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Indigo, iron vats, and hand dyed warps.
Description
Lovely effects can be achieved in woven pieces by creating a patterned warp dyed with indigo. In this Sunday workshop we’ll have a play with creating two types of patterned warps, a gradient across the warp and a bound resist warp, similar to Ikat or kasuri style of weaving.
These techniques are suitable for both multi shaft and rigid heddle looms.
If you’re a knitter these techniques could also be used to create a gradient of skeins for colourwork and the bound resist warp can be adapted for use in assigned pooling patterns.
What you will learn
- We’ll begin the day with a demonstration of the set up of an iron indigo vat, and you’ll be given instructions to allow you to recreate this type of vat at home. Iron vats are strong vats that function at low temperatures, however they’re more suited to plant fibres than animal fibres as they operate at a very high pH.
What you will get
- While the vat is balancing we will talk about warp design and then you will wind a warp and tie off areas that will resist the dye. You can choose whether to approach this in a controlled or more organic manner, and whether you dye the warp in a single bundle or in groups with different treatments. We will then move onto the gradient warp, dyeing a series of skeins to different strengths.
What to bring
- To allow you the flexibility to customise your warps your way, you will be bringing your own yarn. Specific details about preparation and suitable yarns will be emailed to you once registered. Appropriate yarns will be in the 2/5 to 2/8 range, or light fingering if using knitting yarn. As noted above plant yarns will be best suited to the iron vats. For each warp you will need around 70 to 100g of yarn. There should be time and vat capacity to also dye a weft for one of the projects. The bound resist warp yarn can be either undyed or previously dyed, preferably a light colour. Even patterned yarns could be used. This could be a great way to repurpose yarns that don’t appeal any longer.
- Undyed yarn will be required for the gradient warp. Also: robust flexible plastic cut into strips roughly 1-2cm wide by 30cm long. E.g. old shopping or ziploc bags. Best to avoid any printing on the bag.
- Tape measure, scissors, notepad and pen, various containers to take home wet yarns, an old towel. $5.00 material fee included in the cost of the workshop.
What to wear
Comfortable clothing
Appropriate for
People interested in weaving and knitting. It is preferable if you have some experience with warp winding, though not essential.
The Guild's aim is to bring together those who practise handweaving, spinning and allied crafts and to help and encourage them to increase their knowledge, understanding and skills by discussion, demonstration, exhibition, teaching and the provision of quality resource materials.
Our Guild rooms house an excellent library and craft supply, sell members work and host a wonderful range of interest groups, classes and workshops.
We have members and affiliated groups throughout the state.
Come and join us!
Handweavers & Spinners Guild of Victoria has an average rating of 4.9 for their other classes.
See other reviewsCancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 7 days before class starts. Free of charge.
- A transfer can be requested 7 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
No changes will be allowed after these times.
We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.