Aya Fiber Studio

🎨🎨 Resist & Reveal: The Art of Katazome with Suzanne Connors

Held in Suzanne Connors’ Florida studio, this five-day intensive offers an intimate immersion into the traditional Japanese art of Katazome rice paste resist dyeing. Working in a small-group studio environment, participants will explore hand-cut stencil design, rice paste application, indigo dyeing, and layered color processes that reveal pattern through patience and precision. This studio-based experience emphasizes focused making, thoughtful experimentation, and a deep connection to material, tradition, and personal expression.

“Kata” means stencil, and “zome” means to dye. Together, they create a methodical, deeply satisfying rhythm of process and pattern — a meditative journey where patience meets beauty.

You’ll explore multiple stages of Katazome practice, working with Japanese rice paste, natural indigo, and layered dyes to create cloth that glows with texture and story.

Here’s how the week usually unfolds—structured at first, then opening up so you have time to work at your own pace.

Day 1 – Foundations + First Cuts

We start with the basics:

• Overview of katazome history and process
• Tools, materials, and studio setup
• Intro to katagami paper and knife handling
• Design planning and pattern transfer
• Begin cutting your first stencil

The focus is on getting comfortable and building good habits right from the start.

Day 2 – Stencil Cutting + Backing

• Continue cutting stencils
• Learn silk backing techniques
• Finish and reinforce stencils
• Talk about fabric choices and layout

By the end of the day, most people have at least one solid stencil ready to use.

Day 3 – Paste + Printing

• Make rice paste together
• Learn how to set up fabric with shinshi
• Practice applying paste through stencils
• Begin printing on fabric

This is a big day—everything starts to come together, and most of the core instruction wraps up here.

Day 4 – Indigo + Independent Work

• Indigo dyeing process and care
• Dye pasted fabrics
• Continue printing, dyeing, and refining work

By the end of Day 4, you’ll have learned all the essentials and should already have some really nice fabric pieces to take home.

Day 5 – Finish + Wrap-Up

• Final printing and dyeing
• Washing out and finishing cloth
• Studio time to complete pieces
• Group walk-through to look at everyone’s work and talk about next steps

This last day is mostly about finishing and enjoying the process. If you can’t make it, you won’t miss new instruction—just extra studio time and the group discussion.

✨ Bonus: I’ll also share a noren pattern, and I have indigo kits available in the studio, so you’ll be able to continue working at home if you’d like.

Supply List: https://www.ayafiberstudio.com/katazome-workshop

Studio Environment
Create in Aya’s spacious, light-filled fiber art studio in Stuart, Florida — a space designed for thoughtful, hands-on work. Each artist enjoys ample workspace (never more than two per 4′×8′ table) with power, USB access, and full dye facilities.

Enjoy morning coffee, tea, and pastries, personalized lunch pickups from favorite local cafés, and the calm rhythm of making by the sea. During retreat weeks, the group often gathers for an optional dinner outing at a nearby waterfront restaurant.

Details
Instructor: Suzanne Connors
Dates: February 16–20, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuition: $740
Skill Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: Additional (details provided upon registration)
Class Size: Limited to 10 participants

Experience the quiet beauty of process — where patience, pigment, and pattern come together in layers of light and indigo blue.