Indigo Dyeing & Itajime Shibori Workshop

Instructor: Sayde Anderson | Duration: 2 Hours

Saturday, August 1st 2026 | 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)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.

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.

• Stitched Shibori: Learn the basics of hand-stitched and gathered resists (note: this method is more labor-intensive and best for small samples).

• 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.