Indigo The Queen of Dyes

Lack of Sunshine and a few other disruptions to my studio have meant that sun printing is not an option right now. So I have revisited my old friend "Indigo" This is my very favourite dye to use on its own or combined with other dye types Indgo is indeed the reigning Monarch. In the old world of  Asia, and Africa natural indigo was used and indeed in many provinces is still today. I had a lovely time back in 1992 visiting all the tiny provinces in Thailand where this dye stuff is the life blood of the artisans Whole villages were developed around one type of craft, dyeing, basket making, pottery , paper making and many more. The visits to the indigo and weaving villages were my favourite. It was incredible to watch the women and men tying the threads for Ikat weaving I have never seen hands move so fast in my life Then to watch these tiny intricate patterns emerge on the weaving loom was nothing short of amazing.

Anyway I had better stop rambling my in  indigo pieces I have used Shibori The Japanese term for tie dye and then I will print on some of the pieces. I have completed one small half metre of homespun with my honeyeater design

There is more information about Indigo and a recipe on my website in the Techniques page, just scroll down past the Sun print info and you will find it
Julie-Ann