I’m so happy to announce that Idyllwilde will be hosting textile and natural dye artist Graham Keegan for a 2 hour indigo dye and shibori workshop at the Idyllwilde studio in Florence, Alabama. Graham studies, practices, teaches, and writes about natural dyes, and has been a source of valuable information to many contemporary textile artists that use plant- based dyes, including myself. Beverages and light snacks will be provided. Please wear clothes that you don’t mind potentially becoming blue!

• Learn how indigo is extracted from plants

• Learn how to create your own indigo vat from scratch

• Dye fabric with a huge range of patterns, using shibori resist – dyeing techniques

• Bring an item of your own to dip in the vat (a lightweight item such as a shirt, scarf or skirt). Scrap fabric will be provided to practice on, as well as a cotton bandana.

NOTE: At 5 pm, prior to the workshop, Graham will be giving a talk on natural dyes, and giving away free indigo plant seedlings. Join us at the Pocket Park in 7 Points to get free seedlings for your garden, and learn to grow your own dye!

Graham Keegan is a textile designer working exclusively with natural dyes. Having learned to dye through study of the historical record and lots of hands-on experience, he now teaches others to dye. Graham advocates for the use of natural color by distributing dye plants, seeds, books and kits. He specializes in print design using traditional block-print and hand cut stencil techniques. His prints are used by boutique designers and international brands for garments, home goods, accessories and wallpapers.

In May and June of 2018, Graham is traveling across the United States, hosting indigo events: free plant giveaways, cocktail parties, drop-in dye sessions and full fledged indigo workshops. At each stop, indigo clippings, ready to grow into full dye plants, will be available for free to anyone attending.

To learn more about Graham’s work, visit his website here:

http://www.grahamkeegan.com/indigo-tour/