Indigo & Shibori 101 Workshop

Indigo & Shibori 101 Workshop is a two-hour, hands-on backyard class at Rhizome DC that introduces participants to the art of dyeing with indigo and the Japanese resist-dye technique known as shibori. Led by natural-dye artist Sophie Kanter, the workshop covers how to prepare and maintain an indigo vat, how to fold and bind fabric to create varied patterns, and how to care for finished indigo-dyed pieces afterward. Each participant receives one bandana to dye, and all other materials are provided, though attendees are welcome to bring a few additional small or medium-sized natural-fiber items to experiment with.

The workshop is designed for beginners and anyone curious about fiber arts and natural color. Sophie Kanter brings a background in foraging local dye plants, studying with textile artists in the San Francisco Bay Area, and attending craft and folk schools focused on indigo and natural dyes. Her approach connects dyeing to slow fashion, sustainability, and a sense of place, and she encourages participants to see the process as part of a plant’s continuing life cycle.

When: Sunday, September 6, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Showtimes: The workshop is a single session beginning at 1:00 PM and ending at 3:00 PM.
Tickets: Registration is required; no ticket price is listed beyond the $15–25 sliding-scale fee.
Cost: $15–25.
Venue: Rhizome DC, in the backyard.
Instructor: Sophie Kanter, natural dyer and founder of thebluesti.com.
Included: One bandana per participant, plus all dyeing materials and supplies.
What to bring: A few additional small or medium-sized items made of at least 50% natural fiber, clothing that can handle stains, an apron if desired, and rubber gloves if available.
Run time: Approximately 2 hours.
Ages: No age restrictions are specified.
Note: The event is tagged as community and fiber arts programming at Rhizome DC.