The term shibori is Japanese meaning “to squeeze”.  It is a set of techniques for patterning fabric along with dyeing.  One can use a needle and thread to stitch a design, pulling the threads tightly to compress (squeeze) the fabric to prevent the dye from getting into some areas.  One can also use folding, bunching, adding resists such as wax, mud, or precut solid shapes to also prevent dye from getting into all areas (resisting the dye).  The patterning can be simple to complex and can be used with natural dyes as well as chemical dyes (although there is a different effect).  We will be using indigo unless you are versed in other dyes.  There are four basic shibori categories and you will make samples from each category.

Boro is a style of mending that is attributed to Japanese culture.  It was a way to preserve and improve heavy duty work clothes by adding additional fabric over worn, torn, or weak fabric and reinforcing the strength with abundant, but informal stitching.  Sashiko is boro but elevated in design and use to be mostly decorative.  Boro mending is on trend, and is now done by top designers, not to reinforce the utility of a garment, but as a design element.  In this workshop, you will learn this basic stitching, have access to various stencils of sashiko designs from simple to complex for tracing and use, books for reference, and samples for inspiration and tools to help.