Indigo Dyeing in the forest

After a circuitous route via Monsalvat (amazing buildings and interesting art), Kuranga Native nursery (for some Eucalyptus cineria) and a beautiful drive through the Dandenongs I arrived at Marty & Jude’s wonderfully historic house for an indigo dyeing workshop. The house was originally used in the 1940’s as a sewing factory and then in the 50’s as a school annexe while the secondary school was extended. Jude kindly allowed me to rent her guest room for a totally immersive weekend. I woke this morning to see the resident sheep and goats quietly munching away (lawn movers and pruners).

She has a spacious room for classes, opening out onto a courtyard for messy work. Throughout the house her naturally dyed artwork sets a beautiful ambiance and her deck has the most magnificent views down to the creek. If you ever get the chance to attend a workshop at her home studio grab it. Postscript-she has space in November for a 2 day Indigo dyeing workshop.

This is preparing the indigo, with the lime and fructose ready to be added.

I will post some photos of my results tomorrow when I have finished rinsing.

This is a wonderful kimono made from workshops with the local secondary school:

Thank you Jude, I had a wonderful weekend immersed in a beautiful place.