Beginners Shibori

Shibori is the Japanese art of stitched and bound resist. It is a slow craft, often requiring many hours of binding, stitching and pulling up of threads, followed by multiple dyeing processes. This and the variations in tension and pressure applied in construction mean that every piece produced is unique. Learn the traditional methods of this beautiful series of techniques and how to dye your creations in indigo to achieve a range of beautiful blues.

You will be taught a number of traditional Japanese patterns, which can be modified to suit your own design. How to dye with indigo using a pre prepared vat as well as how to unpick your finished work to reveal your designs!

On completion of the class participants will confidently be able to:

- Have an understanding of key binding techniques and stitches used in Shibori

- Tie a 'Kamosage' knot, used in most bound work

- Use the key stitches: Running Stitch, Ori Nui and Maki-Nui to make a number of patterns

- Achieve beautiful traditional Japanese patterns:

Kanoko (dots of a fawn)

Hitta (bird binding)Kumo (spiderweb)

Maki-age (stitched motifs)

Karamatsu (larch pattern)Mokume (wood grain)

And a couple of secrets will be revealed!!

- Set up an indigo dye bath and how to get different shades of this lovely blue (indigo is a natural dye)

- Unpick your finished work to reveal your designs

The class is aimed at beginners but any and all levels are welcome!

In the afternoon, Rob will expand on the Beginners Shibori techniques in his “Hishaki-Nui Shibori ” class in which you can build on the morning class through learning 2 traditional Japanese Shibori designs. We offer a discount when booking the full day!

About the Tutor: This class is taught by Rob Jones, a textile designer specialising in the ancient Japanese art of Shibori, using stitch, bound and clamped resist techniques to create intricate patterns and textures on scarves, table linens and lampshades. He selects both new and vintage textiles, sourcing beautiful old kimono silk from Japan and vintage and modern cloth from the UK for his creations, made at his studio in North London. Rob has studied at West Dean College and under Bryan Whitehead in Fujino, Japan.

Class Size: 6 students

Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm

Where: The class will take place in Fabrications "Re Imaginerium" studio (we no longer have a shop cat as depicted in one of the photos!) which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps. The studio is light and bright with a homely feel to help you feel relaxed and inspired whilst learning. You will have your own work area (with some shared facilities like dye baths and sink for rinsing) We purposefully keep class sizes small to ensure a quality experience and plenty of guidance time with the tutor.

Class includes: You are welcome to bring along some small textile articles to upcycle, eg napkins, hanker chiefs ( NB: fabrics must be natural fibres, cotton or linen are ideal and must have been washed and dried in advance of the workshop) But there will also be fabric available to sample with.

Please Bring: Your own rubber gloves (washing up style)

We will provide shirts to wear but please avoid wearing your favourite clothes and shoes!

Please Note: There is no food or drink allowed in the studio, You are welcome to bring a sealed water bottle but please ensure all 'take outs' are consumed before arriving. For full day classes there is a scheduled lunch break.

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