the MAIWA BLOG: April 2013

Monday, April 29, 2013 No comments

Registration opens June 24 at 10am.

2013 Maiwa Textile Symposium

There’s a Plant I’d Like You to Meet, New Organic Dye Methods

Michel Garcia

7:45 pm (doors open at 7:30) - $15.00

Thursday, September 12, 2103

Net Loft: Granville Is. Vancouver BC

In 2013, Michel Garcia returns from France to report on new discoveries in the world of natural dyes and techniques.

Michel has spent recent years travelling the world and attempting to unravel the secrets of indigenous dye knowledge. Many strange practices produce unusual colours. He will share stories and the fruits of his research in this lecture. Among the highlights are biomordants: plants which accumulate alum in their leaves. This development is one of the most exciting to hit the world of natural dyes.

Well versed in both botany and chemistry, a curious investigator of dyestuff and dye procedures, Mr. Garcia has been asked to troubleshoot and fine-tune natural dye works all over the world.

A French national born in Morocco, Michel Garcia was nineteen when he first discovered natural dyes. Since then he has followed his love of both plants and pigments. In 1998 he formed the association Couleur Garance (Madder Colour). The association hoped to connect young ecologically sensitive artisans with the substantial expertise of an older generation of dyers. Under his direction, Couleur Garance produced over twenty monographs on natural dyes and dye plants.

This talk will be fascinating both for experts and those who are new to natural dyes.

Bio

Michel Garcia is a French national born in Morocco. He was nineteen when he first discovered natural dyes. Since then he has followed his love of both plants and pigments. In 1998 he formed the association Couleur Garance (Madder Colour). The association hoped to connect young ecologically sensitive artisans with the substantial expertise of an older generation of dyers. Under his direction, Couleur Garance produced over twenty monographs on natural dyes and dye plants.

In 2002 Michel founded the Botanical Garden of Dye Plants at the Château de Lauris. In 2003 an international forum and market for natural dyes was added. A year later a resource centre was established.

In 2006 Michel handed over leadership of Couleur Garance so that he could further pursue his interest in colour and dye techniques. He has published three titles on natural dyes showing the range of shades available and how to obtain them.

Michel teaches and advises internationally on natural colours and dyes..

Monday, April 29, 2013 No comments

Saturday, April 27, 2013 No comments

Registration Opens June 24 at 10am

2013 Maiwa Textile Symposium

Pot of Gold - Rainbow Dyeing in a Dyepot

Carol Soderlund

$250 includes 60 lab fee

November 7,8 2013 - Class Limit 16

Maiwa East: 1310 Odlum Drive, Vancouver BC

Pot of Gold dyeing refers to the rainbow in a dyepot! If you have shied away from dyeing before because of time or space constraints, this method is for you. Less dye, less water, less mess makes it all so easy. In this two-day class you will dye more than 36 pieces of gorgeous, multi-coloured cotton and some tonal solids. Explore the unlimited possibilities of low-water techniques, including crystalline marking, faux batik with fabric paint, folded and clamped resists, over-dyeing, and mark-making techniques.

Whether you are a beginner with Procion MX dye or an experienced dyer, this class will get your juices flowing. You will leave class with a clear understanding of fibre-reactive dyes and how to build pattern, layer colour, and choose value, all in a small space. Carol will provide you with a multitude of recipes.

The techniques taught are all different from those covered in True Colours: Developing a Personal Palette, so feel free to take both classes if you wish!

Carol joins us from New York.

Instructor Bio

Carol Soderlund’s works have been exhibited nationally and internationally since 1985 in such venues as Visions and American Quilting Society shows and have received numerous awards, including Best of Show at the 1989 International Quilt Festival and Best Use of Color at the Pennsylvania National Quilt Exhibition 2000. She has taught colour, fabric dyeing, colour-mixing techniques, and quilting throughout North America and is currently working on a book on these subjects.

“My work is primarily driven by a passion for colour interactions, the illusions they create, the luminosity they can bring to a surface. I love creating my own palette of fabric through painting, dyeing, and other surface design processes including discharge, shibori, stamping, screening, and foiling. My goal in design is to have a piece that intrigues the viewer at first glance and then continues to reveal surprises upon every inspection.” www.carolsoderlund.com

Thursday, April 25, 2013 No comments

Registration Opens June 24 at 10am

2013 Maiwa Textile Symposium

True Colours - Developing a Personal Palette

Carol Soderlund

$325 includes 75 lab fee

November 4, 5, 6, 2013 - Class Limit 16

Maiwa East: 1310 Odlum Drive, Vancouver BC

For the dyer, the many choices of available colours can lead to confusion and disappointment in colour outcomes. This class will help students choose the pure colour that is suitable for developing a personal palette. Carol has dyed over 80 individual palettes which she will share with you through slide presentations, discussions, and hands-on dyeing. Brilliant yellows, passionate purples, rich reds, astounding blues, and soothing greens as well as the many necessary neutrals will be achieved through mixing using Procion MX dyes.

This class will focus on developing skill in intuitive colour-mixing based primarily on training the eye and understanding the relationship between colours. Students will come to an understanding of warm and cool contrasts and will learn how to choose a personal palette of pure reds, yellows, and blues from which all hues can be mixed. In addition the class will learn not only how to dye saturated, brilliant colours and avoid mud, but also how to create interesting complex neutrals (Bring on the mud puddles!). And they will learn how to shade from value to value and hue to hue.

Students will dye from 8 to 10 yards of cotton using low-water immersion techniques. On the first day, we will develop concepts through lecture and discussion and do some exercises to get familiar with the pure hues. On the days following, we will dye yardage using low-water immersion techniques, resulting in both solid-coloured and multi-coloured cloth, and explore the possibilities of layering colour to enrich the palette.

This class is suitable for all levels of experience, for both those who have had Carol’s class Colour Mixing for Dyers and those who have not.

Instructor Bio

Thursday, April 25, 2013 No comments

Registration Opens June 24 at 10am

2013 Maiwa Textile Symposium

Phototransfer for Textiles

Natalie Grambow

$195 includes 60 lab fee

November 2, 3, 2013 - Class Limit 14

Maiwa East: 1310 Odlum Drive, Vancouver BC

This two-day workshop will focus on a number of transfer processes that allow students to incorporate photo imagery into their work.

Students will learn methods for the transfer of both black-and-white and colour imagery onto cloth. These include transparent marker, iron-on, solvent, and gel-medium transfers. Students will also learn how to layer, collage, and transfer photocopied images of drawings, text, and photos onto cloth. The final piece will be embellished by hand embroidering, stencilling, and/or blockprinting to create a unique work that exhibits a layered complexity.

Students are encouraged to bring a folder of personal imagery or text that they would like to incorporate into their work. Photocopies brought by the student should be fresh (one day old) and from a toner-based machine. An array of inspirational source material will also be on hand.

Instructor Bio

Natalie Grambow has an extensive background in design, teaching, and textile arts. An accredited Interior Designer, she spent many years in Ottawa working within the architectural design field and teaching Design Theory. Natalie’s first deep exploration of textiles began during her Visual Arts/Photography studies at the University of Ottawa when she experimented with non-silver techniques of transferring photographic imagery onto cloth. She subsequently studied at the École d’Impression Textile à Montréal and later travelled to Asia and Latin America where she spent six months learning to weave with local Mayan weavers in Guatemala. Shortly after completing the Textile Arts program at Capilano College in 2001, she was awarded the BC Craft Association’s Award of Excellence. Natalie has developed a line of naturally dyed and printed fabrics and has been commissioned by such clients as the city of North Vancouver (to present an artist’s vision of North Vancouver on fabric).

Thursday, April 25, 2013 No comments

Registration Opens June 24 at 10am

2013 Maiwa Textile Symposium

Bookbinding - Ancient to Modern

Gaye Hansen

$295 includes 70 lab fee

October 28, 29, 30, 2013 - Class Limit 12

Maiwa Loft: Above the Net Loft, Granville Is. Vancouver BC

This new class is an overview of bookbinding techniques and basic procedures. Students are introduced to the book arts in a casual and practical three-day format.

Both of Gaye’s bookbinding courses include fundamental binding techniques such as Japanese stab binding, corner treatments, the pamphlet stitch, the use of book cloth, and signature procedures.

Students will learn how to make an accordion book and simple effective origami books. They will progress to full instruction on a simple hard-covered journal including sewn signatures and the application of end papers and spine cloth.

The main focus of the third day is the technique of Coptic or open-spine bookbinding, the oldest known book format. Students will learn about traditional techniques: hard covers, linen threads, cloth covers, end papers, and variations.

Throughout the three days students are exposed to a wide range of materials, equipment, and techniques including the use of decorative papers, mounting film, text pages, book cloth, etc. Time is set aside for learning through visual examples, demonstrations, personal instruction, text books, and web resources to maximize exposure to the ancient but reviving creative field of hand bookbinding.

Instructor Bio

Gaye Hansen is the maker of books of exceptional beauty that contain intriguing wonders. She has an extensive background in bookbinding and the textile arts and has taught our popular bookbinding courses for the last eight years. She is also a master weaver who has taught weaving workshops for over 30 years. In 2002 she was chair of the Convergence Conference of the Hand Weavers Guilds of America. She has also been active with the Vancouver Weavers and Spinners Guild and is author of five best-selling Canadian cookbooks.

Thursday, April 25, 2013 No comments

Registration Opens June 24 at 10am

2013 Maiwa Textile Symposium

Natural Dyes - Print and Pattern

A Babchuk and D Bush

$395 includes 80 lab fee

October 29, 30, 31,November 1, 2013 - Class Limit 16

Maiwa East: 1310 Odlum Drive, Vancouver BC

This is one of our most popular natural dye classes. Study the art of preparing natural dyes, tannins, and mordants so that they can be used for direct application.

The ability to mix and thicken natural dyes opens up many possibilities for creating designs on fabric that are simply not possible with immersion dyeing.

This class will unlock the power of ancient methods that have given traditional craftspeople the capability of delivering pattern and colour on fabric. A wide array of variations are also possible through the combinations of different mordants, tannins, dyes, overdyes, and dyebaths. Students will learn how these variations can shift the final colour. These useful techniques are like dye magic: one dyestuff yields an impressive range of shades.

The workshop will combine direct application with appropriate patterning techniques such as block printing, stencilling, screen printing, shibori, and wax resist. The wonder of natural dyes will be enhanced by our choice of print material: natural fibres such as silks and cotton

Instructor Bios

Anne Babchuk has been a resident instructor for the Maiwa Textile Workshops for the past 18 years. She has taught classes in a wide range of traditional and contemporary surface design processes. Some specialties are: natural dyeing and printing, indigo dyeing, shibori, blockprinting, and precision dyeing.

Anne studied fine art at Okanagan University. To fund her education she started her own home-based textile business. She feels her greatest education has come through working for Maiwa Handprints, taking workshops from world-class instructors, and travelling.

Currently she archives and maintains the Maiwa Textile Collection and Library. She is also a trustee of the Maiwa Foundation and co-ordinator for the Maiwa Textile Symposium.

Danielle Bush is on staff at Maiwa Supply and one of our newest instructors. Her career in textiles began with sewing and fashion studies at the University of the Fraser Valley. Upon completing courses in design, drawing, drafting, and construction, she was accepted to Maiwa Handprints to do a week-long practicum in the textile collection. In her words: “It changed my life.”

A veteran assistant for numerous workshops, Danielle is also the Maiwa sample dyer. In 2009 Danielle represented Maiwa at the ISS (shibori conference) held in France, and in 2011 she was a facilitator for the Maiwa Natural Dye Master Class taught by Michel Garcia in Bengal, India. Showing a natural understanding and aptitude for dye techniques, Danielle is a welcome addition to our roster of instructors.

Thursday, April 25, 2013 No comments

Registration Opens June 24 at 10am

2013 Maiwa Textile Symposium

African Mudprinting

Michele Wipplinger

$295 includes 85 lab fee

October 26, 27, 28, 2013 - Class Limit 16

Maiwa East: 1310 Odlum Drive, Vancouver BC

Learn creative mark-making using simple mud slurries. These powerful earth colours come from locations as diverse as Italy, Greece, and your own back yard. After the muds, ochres will be applied as a second layer. These brighten the painted mudcloth and give it a lively sense of light.

The mud colour range used in the workshop will include: bogolan black, bronze green, dark violet grey, rouge de Provence, and Mojave brown. Explore the different depths of shade and hue created using an extensive variety of mud combinations.

Students will also work with a range of coloured tannins. The tannins work in concert with the oxides in the mud to fix the colour on the cloth. Variation of mud and tannin create a field for the artist to explore. As a final step, the technique of discharge will be taught.

During the workshop each participant will have the opportunity to paint their cloth using traditional tools (metal Binye and a twig from nature) and an assortment of brushes and antique Afghan wood blocks.

Michele joins us from Seattle.

Instructor Bio

Michele Wipplinger is president of Earthues Inc., an international colour and design consulting company specializing in ecology and the artisan. She has over 30 years’ experience in the field of natural design and ecological process, with an emphasis on natural dyes. She lectures worldwide and creates an exclusive line of silk shawls hand-painted with natural dyes.

Michele has been a consultant in Nepal for the development of colour and natural-dye processes for the Tibetan hand-woven carpet industry. She has developed products and consulted on colour for Aveda, Origins, Martha Stewart Living, Esprit, Terra Verde, and Nature Conservancy. Michele is on the Executive Board of Directors for Colour Marketing Group and received the United Nations award for her environmental stewardship on the development of an ecological natural-dye process for the American textile industry. www.earthues.com

Thursday, April 25, 2013 No comments

Registration Opens June 24 at 10am

2013 Maiwa Textile Symposium

The Living Landscape

Lorraine Roy

$350 includes 85 lab fee

October 25, 26, 27, 2013 - Class Limit 14

Maiwa Loft: Above the Net Loft, Granville Is. Vancouver BC

Whether realistic or invented, natural landscapes offer exciting creative options. Although each landscape design requires a unique approach, a few basic guidelines help simplify the process of moving from drawing or photo to finished textile.

Using collage with nets*, simple machine appliqué, and machine embroidery as our techniques, we will look at ways to lay out a complete landscape design from start to finish, experiment with texture and colour for sky, earth, and water, and discuss ways to incorporate rocks, trees, celestial bodies, and other elements.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas for designs and will receive plenty of individual guidance.

Participants can expect to create a number of samples and one or more finished surfaces that can be completed or mounted at home. Ideas for framing and finishing will be demonstrated.

Participants must have a working knowledge of free-motion stitchery. Each must bring a sewing machine equipped with a darning or embroidery foot.

* Collage with Nets:

I begin with a plain fabric ground. On this surface I drop hundreds of bits of cut fabric and thread until I reach a depth and texture that pleases me. I then pin transparent netting on top (usually nylon tulle) to hold everything in place. The layers are then machine-stitched together. This new fabric is now ready for further surface work.

Instructor Bio

Lorraine writes of herself “My science education and my love of fabric set the stage for a unique art career. As I became proficient, I devoted more and more time to my art until, just over twenty five years ago, it became a full time occupation. Not surprisingly, most of my imagery was, and is, inspired by trees. Trees are classic symbols of our connection with the natural world. And what better medium than fabric, itself a plant or animal product, to capture and reflect the attributes of nature? My latest imagery combines realism and abstraction, providing ample room for interpretation and sensual pleasure. Nothing brings me more joy than to coax order and beauty out of a messy jumble of materials. I like to think that my art imitates life.”

Monday, April 22, 2013 No comments

Registration Opens June 24 at 10am

2013 Maiwa Textile Symposium

Tree of Life - Creativity and Design

Lorraine Roy

$250 includes 60 lab fee

October 23, 24, 2013 - Class Limit 14

Maiwa Loft: Above the Net Loft, Granville Is. Vancouver BC

Few life forms have inspired as many stories, mythologies, and legends as our giant companions. As the oldest living creatures, they bring to mind security, shelter, and connections to our past, yet they harbour mysteries as well.

In this workshop students will examine all aspects of the tree, from the scientific to the fanciful, to create designs that reflect a personal symbolism.

The “Tree of Life” theme is very close to Lorraine’s heart. Using collage with nets*, simple machine appliqué, and machine embroidery as our techniques, we will work with all the components of a design that features trees: background, foreground, and main subject.

In order to hit the ground running, partipants will be asked to collect information about their favourite tree to prepare for the workshop.

Participants can expect to create a number of samples and one or more finished surfaces that can be completed or mounted at home. Ideas for framing and finishing will be demonstrated.

Participants must have a working knowledge of free-motion stitchery. Each must bring a sewing machine equipped with a darning or embroidery foot.

* Collage with Nets:

Instructor Bio

Monday, April 22, 2013 No comments

Registration Opens June 24 at 10am

2013 Maiwa Textile Symposium

Between the Colours - Creative Resist

Natalie Grambow

$195 includes 60 lab fee

October 19, 20, 2013 - Class Limit 14

Maiwa East: 1310 Odlum Drive, Vancouver BC

This very popular workshop has returned. Here students will obtain a comprehensive understanding of resists: what advantage each might have, what effects can be obtained, and what the proper techniques are for manipulating fabric, colour, and resist. This course is an ideal introduction to resist as a vital element of surface design.

The class will work with fibre-reactive dyes, fabric paints, discharge agents, and water-based paste resists including flour paste, potato starch, corn dextrin, and devore. Students will also study a variety of pre-made resists such as wax emulsion, Presist, Sabra-silk, gutta, glue gels, and puff pigments (to create puckered effects).

Finally, students will study hot wax resist and a range of shibori resists including pole-wrapping clamped resist and stitch-bound resist. Students will leave the workshop with many samples showing a variety of techniques and effects. A final project will also be completed.

Instructor Bio

Monday, April 22, 2013 No comments

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