David bio: I was introduced to Shibori while attending a natural dyes workshop in 2003-2004. The instructor briefly mentioned the technique of Shibori as dyeing bound and wrapped silk to get interesting patterns. Each participant was given a silk scarf to practice on. The results were varied and beautiful. Since that time, I have experimented with many traditional techniques to create designs that dye beautifully and reflect an art form that has been dramatically affected by the ever increasing mechanized pace of progress. We enjoy the moment after a piece of work, that has been painstakingly gathered clamped or otherwise resisted, then dyed is finally unbound. The results are always beautiful and well worth the attention and detail it takes to create this unique wearable art.


Heather bio: I grew up in, and still live in rural Tennessee, an hour from Nashville. I began circle dancing in 1986, and have been organizing and teaching the Nashville dance group since 1988, with David’s help. Following a long career as a designer in the publishing/distributing industry, I have taken early retirement to devote all my time and energies to designing and creating dance skirts and pants for the company David and I have begun, Roundabout Dancewear. I have always been a closet coloring book fanatic. Working with silk fabric, Shibori, and dye allows me to bring my fascination with color into my everyday life.

 
 
David dyeing
   
   
  Heather binding Kikko
 
  Some Shibori designs require more time than others to complete. Pictured here is a sample of one skirt we have made with a Miru Shibori design. We don’t offer it in our general line due to its complexity. This particular skirt took aproximately 25 hours to make. The Miru Shibori design took 16.5 hours of that 25 hour process. From time to time we create more elaborate designs just for our own creative enjoyment. These are available, priced individually, in the “one-of-a-kind” section when available.
   
David with the bottom panel of skirt, almost 9 yards long before Shibori.
 
   
Piece has been marked and bound.
 
The panel has been dyed, shibori bindings are removed and panel has been sewn to skirt.
 
Piece has been tied and gathered.