Introduction to Shibori Resist with Rob Jones - 2 day course -Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th July 2024

Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th July 2024

10am-4pm (both days)

Shibori is the collective term for all types of resist dyeing using binding, stitching, folding and clamping and pleating and pole wrapping. The common factor is the compression of the fabric which prevents the dye from accessing some areas which, when dyed and undone, yield a beautiful range of complex patterns.

On the first day, Rob will begin by covering the building blocks of Shibori resist dyeing. The session will cover the basic binding techniques of ne maki (bead binding), bai (seashell pattern) and kumo (spiderweb pattern) and the three main types of Shibori stitching – Nui (running stitch), Ori nui (fold stitch) and Maki nui (wrapped stitch), whilst introducing the key knots required for all Shibori work.

Rob will then show you a variety of shibori techniques, focussing on making circle patterns. This will include Makiage (bounded patterns inside a stitched outline), Karamatsu (Larch pattern, concentric rings in a wood grain pattern), Koboshi and Kawamaki (using capping to prevent dye from entering an area of the fabric). Other methods of creating circle patterns with stitch will also be presented and you will have time to play with the form and come up with your own variations.

On the second day, Rob will present Katano Shibori. In the 1950s Motohiko Katano started experimenting with Shibori resist and ended up creating his own unique brand of Shibori resist patterns, using stitch, pleating and precise sewing.

You will learn how to mark up fabric for stitching, stitch precise pleats and create repeating patterns using a set up Katano’s own designs, as well as creating your own.

If there is time, Rob will also cover some other simple techniques such as marbling, rope rolling and folding to create further patterns and you will have the opportunity to continue your practice using your own ideas with guidance from Rob.

Rob will explain how to set up and maintain an indigo vat for dyeing your work and how to dye and rinse fabric properly with indigo dye.

The Tutor

Rob Jones, a shibori textiles desinger and natural dyer formed Romor Designs in 2015.

Rob has studied Indigo dyeing, Katagami stencilling, Shashiko, Boro and Shibori extensively in Japan.

Rob’s passion is in finding the new in the old, building on the tradition and centuries of skill that shibori has behind it. He believes in taking work in new directions by combining techniques and inventing his own forms.

Visit www.romordesigns.com for more information and @theromordesigns on Instagram

Rob is also teaching Katazome Paste Resist Dyeing on the following two days. The two courses work perfectly together. Shibori and Katazome are two of the main techniques used in Japan to decorate fabric to be made into kimono and other garments. Both have a long history in Japan and produce beautiful fabrics with considerable variation in pattern possible.

All of our workshops take place in our studio at 22 Arun Business Park, Shripney Road, Bognor Regis, PO22 9SX.