Discover the magic of the organic indigo vat, where pigment lies waiting in yellow liquid, turning fabric green and then blue in the air! We’ll learn about making and maintaining a naturally fermented vat, an ancient way to cultivate the right conditions for indigo dyeing. We’ll also create designs by screen printing and painting with resist pastes, as well as folding and/or stitching to form resists, for a wide variety of white on blue patterns. Students will leave this course with the skills needed to prepare fabrics, make a fermented indigo vat, and continue creating new designs to their heart's content. Take this course on its own, or combine it with Natural Dyes Above and Beyond to create a whole rainbow of natural colors.

Indigo is one of the best-known and longest-lasting natural dyes, discovered independently by cultures around the world. Working with natural dyes is a great way to reclaim a sense of place and individuality in our clothing and textiles, as well as a more sustainable craft practice. You’ll be able to use the tools and processes from this course almost anywhere as you continue your own explorations of natural color! Ages 16+ may sign up for this course. Youth ages 12+ may attend if accompanied by an adult. Adult/child pairs will complete two projects and pay two materials fees. A 25% tuition discount applies to the youth registrant when registering with a full paying adult; call to register. 

Required Tools

• Comfortable clothes and shoes which you don't mind getting dye on, and/or an apron
• Rubber gloves (long kitchen type)
• An old plain terry cloth bath towel (bring two if you have room when packing)
• A few light-colored, small- to medium-sized fabric items to dye and print on as time permits, such as: scarves or bandanas, pillowcases, dishtowels, T-shirts, or smaller cuts of fabric for later projects. For a new indigo vat, cellulose fibers are best (cotton/linen/hemp etc.) Whatever you bring should be all natural fiber (no synthetic fiber content). New and used/thrifted items both work well. Things you feel free to play and experiment with are the best
• All other required tools/materials are provided by your instructor and North House and will be available once the course begins.

Optional Tools

• Any brushes, screens, stencils, printing blocks, etc. which you would like to use to apply resist pastes to fiber.
• Favorite hand sewing needles and strong thread if you would like to try stitched resists.
• There will also be a variety of tools provided for you to use