Workshop: Indigo and Shibori, an Exploration of Resist Techniques with Judilee Fitzhugh

Indigo blue has held a significant place in many world civilizations for thousands of years.  This class will explore indigo with multiple techniques that highlight this dye’s natural beauty.  We will make natural indigo vats that are reliable, easy to produce, remain viable for the long term and use environmentally friendly ingredients. An exploration of resist techniques will produce exquisite surface design patterns on both silk and cotton fabrics.  Students will learn care and maintenance of their vats for home use and finish up with a thorough investigation into the mystery that is indigo blue.

This workshop is led by Judilee Fitzhugh. Judilee is a textile artist based in Molalla, Oregon, at her Oakshadow Studio. She specializes in natural dyes and couture sewing and is a Portland Handweavers Guild member. Learn more about Judilee: https://www.judileefitzhugh.com/

This workshop is suitable for beginners; intermediate and advanced students will be able to explore compound patterning. 

A $25 materials fee includes dye and auxiliaries, fabrics and threads will be paid directly to the instructor.

Students may bring 2-4 yards of additional natural fiber fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk, or wool.  All materials should be pre-washed in hot water and dried without fabric softener. Please be advised that students should wear appropriate clothing and shoes, items that you won’t mind potentially being stained with indigo.  Bring a pair of rubber gloves and an apron, as well as a bag or bin to take wet fabrics home.  If you wish to take home a sample of the indigo vat for further exploration, bring a one-gallon container with a tight fitting lid, such as a paint bucket (available at most paint stores).

DATE: Friday, September 12, 2025 through Sunday, September 14. 9am – 4pm

LOCATION: Ruthie’s Weaving Studio. 4701 SE 24th Ave Suite Z, Portland, OR 97202

PHG determines workshop fees on a sliding scale based on the number of participants. Here is a sampling of estimated workshop fees for PHG and WEGO affiliated guild members by number of participants:

• 4 – $570
• 12 – $210

Non-members of PHG or a WEGO affiliated guild will be charged an additional $25. As a reminder that while the total cost varies by number of registrations. We have 12 spots available. If we receive more than the minimum registrants, as is typical, and your deposit is higher than the final workshop fee, we will refund you the difference. Conversely, if the workshop fee is higher than the deposit, we will invoice you for the difference. The PHG policy for workshop cancellation is described in the PHG Workshop Policy document posted on the PHG website here: https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/archive/education/workshops/workshop-policy/.