resist style of dyeing fabric using a beautiful blue dye bath from the indigo plant
Shibori originated from China and Japan in the mid-8th century. It means, “to wring or to squeeze.”
Techniques include fabric binding and wrapping a paste or wax application, folding and clamping, and pole wrapping resist. The wrapped bundles are immersed into the indigo dye bath numerous times and taken out to oxidize in between dips, magically changing color from green to blue.
Shibori dyeing continues today in Africa, India, Peru, and other parts of the world. It is gaining popularity in the United States. I find it a fun and wildly addictive art process.
My work in Shibori is functional. It includes dyeing cotton napkins, towels, tee shirts & clothing, bags, aprons, face masks, pillows & bed pillowcases, coverlets, and wool hats. I use traditional geometric designs as well as experiment with more contemporary organic designs.