• Textile art classes at FACTS, Blyth

    There are a number of textile art classes running at the FACTS Gallery in Blyth. Check out the options below or visit their website for complete info: https://factsblyth.ca. Intro to Crochet Join FACTS for a relaxing evening of stitching as Cathy Nethery introduces you to the basics of crochet. After learning the fundamental stitches, you will create a stunning scarf using variegated yarn. Indigo Dye Day Watch the magic of Indigo as it turns natural fibres into beautiful shades of blue. Bring your dingy whites to change blue or purchase items from us to dye on our Indigo Dye Day! Intro to Rug Hooking Learn the timeless tradition of rug…

  • The story of blue

    From www.greatbigstory.com — Real indigo-dyed clothing is not like the blue you know. Richer than the chemical blues used on most fabrics today, real indigo dye comes from a plant and has a surprising range of qualities: on fabric it is antibacterial, flame resistant and repels odor and dirt. With roots in Japanese culture dating back to the 1600s, indigo-dyed fabrics were worn under the armor of samurais to help keep bacteria from wounds. Today, five farmers keep the tradition of growing indigo alive in Tokushima, Japan. Your blue jeans don’t hold a flame to Japanese indigo. The true blue dye makes clothes fire resistant, bacteria resistant, and was once…