This workshop has been postponed.
A new date for the workshop will be set soon.
LIVE, Hybrid Workshop via Zoom, Two Days:
Monday, August 4, 2025: 9:00 – 12:00 PDT (18:00 – 21:00 CEST)
Tuesday, August 5, 2025: 9:00 – 12:00 PDT (18:00 – 21:00 CEST)
Location: Remote AND @ SlowFiber Studios Annex* at 1825 Eighth Street Berkeley, CA
*8 spaces are available for participants to work together in the Berkeley studio during the workshop.
Open Indigo Studio in Berkeley on both days. 13:30 – 15:30
Instructor: Michel Garcia from Brittany, France
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
$375 / $360 WSNF Member
Open Indigo Studio: $30 donation (by cash /check on site) | Free for WSNF member students
Join us for an interactive workshop taught by French botanist and phytochemist Michel Garcia on the exciting topic of natural indigo dyeing. Garcia is renowned worldwide for his knowledge and understanding of natural dyes and their chemistry.
On Day 1
Michel explains the what and how of indigo dyestuff. He demonstrates fructose and iron vat preparations. Both types of indigo vats are benign, and with proper care, will remain active for a long time! We will let the vats settle overnight, and they should be ready to use on Day 2 for dyeing.
Indigo has been the most widely utilized natural dye worldwide since Egyptian times. The ubiquitous nature of this blue dye stems from indigo being produced by a variety of plants across many regions.
On Day 2
Michel describes the different varieties of plant species containing indigo found worldwide and how indigo is prepared by different cultures, reflecting what plants and materials are available in their environments. Michel addresses the variables such as temperature and pH that must be adjusted for dyeing specific types of fibers –wool, silk, and plant fibers. We learn to pay attention to the subtle nature of materials such as fabric, yarns, paper, different weaves and forms.
