Describing Jane Callender, Selvedge Magazine has said, "her attention to detail, the exactness of her application, and the control of her materials and techniques have resulted in richly decorative works of extraordinary refinement." Indeed, given the growing popularity of indigo and shibori resist techniques, the work of Jane Callender is increasingly being held up as exemplary. Her works are now iconic—showing just how far a dedicated artist can go. 

And now, Jane has taken her masterwork in pattern and combined it with a distinct palette of natural dyes. We are very excited to be able to offer a Masterclass with Jane. A class in which she will take students deep into the heart of pattern, indigo, and now for the first time, into natural dyes. Jane is in high demand for her workshops in France and also closer to her home in the UK, this is one of the few opportunities to study with her in North America. 

We have two spaces left, but we don't think they will last long.

Full workshops description is here.

Registration available here.

Up in the Maiwa Loft we've just pulled the packing tape off some pretty amazing yarns. There were lots of oohs and ahhhs as we pulled out yarns made of wool, linen, silk, cotton, stainless steel, and paper. These form the basis of Setsuko Torii's workshop - Yarn Aesthetic. There was all this, and then we found that Setsuko had included a special set of spindles for each participant of the class. What lucky students!

As of this posting there are four spaces left in the class. It runs two days, October 20 and 21st. But after these pictures we don't think those spots will last long. So if you have a desire to work with one of the best yarn architects alive, this is the workshop for you.

Full details of the workshop here.

Registration page here.

Setsuko Torii founded AVRIL with Masami Fukui in 1992. For over thirty years AVRIL has been a leading centre for yarn and knit innovation. Torii launched her own brand “SETSUKO TORII” in 2012. Over the years Setsuko has received international recognition as one of the leading designers of both yarns and garments for Habu Textiles. The Habu aesthetic is deeply tied to the notion of slow clothes: “We carry ‘slow’ materials, not flashy, not necessarily pretty, not cheap, not easy, but those that will give a soul to the fabrics.” Setsuko Torii has dedicated her life to making such materials sing.