Workshop – The Shifted Warp Ikat Scarf

Ikat is the centuries-old art and technique of resist-dying pattern into individual threads before weaving. It is a complex and revered fiber process resulting in graphically elaborate and compellingly beautiful woven cloth. Ikat wrapped yarns, when dipped in vats of dye, instantly become timeless, immersed in an ancient partnership between intention, design, and color.

Participants in this three-day workshop will design, wrap, dye, and weave a blue/white ikat scarf while learning the basic techniques of the warp ikat process. Each student will stretch a warp for an ikat scarf using warp yarns and a warping board they have brought to class. Several ikat warp wrapping methods will be demonstrated. The first day’s session will culminate in students dyeing their wrapped warps using Procion Mx fiber reactive synthetic dye and then unwrapping the ikat resist warp bundles. Yarns will dry overnight.

On Day 2 each student will dress and warp their loom with their dyed ikat threads. Yarn handling and four different ikat warp shifting techniques will be discussed and demonstrated. Students will continue weaving on Day 3, learning further ikat weaving techniques and adjustments for creating many classic ikat designs and patterns.

This is a unique opportunity to work in person with the instructor, an accomplished ikat weaver.

Requirements:
This is NOT a learn to weave workshop.
Student should be able to wind a warp, warp a loom, and weave without assistance. However, no previous dyeing or ikat experience is necessary.

The student materials fee: $20, for ikat tape, dye auxiliaries, workshop handouts
List of equipment and supplies to be provided by each student:
* 2-4 shaft loom (not rigid heddle)
* portable warping board brought to class
* 2 3” c-clamps for attaching warping board to table
* warp yarns-(supply sheet to be sent out nearer the workshop)
* workshop loom with reed compatibly sized for a dense warp sett -10, 12, or 15 dent
* 2 wooden dowel rods cut 2” narrower than the width of your reed: ½’, ¾”, or 1” in diameter
* 1 shuttle with bobbins + your usual weaving supplies & header materials
* wide eye steel tapestry needle
* pair of small sharp scissors
* small spool of sturdy cotton cord or seine twine

Maximum: 15

About the Artist:
Artist Statement - Weaving is my medium, but creating decorative textile art is not my goal. Rather, it is my use of “Ikat,” the complex technique of resist dyeing and over-dyeing fibers, that best defines my intent. The term "Ikat" means to "bind" or "tie" in the Malaysian language. I create contemporary tapestry, pushing the boundary of this ancient art form, to investigate the intricacies of how we, as individuals, are tied to one another. The complexity and uncharted potential of warp and weft - combined with the alchemy of color compositions and archetypal symbols - reference the elaborate and intricate patterns of our lives and my work. Each densely woven and intricately layered textile reflects the infinite and repetitive ways that cultures, rituals and collective memories bind us all together. By evolving and transforming timeless motifs and visual language into a contemporary (con)text, I seek to engage my viewers - as well as myself - in dialogues and discussions that reawaken and tie us all to one another.

Artist’s website: Mary Zicafoose