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Come and learn an ancient art of dyeing cloth with indigo. This class will take you through the process, from harvesting the plant, preparing the dye, and designing a beautiful silk scarf for you to take home and enjoy for years! You will learn about the history of dyeing with indigo and enjoy a walk through our Bethea’s Garden.
Participants will be shown the ARASHI SHIBORI, also known as pole-wrapping. Arashi (Japanese for “storm”) shibori is a Japanese ancient technique that results in vertical or diagonal stripes that are reminiscent of the storm driven rain. The prepared scarf will then be dipped a few times in a fresh leaf indigo bath. After unwrapping, you will enjoy the surprise of seeing everyone’s unique creation and go home with a beautiful silk scarf.
Bring your own lunch and refillable water bottle.
Please wear old clothes, an old shirt or apron, a pair of rubber or latex gloves, and closed-toe shoes.
Scarf and other materials will be provided.
About Caroline Harper
CHI Design Indigo was launched in 2014 after a trip to Japan to learn about indigo and resist-dyeing. Every day intricate textiles are created for the home and for personal fashion using only natural fiber and natural indigo dye pigment from plants (Indigofera suffruticosa) grown and processed right here in South Carolina.
These products are hand-dyed with natural organic indigo pigment, called Blue Gold Indigo, processed through an old method of fermentation. We grow the plant on Edisto Island and Green Pond, SC and harvest twice, in September and October. After weeks of fermentation, siphoning, filtering and drying, we eventually package a limited amount of indigo pigment for sale for the dyers' community. The remainder is stored for the company and the making of products.
Caroline Harper has been featured in Columbia Living Magazine, Turkey Red Journal, and Charleston Magazine, I have earned 2015 American Made by Martha Stewart, semi-finalist wi.th Made in the South Awards 2016 with Garden and Gun Magazine and 2018 Top Innovator with Apparel Magazine.
The journey continues in 2020 with a focus on home and fashion design, wedding accessories and planning Farm-to-Fabric Indigo Harvests and Workshops along the Southeastern coast.
COVID-19 Statement
The health and safety of our members, guests, staff and volunteers is our top priority. Like many public venues, we are asking our guests to observe social distancing guidelines and based on recommendations from SCDHEC and the CDC, we strongly recommend that our guests wear a mask or comparable face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while in the gardens in close proximity to others. In compliance with Georgetown County Emergency Ordinance 20-33, masks should always be used in any interior spaces, including public restrooms.