The magnificence of indigo blues have thrilled artisans of almost all cultures and times. The transformation of cloth dipped in indigo suggests a potency recognized by craftspeople all over the world. When combined with the many variations of shibori resist techniques the result is blue and white patterning that ranges from simple motifs to elegant three-dimensional pleating.

This highly focused three-day workshop presents the opportunity to connect with traditional artisans through making and maintaining an indigo vat and applying a beautiful array of resist patterns on cotton and silk. Students will work through a variety of shibori methods and will complete the workshop with a finished project on silk. They will work on all-natural fibres using natural indigo.

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 exhibited her textile art installations in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast. She  has also developed a line of naturally dyed and printed fabrics and has been commissioned by such clients as the city of North Vancouver. Currently living in Roberts Creek, BC, she continues her art practice and studies from her studio.