Aya Fiber Studio

Join us for the 2025 Blue in the Mountains Shibori and Indigo Retreat in the scenic North Carolina Mountains. The event will kick off with the creation of a natural indigo fermentation sukumo vat. Following this, we will host a series of five 2-day Shibori seminars led by the talented visiting artist Makiko Tokunaga.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore various shibori patterns, including Kikkou, Oogangi, Shirakage, Katano, and Hinode. Makiko, always eager to share her latest techniques, may share new methods, ensuring that even those who attended in 2024 can engage with different variations of these patterns. We might even venture into some Arimatsu Shibori techniques!

The first seminars will focus on sukumo vatting and Katazome. From July 1 to July 10, Makiko will guide us in creating the sukumo indigo vat. We will start with lye water and continue until the vat is ready for dyeing our Shibori pieces. During this period, I will also teach the Katazome Rice Paste Resist technique at the Wagonwheel. While participation in Katazome is not mandatory, learning to cut stencils and master Katazome techniques is a productive way to pass the time as we wait for the vatting process, which requires four stirring sessions per day. Participants involved in vat creation are encouraged to stay on-site.

On July 11, we will commence the first of the five 2-day Shibori seminars. There will be a one-day rest between dye sessions, which will be working days, while Sundays will be designated as "Free Days." Class sizes will be limited to ensure that the vat is not overworked; Makiko has meticulously calculated the amount of fabric that can be dyed each day. For those with additional items to dye, other dye vats will be available. The area offers plenty of activities, including white-water rafting, hiking, kayaking, and tubing, as well as renowned trout fishing opportunities. Asheville is just a two-hour drive away, while Blue Ridge, GA, is approximately 45 minutes from our location. Positioned in the farthest western corner of North Carolina, we are conveniently located within 30 minutes of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee

Lodging is arranged separately. There are cabins available at the Wagon Master Ranch, as well as local Airbnb options, and participants are welcome to bring their RVs. Explore the available options and amenities on our website. We have three shareable cabins on-site and one RV for rent. While the cabins are not luxurious, their proximity to the studio allows for extended creative hours. For those bringing RVs, nearby RV sites are available, and I have found a local company that provides delivery and setup services for RV rentals. You can also view local Airbnb options listed on our website at https://www.ayafiberstudio.com/blue-in-the-