Indigo Vat Resist Techniques Workshop with Maddy Bartsch from Three Rivers Fibershed

Rescheduled from 2022 to March 2023. Join Maddy Bartsch from Three Rivers Fibershed for an Indigo Vat Resist Techniques Workshop at the Anderson Center North Studios Saturday, March 4, 2023 from noon – 3 p.m. Class fee is $60 for general public and $55 for Anderson Center Members (class fee includes $12 materials fee). Space is limited, advance registration is required. Appropriate for ages 15 and older.

While seemingly complex from the outside, the world of natural dyeing is a lot like baking, where if you have the right recipe and an understanding of your ingredients, you can create something wonderful and replicate it for a lifetime.

Indigo, one of the best-known natural dyes, is a great place to start. Students will learn about the complex history of indigo and how the dyeing process works, then practice multiple resist folding techniques to create unique patterns on tea towels, fabric squares, and bandanas. Participants will leave with a new understanding of the history and significance of indigo and how to create multiple resist folding techniques.

Bring gloves and be sure to dress in clothing that can get dyed blue! Light beverages and snacks will be provided. Feel free to bring a sack meal.

Maddy Bartsch is an artist, educator and organizer of decentralized textile economies based in Minneapolis. She is a co-founder and co-president of the Three Rivers Fibershed. Maddy’s previous experience includes project management for the Minnesota Hemp Wool Project and the Three Rivers Fibershed Regional Fiber Sourcebook, as a research assistant for the National Mill Inventory Survey, as a Farm Educator at Gale Woods Farm and as a Yarn Incubator. Maddy recently began a plant-based dye business, Salt of the North Dyes, to provide accessible local color to all. Maddy speaks on the topic of local fiber systems and sustainable textiles and teaches fiber arts classes to learners of all ages throughout the Midwest.