Woven Shibori

Catharine will conduct a three-day workshop on woven shibori. Weaving will be done with cotton or other cellulose fibers incorporating resist warp and weft threads at the loom. All dyeing will be done with indigo. The class will build organic indigo vats, using fructose, henna, or iron as reduction agents. Students will also learn how to use these vats and maintain them. Participants will prepare their looms for woven shibori according to instructions provided by Catharine. Emphasis will be placed on experimenting with patterns and understanding structural possibilities on 4 or 8 shafts. Students will be encouraged to sample but it will be possible to complete a small product such as a scarf or woven runner. The workshop will be held at Bethany UCC Church in Randolph, VT (walking distance to the Craft Center.) Workshop Fee:$200 plus a materials fee of $15 to be paid to the instructor.

Instructor Bio: Catharine Ellis has been a weaver and a dyer for over 40 years. After three decades of teaching the Fiber Program at Haywood Community College in NC she is now dedicated to studio work, focusing on natural dye processes. She also does specialized, selected teaching, in the U.S. and internationally. Recent projects include teaching natural dyeing in Guatemalan through Mayan Hands.

Catharine is the originator of the woven shibori process and author of the instructional book, Woven Shibori (Interweave Press, 2005). In 2016, a new edition was published, which focuses on natural dyes. Her textile work is shown extensively in exhibitions and shows. She is currently working collaboratively with the Oriole Mill in NC to produce specialty Jacquard fabrics.

Catharine is actively involved in the Surface Design Association, the World Shibori Network, and is a founding member of the Southeastern Fiber Educators Association. She is currently on the Board of the Textile Society of America, and has served on the boards of Penland School of Crafts and the Center for Craft, Creativity, and Design. She established the Western North Carolina Textile Study Group in 2012. Catharine is currently writing a book with co-author, Joy Boutrup, on natural dye practices that will be published in 2018.

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Welcome, Weavers!
If you’re a weaver--beginner or pro--the Vermont Weavers Guild welcomes you. Plan to join us at one of our regular meetings at the Kimball House, Randolph, Vermont.