Internationally recognized designer and educator Katie Aichholz led a workshop on shibori—a process of folding and dying textiles—for the official launch of the Sam Fox School's new textile space at 6214 Forsyth on March 24.

The dying tradition of shibori—which means "scrunch" in Japanese—dates back to the eighth century. Aicholz taught participants how to fold, wrap thread around silk scarves, and then scrunch and chemically prepare them. She also shared garments from her design label, Katie Kantley, "to inspire workshop participants to explore the spectrum of possibilities to be realized with shibori," according to Robin VerHage-Abrams.

"The textile space will offer a variety of classes and workshops that enrich students' knowledge of all facets of textile design," VerHage-Abrams says. "Fashion designers, textile designers, architects, and furniture designers will also have opportunities to use the space for projects. and upcoming workshops.

"Many participants across the Sam Fox School have committed their resources to make this space come together," she continues. "In particular, the deans (Carmon Colangelo, Bruce Lindsey, and Buzz Spector), as well as Bobbe Winters and Leland Orvis, have been crucial to this endeavor."

Robin VerHage-Abrams cuts the ribbon on the back entrance to the textile space.

Katie Aicholz shows workshop participants the importance of measuring the dye, solvent, mordant, and water for a dye application.

Aicholz demonstrates how silk is wrapped and tied prior to the dye application.

A workshop participant adds dye to the wrapped and bound silk.

Fashion design student Felicia Podberesky(left) and graduate architecture alumna Lauren Field (right) finish projects.

Results of a few of the student participants' silk-dyed scarves.

Results of a few of the student participants' silk-dyed scarves.