Support Artisans through the Indigo Vat Project
INDIGO VAT PROJECT
Natural indigo is the famous blue dye used throughout India. The Maiwa Foundation is building infrastructure to encourage the use of natural indigo (derived from plants) rather than synthetic indigo (synthesized from petrochemicals). We are also encouraging the use of a natural fermentation process in dyeing whenever possible.
Traditional dyeing with natural indigo is accomplished through a fermentation vat. This process is difficult (if not impossible) to do in a shallow plastic pan or a metal pot. As with other fermentation processes (wine, beer, bread) the enzymes which drive the process are sensitive to temperature and environmental conditions.
Traditionally clay vessels are used that may be anywhere from 3 to 10 feet deep. The deeper vessels require more dye to get started, but they can run longer without removing the sediment (which gradually builds up on the bottom of the vat). Deeper vats can also accommodate lengths of cloth. The vats are buried in packed earth to stabilize the temperature. Sometimes they are surrounded on the outside with goat dung. The dung breaks down (like compost) and acts like a slow-release heater to keep the vat active during the winter.
The Maiwa Foundations identifies artisans who are enthusiastic to return to traditional methods. Maiwa will purchase and oversee the installation of traditional vats. In addition the Maiwa Foundation provides training in traditional methods as well as trouble shooting and sourcing natural indigo.
Your donation will assist in the purchase of the pot itself, transport, preparation and installation. The Maiwa Foundation hopes to remove barriers to authentic artisan work.
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ONLINE GIFT CARD
Shopping for someone else but not sure what to give them? Give them the gift of choice with a MAIWA ONLINE gift card.
Gift cards can be used for anything in the MAIWA ONLINE store only. Sorry, the ONLINE gift card cannot be redeemed in the physical stores (Maiwa, Maiwa Supply, Maiwa East).
Gift cards are delivered by email and contain instructions to redeem them at checkout. Our gift cards have no additional processing fees.
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IN-STORE GIFT CERTIFICATE
Looking for a gift certificate for MAIWA SUPPLY, MAIWA EAST or the MAIN MAIWA STORE? Please call us at 604 669 3939 or drop by and we will be happy to issue a gift certificate for the physical stores.
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MAIWA'S HOLIDAY HOURS
MAIWA & MAIWA SUPPLY
GRANVILLE ISLAND, VANCOUVER
December 24th (Christmas Eve) — 10am - 5pm
December 25th (Christmas Day) — Closed
December 26th (Boxing Day) — Closed
December 27th-30th — 10am - 7pm
December 31st (New Years Eve) — 10am - 4pm
January 1st (New Years Day) — Closed
January 2nd — Winter hours in effect until March 31st — 10am-6pm
MAIWA EAST
1310 ODLUM DRIVE, VANCOUVER
December 24th (Christmas Eve) — 9am - 5pm
December 25th (Christmas Day) — Closed
December 26th (Boxing Day) — Closed
December 27th – 9am - 5pm
December 28, 29th – Closed
December 30th – 9am - 5pm
December 31st (New Years Eve) — 9am - 4pm
January 1st (New Years Day) — Closed
January 2nd — Regular hours return, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
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