The Katazome workshop at the Aya Fiber Studio offers a unique and immersive experience in the traditional Japanese textile art of katazome, a stencil dyeing method. Participants will learn the intricate techniques of creating beautiful, patterned fabrics using rice paste and indigo.

During the workshop, students will start by exploring the history and significance of katazome and understanding its roots in Japanese culture. They will then engage in hands-on activities, such as:

Selecting and treating fabric

Designing,hand-cutting, and reinforcing stencil

Preparing paste resist

Preparing board and positioning fabrics

Appling paste resist to stencil

Remove stencil paper

Drying Fabric

Indigo Dying Fabric

Soaking the fabric to remove the paste

Drying fabrics

During this workshop, we will work through each of the steps. Along the way, we will discuss traditional materials and explore contemporary alternatives for use in a home studio. We will learn how to build and balance the indigo vat and create layered patterns with various shades of blue on cotton and linen. Students who have some dyeing or printmaking experience will enhance their practice and beginners will get a valuable introduction.

This workshop has no supply fee; a $60 kit fee is payable to the instructor at the beginning of class. The class uses traditional fabrics and supplies coming from Japan.

The studio will also have additional materials for sale!

The workshop not only focuses on the technical aspects of katazome but also emphasizes the meditative and reflective qualities of the craft. Participants often leave with a deeper appreciation for traditional Japanese textile arts and a unique piece of fabric that they created themselves.

The atmosphere at the Aya Fiber Studio is usually warm and inviting, fostering creativity and connection among participants.