Indigo Dreams: Exploring the Ancestry of Indigo

From the quilt-like mosaic of Adiere Eleko to meditative shapes of Shibori, indigo is an artform of deep meaning, with traditional patterns spanning thousands of years.

Led by textile artist and natural dye expert Verenice Berroa-Torres, this workshop will inspire us with the rich history and cultural significance of indigo dyeing, and create a hands-on opportunity to explore a variety of resist techniques rooted in African and Asian heritage.

Verenice will guide in folding, twisting, and binding fabric to create intricate patterns, before dipping them into the indigo dye vat. By deepening our understanding of the spiritual and cultural significance of traditional and contemporary indigo dyeing, we will be encouraged to experiment and express our own personal creativity.

Through indigo dye practices and prompts for creative self-expression, you will leave with:

• your own naturally indigo-dyed fabric or clothing, infused with your own personal expression and creativity 🌀
• the rich history and cultural significance of indigo dyeing, including its ancestral lineage in Africa and Asia 🧬
• the confidence and expertise to use indigo & other natural materials to dye fabric at home, from deep blues to purples and even greens 🌿

What's Included

• Indigo dye, vats, iron mordants, and gloves
• Rubber bands, ties, nails, popsicle sticks for resist-dying
• Cotton fabric samples to practice dyeing with

What to Bring

• A few articles of 100% cotton clothing (up to 2) or pieces of fabric that could use some indigo love (e.g. t-shirts, pillowcases, tea towels, aprons, quilting fabric). Linen or rayon could work but polyester is not recommended.
• Comfortable clothing and shoes for working with indigo dye