August 30, 14:00 – 18:00
We did our first “Introduction to Indigo Dye” workshop this Saturday.
We were small group of 3, then Sarah joined a little later. First, Mika explained mechanisms of how indigo dye process works with reduction/oxidation process and what fermentation vat and bacteria inside is doing. Then each of us took white cotton fabric (scored by mika) to experiment with the vat. Max and Alina tried the gradation dye technique, dipping the fabric first in alkali water (PH10) to wet it, then dipping only bottom half of the fabric in the vat and moving it to achieve the gradation effect. Dominique started off with dying the whole fabric and later applying the gradation technique. We also tried both the method to wash after every dip to use water to oxidize, and to not to wash the fabric after every dip but to leave and dry it as is to use air to oxidize. This is because we were not sure which dyes more effectively. As a result, we did not see a big difference, and it is nicer to wash after every dip as we see how much blue went into the fabric each time.
Sarah brought her old white cotton t-shirt (washed in hot water) to re-dye. She first started off with sleeves with gradation dye technique, then dipped the whole t-shirt in 3rd dye round. She dyed the whole t-shirt for 2 dye round (3min each).
We got very nice blue fabric as result. we are keen on experimenting more with the vats to master the techniques and think of own creative projects.
