Do you love the classic color combination of blue and white? Are you a fan of working with Indigo? Does your inner-hippie love to tie-dye??? If you said yes to any one of these questions, I have GREAT NEWS to share! Later this month at The Gathering, I will be welcoming nationally renowned Shibori expert and instructor, Debbie Maddy to Primitive Gatherings! If you’re not familiar with Shibori, it’s a Japanese tie-dyeing method done by hand that produces a number of different patterns on fabric by using wringing, pressing, and squeezing techniques.

To give you a little of her history, Debbi began her journey with Indigo as most people do – in a class learning to fold and clamp fabrics, and then dyeing them with Indigo. After many classes, she decided to learn how to stitch, wrap, and fold fabric in very unusual ways to get more intricate and unique designs. She has traveled to England, twice to Japan, and all over the United States taking classes and learning from Shibori masters. Debbie has always loved fiber arts of all kinds! She has been quilting for over 35 years, pattern designing for 15, and teaching for 20. She has been featured on TV as well as online, and is a fellow fabric designer for Moda. Debbie says that her favorite thing about learning new things is sharing that knowledge with other people. It’s pretty obvious that  she loves what she does, because Debbie is an outstanding teacher! That’s why I was thrilled to hear she would be returning to The Gathering for the second year in a row. What a privilege – I can’t wait!

When Debbie was here last summer I got the opportunity to explore some dyeing techniques that I’ve never tried before, and had a ton of fun doing it. I really enjoyed experimenting with the different methods used to create Shibori art. One technique I tried involved scrunching fabric around a pipe to create a cool striped effect. I also got to play around with dyeing wool with Indigo, which produced some super pretty blues that we don’t normally see with wool. I even tried my hand at applying dye over stitching using Indigo, and ended up with some really neat star pattern results to show for it. Pretty cool!

Debbie’s classes are fun and informative! Not only does she teach you all about Indigo and Shibori, she also covers how she comes up with her fabric designs for Moda and the techniques she uses to achieve them… So in other words if you see something you really like, all you have to do is ask and she will show you how to make it for yourself! Ready to sign up? This year we’re offering two options for classes. August 30th, 2022 we are holding a one-day class that runs from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM at The Gathering. The cost for the one-day class is $175 and includes a dyeing kit, supplies, and lunch! This class gives a brief explanation of Shibori, Itajime (board clamping), marble wrapping, and other fun techniques complete with demonstrations.

If you’re looking for a more extensive class, there is also a three-day workshop being held on August 31st through September 2nd, 2022 from 9:00 AM until 5:00PM each day. The cost of the class is $425 plus lodging, and also includes a dyeing kit, supplies, and lunch (please call The Gathering at 920.778.8031 for lodging information and rates). Topics to be covered include Arashi Shibori (pole wrapping) and other types of more advanced folding, wrapping, and stitch dyeing techniques, with extensive demonstrations and more detailed instruction not typically covered in shorter classes. You can’t go wrong!Last week I caught up with Debbie while she was teaching at one of her workshops. She was gracious enough to take a minute away from her class to come on as my guest during our LIVE show, “STITCH with Lisa Bongean” on Thursday. She gave us a first-hand look at the different types of projects and demonstrations she does working with Indigo and Shibori, and explained a little about the methods to her madness. If you didn’t get a chance to see it, there’s still time! You can catch the replay by hitting the STITCH button below!

If you’ve been thinking of coming to retreat but are still undecided, this is a great class to get involved in! No to mention, Debbie is just about as sweet as can be. She really is a joy to have around! I think half the battle of being a good teacher is having the right energy and attitude, and Debbie has both! Her positivity is contagious and she is always brimming with inspiration! Have I convinced you to get here yet? Space is limited so if you’re on the fence, don’t wait too much longer! I know you’re ready to sign up… Call Judy at 920.778.8031 to register!

Well folks, the sun is starting to make it’s way toward the western horizon which is my queue to pack up and head home for the night. If your’e in the area this weekend, stop out! Don’t forget in honor of our anniversary week we’re also offering 20% OFF store-wide, both in-store and online through this Sunday, August 14th, 2022! That’s 20% OFF your favorite patterns, kits, threads, notions, books, and sew much more (sale does NOT include sewing machines, Garden Gatherings pre-cuts or yardage, pre-ordered items, thread kits, Creative Grids Rulers, the PG 2022 Holiday Box, “Letters for Santa” QAL bundles, O’ Say Can You Sew QAL bundles, Meet Me in the Garden merchandise, or any other discounted items or fabric)!

Like I said during “STITCH with Lisa Bongean” yesterday, after all the sales we’ve had going on over the last couple weeks I feel like it’s going to be a while before I throw another one. That means if you need to stock up, the time is now. The clock is ticking so get shopping! After all, that’s what weekends are for! I hope you have a good one and I will see you on Monday! Take care. ~Lisa