Southwest Quilt Shibori Indigo Scarf & Wrap - Dark and Light Indigo. One-of-a-kind hand-dyed natural indigo silk/cotton scarf. This richly colored indigo item was created by repeated overdying in my indigo vat using the Japanese resist techniques of Itajime and Shibori. Each piece is submerged up to 15 times in natural indigo to create this distinct deep blue indigo color. Finished indigo pieces take from 2 to 5 days to complete depending on the depth of color and the working of the Shibori and Itajime techniques.

This 30% silk 70% cotton fabric that this item is made from is incredibly soft and airy compared to what we might expect from either cotton or silk. The texture is slightly heavier than cotton voile and although very light in weight it has a supple silky hand mixed with the crisp texture of a superfine cotton. Because of the lightweight and airy nature of the fabric it can be worn all seasons - both to adorn the body and decorate the home.

30% silk 70% cotton
25" x 72"
Natural Indigo Dye

Care of your item - Indigo is a wonderfully permanent color and will remain true for many years if cared for properly. To preserve the color of this indigo item please hand-wash separately in a small container with a perfume and ph free detergent. Do not wash in washing machine. Hang indigo outside in a shady place to dry. Use a hot iron to press. Do not dry clean. This item has been thoroughly washed, softened and ironed before leaving my studio.

Indigo Dye is an organic compound with a blue color extracted from the plant indigofera tinctoria. Unlike other natural dyestuffs, indigo is insoluble in water and must be chemically reduced to a water-soluble form producing a dye liquid of bright neon green rather than blue. When fibers are submerged in the vat they are the same yellowish green color and it is only when they are removed from the dye and exposed to the oxygen in the air that they turn the distinct blue indigo color. Each dip of the fiber into the indigo requires a resting period outside of the dye liquid so that the fiber fully oxidizes and turns its darkest color before returning to be dyed again. Each time the fiber enters the dye liquid it will produce a darker shade than the last with the richest indigo shades coming from days spent dying in the studio.