BY AMELIA LITTLE
During the annual Olds College Hort Week, Michelle Boyd provided hands-on experience in the historical Japanese craft of shibori, dyeing personalized fabric using locally harvested and natural dyes.
Hort Week, held July 16-19 this year, offers participants opportunities to learn more about various aspects of plants and gardening with others in the horticultural community.
For this shibori activity, the class included attendees from across Alberta and one from Saskatchewan. They learned how to tie-dye scarves.
Tie-dyeing is a process whereby sections of fabric are tied with thread or other materials, then immersed in dye. The dye does not penetrate the part that is tied up, thereby producing certain patterns.
It was the first shibori tie-dye experience for participants Lois Bradley, Sharon Richardson, Lorna Six, and Linda Chitwood, who were all pleased by the outcome of their new scarves.
“We took some chances and tried something new,” Boyd said as the participants unveiled their finished scarves.
Boyd shared her nearly 20 years of experience with the group as they put their own spin on each unique dyed piece.
“We each have our own way of interpreting her techniques,” said Six, admiring her new scarf.
The shibori dyes used in this class varied in strength and colour, giving these participants endless opportunities.
“The thing about natural dyeing is that it’s a surprise every time,” said Richardson. ”No matter how carefully you plan and organize, nature makes its own decisions.”
Richardson encourages everyone to experiment with working with their hands and finding new passions.
The endless possibilities are in the hands of the dyer and you take it home with you.
“Knowledge, the finished product, the inspiration… everything.” said Chitwood.
Ultimately, the final minutes of unravelling the freshly-coloured scarves left these participants with gratification.
“I’m happy with it just because I tried different techniques,” said Six, as she learned from the experience of Boyd.
As they left with their gorgeous new scarves and skills, these participants also gained friends and learned about the art of shibori and the simplicity of natural dyes.
