Embrace the blues and get ready to dive into the exciting world of natural dyeing with indigo! We’ll spend our workshop learning about indigo dyeing and exploring shibori techniques to create patterns on cloth. 

INSTRUCTOR: Fiber artist Laura Berkowitz Gilbert/Tocco Studio

HISTORY: We begin with a brief history of indigo and discuss the various indigo growing regions across the world. Laura will focus on Japan and share her experience meeting with seventh-generation indigo farmers, dyers and designers in Tokushima on the island of Shikoku. 

USING AN INDIGO VAT: We will discuss plant-based indigo as a dye, how it differs from other natural dyes and synthetic indigo, and practically, how dyers get the indigo to adhere to the fiber. We explore why the fabric is green when it is pulled out of the vat and then slowly turns blue. 

SHIBORI: We’ll learn the resist dye technique called shibori and how it works with indigo. Laura will show us several types of shibori bindings and how to maintain a healthy vat while dyeing. Then we will spend the remainder of the class dipping our prepped textiles into the vat multiple times to achieve rich color and pattern. Laura will provide finishing and care instructions to implement at home.

May 7th from 6-8pm

Come get flowery with Blossom + Stem Floral Design and create a gorgeous flower centerpiece just in time for Mother's Day! Work with premium fresh flowers designing your own custom centerpiece and take your floral creation home! 

May 11 | 1-3 PM

Embrace the blues and get ready to dive into the exciting world of natural dyeing with indigo! We’ll spend our workshop learning about indigo dyeing and exploring shibori techniques to create patterns on a silk scarf. It will make the perfect gift for Mother's Day!

 INSTRUCTOR: Fiber artist Laura Berkowitz Gilbert/Tocco Studio

HISTORY: We begin with a brief history of indigo and discuss the various indigo growing regions across the world. Laura will focus on Japan and share her experience meeting with seventh-generation indigo farmers, dyers and designers in Tokushima on the island of Shikoku.  

USING AN INDIGO VAT: We will discuss plant-based indigo as a dye, how it differs from other natural dyes and synthetic indigo, and practically, how dyers get the indigo to adhere to the fiber. We explore why the fabric is green when it is pulled out of the vat and then slowly turns blue. 

SHIBORI: We’ll learn the resist dye technique called shibori and how it works with indigo. Laura will show us several types of shibori bindings and how to maintain a healthy vat while dyeing. Then we will spend the remainder of the class dipping our silk scarf into the vat multiple times to achieve rich color and pattern. Laura will provide finishing and care instructions to implement at home.

May 16 | 6-7:30 PM

INSTRUCTOR: Fiber artist Laura Berkowitz Gilbert/Tocco Studio

 In this workshop, we’ll unveil the secrets of bundle dyeing, a technique that harnesses the power of steam to infuse plant-based color onto fibers. Not only does this method yield stunning results, but It has an added ecological benefit of using less water than a typical dyebath.

 You’ll use a variety of flowers and extracts to create a unique botanical pattern on a lightweight cotton tote bag - that will be your go-to this summer! 

Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or a curious beginner, join us at MoCA and embark on a journey where creativity blooms and sustainability thrives. 

Visible Mending

May 30 | 6:30-8 PM

INSTRUCTOR: Fiber artist Laura Berkowitz Gilbert/Tocco Studio

Did you know that with the rise of fast fashion, the average American throws out over 80 pounds of clothes every year?

What if you could learn how to mend your favorite pieces of clothing - not only could you prolong the life of beloved items in your wardrobe, you also will reduce your contribution to landfills. 

Learn about the art of visible mending and you’ll start thinking about holes in your clothes as opportunities for creative expression rather than a boring mending chore! 

We’ll go over basic techniques and then you’ll use a provided hand dyed shibori patch and a jean square to fashion your own patch and practice your stitches. 

You can use it later to mend a hole in your wardrobe or for any creative expression you fancy. 

No sewing experience necessary - anyone can learn to mend! 

Price includes: the shibori dyed fiber, a jean square, a pair of sashiko needles and sashiko thread. Please bring sewing scissors.