Classes

SABADA

Folding and Dying

Sabada is thought to be the oldest form of resist dye. Examples of traditional and contemporary sabada will be shown and discussed. Students will learn to pleat and fold the cloth according to a specific design. We will learn about making parallel and intersecting lines, geometric shapes, and repeating patterns. Students will learn to discuss and critique traditional and contemporary Sabada textiles. Mixing dyes requires multiplying fractions, measuring out materials and attention to safety rules. Advanced students may wish to explore folding geometry. Students will work alone or in groups to design and create vibrant textiles.

New England Fiber Collective is offering hands on (experiential) classes in traditional and contemporary West African resist-dye fiber art. We offer six different classes in which students explore, produce and critique various techniques used in the creation of West African textiles. Students will be inspired and encouraged to express themselves in the workshops while creating their textiles.

ELÓ ELELÓ & ELEȘO

Tie-Dye Resist

Eló and Eleló Elo and elelo techniques involve gathering or rolling the fabric and then binding it at intervals with string or raffia before dying. Eleşo uses small seeds or kernels and string or fiber to knot them in place to create a design on the textile. We will learn about traditional designs and materials. Students will think about pattern and color in planning their textiles. We will learn about the effects of varying the size of the binding and the tension. These techniques can be used to build increasingly complex works of art.

ÈLÈŞUN

Folding and Pressure Resist dye

This class builds on the skills learned in Sabada. Students will review the basic folds, then we will take it to the next level with this innovative technique. Wooden blocks and clamps are used to hold the folded fabric in place as it is dyed. The results will vary widely based on the location, size, and shape of the blocks as well as the folding pattern. We will explore positive and negative space, printmaking, and color theory. Where woodworking tools are available to students, we would be happy to offer a preliminary class in making personalized blocks.

IALABÈRÈ

Stitched Resist Dye

This technique lends itself to both rhythmic and narrative designs. There are many traditional designs and motifs and we will discuss their significance. A drawing is made and then a sturdy thread is used for a running stitch or an overcast stitch. The thread or threads are pulled up tight and tied and the fabric is dyed. Variations in thread type, tension, and spacing will produce different marks. Alabéré is excellent for improving hand-eye coordination skills.

IELEKO Part 1

Starch Paste Resist

Eleko is a very important technique for costuming textiles because starch has some unique properties and can be used both as a resist and an agent to shape or smooth the textile. We will study and discuss original artwork and costumes featuring starch eleko. Eleko with starch paste is a very versatile technique requiring three sessions to complete each color layer. The paste is cooked up and applied with stencil or freehand. Students will prepare stencils and use them to make textiles.

Please contact us for more information: info@nefibercollective.org