Blue Basics - Indigo and Woad

July 19, 2026 -  11am- 2pm
R A W Textiles Studio
8536 SE Stark
Portland, Oregon

70.00 + material fee

Registration closes July 17

These 3 hours will be an introduction to Indigo and the blues of woad for anyone with a curiosity for natural dyes and the ancient processes of Indigo / woad. No experience is necessary.

Rio will create a vat that is non toxic by using a method that was introduced by master dyer Michel Garcia. The variations of basic ingredients will ensure you can repeat this method on your own. You will be introduced to indigo from harvest, to pigment extraction, to the making of the vat, and all the alchemy processes in between. But most of all we will saturate the cottons and silks with blue.

There will be plenty of sample swatches for you to dip in the dye vat that is created for all to share. Rio will go over different ways to create pattern such as simple Shibori methods so you can create a 28 inch square piece. If you have your own small project fabrics feel free to bring it with you to dip.

Bring an apron, pen, paper, a dry towel that can be used to absorb H20, and a bag to take home samples.

*There is a 10.00 material fee added to the workshop total. I will be providing latex gloves, fabrics, shibori supplies, information handout

Space is limited to 7 guests

* No refunds within two weeks before class is scheduled. You may transfer your class to another person if you'd like but please let Rio know about this.  There is no make up or transfer classes if you don't show up for scheduled workshop.