Japanese Indigo Extraction

Our indigo paste is made from the fresh plant tops of persicaria tinctoria grown organically here on our farm in Brookfield, Vermont. It is made by the same fermented water extraction method used around the world for indigo bearing plants and has been washed and strained into a paste containing approximately, 10 to 15% indigotin. It is suitable for all types of indigo vats. Pasted indigo mixes readily with water, going quickly into fine suspension and eliminating the need for grinding and vigorous agitation. Our indigo contains no preservatives and is best stored in the refrigerator.

We are very excited to offer high quality single source organic japanese indigo extract grown and processed on our farm, you can find it for sale here.

Here you see 2,300 Japanese Indigo (persicaria tinctoria) plants started in our greenhouse and then cultivated in the fields.

Japanese Indigo plants are harvested and then fermented in water for about 5 days.  The blue green water is pumped to another tank where it is alkalized with calcium hydroxide, oxygenated with a sump pump, and then allowed to settle in a thick layer on the bottom. The top water is then siphoned off and the remaining blue sludge is washed with fresh water and citric acid to remove impurities.

Finished indigo paste, strained and ready for the vat.

Summer 2017 Plant Dye Workshops

We are very excited to announce our summer classes! 
Save the dates, more info will be coming soon...

July 15 & 16, 2017 
Eco-Printing with Amelia Poole 

      
Here in New England, we are surrounded by nature and textiles. Why not combine the two?  Eco-printed cloth is created by layering prepared cloth or paper with local plants and flowers.  The materials and leaves are bundled together, tightly bound and steamed. This process creates a permanent transfer of pigment from the leaves to the fiber. No external dyes, inks or paints are used in eco-printing. All color and pattern come from the plants themselves!  This process releases extraordinary secrets from local plants we see every day and often take for granted. Eco-printing allows us to look beyond the usual green of leaves and to see their shape and architecture, and explore their chemistry.

Eco-printing techniques developed and popularized by India Flint of South Australia, focus on bioregionalism and the use of sustainable, organic and non-toxic materials.  Eco prints can be used to create wearable or wall art, decorative pieces, such as pillows and wall hangings, and even quilts!

Natural, Sustainable, Beautiful!

Day 1: The class will focus on eco printing techniques – printing on a variety prepared cloth and paper, both simmering and steaming.

Day 2: We will use the samples from the previous day to inform printing of yardage for a garment or enough pieces for a small quilt or paper for a book or other project. Projects will not be finished during class – only the cloth or paper to do so.

Cost of 2 Day Class is $190.  Camping is an option if traveling from far away or we can help you find local lodging.  Contact Jennifer to register for class 802-276-3839 or jyotidhara@hotmail.com

Amelia Poole is coming from Maine to share her talents with us.  Check out her website
http://www.ecouturetextilestudio.com

July 30, 2017
Wear Your Medicine 

Learn about natural dyeing with medicinal plants and connect with the healing spirit of plants, learn what it means to wear your medicine.  Students will learn about dyeing with wool and silk and learn how to cultivate, process, and use medicinal plants for natural dye.  Each student will get to take home a plant dyed silk scarf dyed in the plant color of their choice.  Cost of this class is $95 and includes all materials.  Taught by Jennifer Johnson and Joann Darling.

Contact Jennifer to register 802-276-3839 or jyotidhara@hotmail.com

August 19 & 20, 2017
Harvest a Rainbow of Color 

Learn about natural dyeing as we create a rainbow of color using all local plants and connect with the healing spirit of the plants.  Students will learn how to cultivate, process, and use plants for natural dye and will receive a color sample book which includes recipes, instructions, and colored yarn samples for all dyes in the class.  Cost of this 2 day class is $135 and includes all materials.  Taught by Jennifer Johnson and Joann Darling.

Contact Jennifer to register 802-276-3839 or jyotidhara@hotmail.com

September 10, 2017
The Art of Mushroom Dyes 

Taught by Joann Darling.

The fascination with using mushrooms as a natural dye is both challenging and rewarding. The colors you can obtain range from brown, gold, orange to reds and purples. Come Join me for a  day of exploration, experimentation and excitation!  

Contact Jennifer to register 802-276-3839 or jyotidhara@hotmail.com

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Classes from 2016: