Indigo Dyeing & Itajime Shibori Workshop
Instructor: Sayde Anderson | Duration: 2 Hours
Join us at in the Piedmont at Blawesome Farm to explore the magic of indigo!
10am to Noon, Sunday October 4th @ 1002 Cane Valley Ln, Chapel Hill NC
This beginner-friendly workshop covers the entire journey of indigo—from plant cultivation to the creation of a "fructose vat." You’ll learn the complex history of the dye, how to maintain your own vat at home, and the art of achieving various blue hues through dipping and oxidation.
About Your Teacher
For the last five years, she has grown Japanese Indigo from seed and hand-processed the leaves into pigment. To deepen her practice and understanding of traditional techniques, she studied from the renowned collective BUAISOU based in Tokushima, Japan, through their online workshops covering their intensive farm-to-vat process. Her workshops invite you to slow down and connect with the quiet persistence of this ancient craft.
What You’ll Learn & Do
History & Science: A brief look at indigo’s complex history and how it transforms from green leaf to blue pigment.
Itajime Shibori: Master this shaped-resist technique using wood blocks, clamps, and rubber bands to create geometric patterns.
Vat Creation: Build a fructose indigo vat together using pigment grown right here on the farm.
What’s Included
Supplies: All dye, buckets, clamps, resists, gloves, and drying racks.
Materials: A set of 4 napkins for each student, plus sample fabric for experimentation. Other materials for sale!
Resources: A care instruction guide and a resource list for continuing your practice at home.
Refreshments: Light refreshments will be served (lunch is not provided).
What to Bring
Your Own Items: You are encouraged to bring 1–3 small items (up to 250g total) to upcycle.
Fabric Type: Use natural cellulose fibers (100% cotton, linen, or rayon). Light colors work best.
Preparation: Personal items must be previously scoured (washed). Detailed prep instructions and farm directions will be emailed upon registration.
Important Information
Location: Hosted outdoors/on-site at our farm 1002 Cane Valley Ln, Chapel Hill NC 27516 - Wear a hat and be prepared to get messy - don’t wear clothes you don’t want dye on.
Policies: Ticket sales are final but transferable to another person or a future credit. Please notify sayde@saydelaine.com if you cannot attend.
Cancellations: We reserve the right to cancel 72 hours in advance due to low attendance or emergencies.
Please reach out for scholarship assistance, I want this to be accessible to everyone.
Questions? Reach out to Sayde at sayde@saydelaine.com.
Seasonal Natural Dye Workshop
Saturday, October 3rd | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Blawesome Flower Farm, 1002 Cane Valley Ln, Chapel Hill, NC
Cost: $200 (Sliding scale available—contact sayde.laine@gmail.com to register)
Join us for a hands-on exploration of plant-based dyes on the flower farm. Designed for anyone looking to deepen their relationship to the land, deepening their craft or wanting to try something new, this workshop teaches you to extract vibrant, sustainable color from locally grown seasonal plants for a light fast and colorfast life.
About Your Teacher
For the last eight years, she has grown natural dye plants from seed and hand-processed the leaves into pigment and dye. To deepen her practice and understanding of traditional techniques, she studied from folks like Cathrine Ellis, Sara Buscaglia and BUAISOU. Her workshops invite you to slow down and connect with the quiet persistence of this ancient craft.
What You’ll Learn
Fiber Prep & Mordanting: Learn how to prepare cellulose fibers so natural colors remain permanent and lightfast.
Harvesting: Gather seasonal plants directly from the farm, such as Marigold (yellow/green), Willow leaves (Salmon), Black Walnut (gray/black), Coreopsis (orange) - depending on availability colors may shift.
Indigo: Make an indigo vat together and explore the beautiful hues you can achieve.
Extraction: Coax four distinct colors from farm-grown flowers and foraged materials.
Eco-Printing: Create direct botanical prints on fabric while the dye baths cure.
What’s Included
Materials: One pair of cotton socks, two tea towels, and a cotton tote bag.
Resources: A self-published informational zine
Supplies: All dye materials, mordants, and tools.
Refreshments: Light refreshments and local tasty treats will be served (lunch is not provided).
What to Bring
Your Own Items: You are encouraged to bring 1–3 small items (up to 300g total) to upcycle.
Fabric Type: Use natural cellulose fibers (100% cotton, linen, or rayon). Light colors work best.
Preparation: Personal items must be previously scoured (washed). Detailed prep instructions and farm directions will be emailed upon registration.
Important Information
Location: Hosted outdoors/on-site at our farm 1002 Cane Valley Ln, Chapel Hill NC 27516 - Wear a hat and be prepared to get messy - don’t wear clothes you don’t want dye on.
Policies: Ticket sales are final but transferable to another person or a future credit. Please notify sayde@saydelaine.com if you cannot attend.
Cancellations: We reserve the right to cancel 72 hours in advance due to low attendance or emergencies.
Please reach out for scholarship assistance, I want this to be accessible to everyone.
Questions? Reach out to Sayde at sayde@saydelaine.com.