage the Maiwa studio.