Adire: West African Dyeing



Create Aso Adire (indigo-dyed fabric) using resist and dyeing techniques from the Yoruba culture of West Africa. We will celebrate the blending of this traditional art form with a contemporary vision. We will create textiles that will pulse with geometric shapes, patterns, rhythms and improvisation. This resist dyeing method enlivens traditional garments and popular modern wearable art. Learn about its designs and how to achieve them using wax, string, beads, cotton and rayon rabric and procion dyes.
Course Number
AW609Class Size
6Age Range
15+Skill Level
All LevelsPrerequisite
None
Materials
Bring to class:
- Scissors
- Seam ripper
- 2 medium-sized sewing needles
- Two types of cotton string (do not substitute nylon or other fibers):
• 100% cotton kite string from a local toy store
• 100% cotton package string from a local hardware store - 10 yards of 100% cotton fabric: broadcloth, cotton sateen, etc. No silk!
- An assortment of paintbrushes – 1 each small, medium and large – for wax resist.
Please note: You will not be able to use these brushes for anything but wax after this. - A pair of plastic gloves. Bluettes are best.
The following are available at your local hardware store:
- 1 heavy-duty respirator for your protection while mixing dyes
- 1 pair of plastic safety glasses
- 1 spray bottle
- 4 plastic dish-washing pans
Instructor, Schedule, and Cost
Instructor: Ifé Franklin
Section 1F: 2 Sundays, 10am–6pm, Oct 17 & 24
$200
plus $20 materials fee payable in class


