In this class, you will focus on learning the fundamentals of how Indigo Dye is made, best practices, materials needed, and demonstrations on how to create surface designs through ancient Japanese technique of Itajime Shibori, a shaped-resist technique using clamps and string. Traditionally, the cloth is sandwiched between two pieces of wood, which are held in place with string/rubber bands. Additional supplies like Organic Cotton Knit, Quilting Kona, and Linen Cotton Canvas will be for sale if students would like to work large.

This class will be held outside if weather permits, or in the classroom if needed.

Either way, dress for mess!

• All Supplies Provided: Tools, indigo dye, and sample fabric will be provided for this class

• Students are encouraged to bring 3-4 items, natural cellulose fibers: cotton, linen, bamboo, and rayon/viscose/modal; to dye/upcycle.

• Focus on learning the fundamentals of how Indigo Dye is made, best practices, materials needed, and demonstrations on how to creative surface designs through ancient Japanese technique of Itajime Shibori, a shaped-resist technique. Traditionally, the cloth is sandwiched between two pieces of wood, which are held in place with string/rubber bands.  This is an ancient Japanese tie-dye technique.

• Students are encouraged to bring 2-4 items, natural celulose fibers: cotton, linen, and rayon, to dye/upcycle; and will be provided with sample fabric to experiment with.

• Ages 14+

Class is $60 - RSVP HERE

About River

River Takada-Capel has a life long love affair with all things textiles, handmade and vintage.  Rooted in all her work is a reclaimed story, an element of preloved beauty.  Starting at a young age, River discovered a passion for working with her hands, she started sewing on the machine in 3rd grade.  

Born in Tokyo, Japan and raised in Carrboro, NC, River grew up with an appreciation for the constant change in nature, & the beauty of functional art. Now in her early thirties, River is focusing on teaching sewing and textiles classes, sharing her passion, in addition to her love of designing new products. River is an art and LGBTQ community advocate who turned her dream of creative and social practice into a passionate career. On most days, you'll find her in her studio, located in Durham, NC, designing, sewing, screen printing and outside dyeing fabric. When River is not working for her business, she is teaching fiber arts at community centers around the state. She has taught at The Scrap Exchange, The ArtsCenter, The NC Museum of Art, Freeman’s Creative, NCSU Craft Center and many small private groups. River loves to work with kids and adults, empowering folks by sharing the creative and vocational powers of sewing and other textile skills.