Katazome: Japanese Stencil Dyeing

Exploring the most beautiful blue

Katazome: Japanese Stencil Dyeing with Resists and Indigo

Saturday, September 14, 2024 at GroWild  9am-3:30pm

Katazome is one of an array of resist techniques used by the Japanese. It’s been in existence for more than 400 years.  “Kata” means pattern or shape, and “Zome” means to color with dyeing or printing. Join fiber artist Jan Quarles for an introduction to this beautiful technique used with indigo. You’ll also learn about indigo vats and enjoy a day in GroWild’s outdoor pavilion, one of the most beautiful natural settings in Middle Tennessee.

Katazome happens in three stages. First, designs are cut in a special stencil paper. We won’t have time for cutting designs but I will talk about the practice of katagane, or creating the stencils, and show examples. You’ll use my collections of traditional and modern stencils instead. Second, you will spread a thin coat of rice paste through a stencil, and then let it dry. Finally, you’ll quickly dip your fabric once or twice in indigo. You’ll also learn about an alternative clay paste resist. The entire process is meditative and fun!

We’ll create useful tea towels or place mats and napkins that you can use in your daily life. In Japan, tenugi and furoshiki, different sizes and types of cotton fabric patterned using this practice, are used in many aspects of life and they are always beautiful.

The class fee of $175 includes two tea towels or placemats, two napkins, a bandana, and practice fabric as well as gloves, notes, a list of resources and use of some traditional katazome tools. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dye on (indigo can be a messy process) and bring your lunch. Class will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Please contact Jan Quarles with questions or to request a PayPal invoice to register for the class. Her email address is jan37129@yahoo.com.  Enrollment is 12 students maxium.

Class held at:  GroWild, Inc. 7190 Hill Hughes Rd. Fairview, TN 37062 615-799-1911