Teaching on Beautiful Mackinac Island

Last week was a joyful mix of teaching and getting away from it all on beautiful Mackinac Island on Michigan's Lake Huron!

Our stay on the island began with a short ferry ride from Mackinac City. It was a beautiful trip and we were in awe of The Mighty Mack bridge as we cruised under it. The bridge does not go to the island as it is accessible only by boat or plane and no cars are allowed. It makes Mackinac Island a very peaceful place to stay.

Although it was not my first trip to the island, it was my first time teaching there. I was very honored to be invited to teach at the Mackinac Island Quilt Retreat organized by Carmen Hartwig of Cousin's Quilt Shop (above) which has two locations in Michigan. Carmen is a gracious and attentive hostess and made our stay very comfortable. 

The retreat was held at the gorgeous, lakeview, Mission Point Hotel where we also stayed for the week.

My classroom was indoors and I was able to get everything ready the night before the first day of my four day class. I set up two Indigo vats (one iron, one fructose), covered tables, laid out supplies for everyone and we were ready to go! The weather was very cold for several days and we even had snow, so I was very glad for an indoor room for my students and I to work!

My students were all first time dyers and I loved seeing their excitement as they learned to dye and experienced the magic of Shibori Indigo dyeing.

The students were so thrilled with their results and I'm sure it won't be their last time dyeing!

We explored several techniques including folding, tying and stitching. You can see the results of another technique, pole-wrapped Arashi, above.

Gorgeous dyeing and smiling faces are always a great sight!

And, there's more joyful teaching coming up! I arrived back home just in time to prepare for the 3-1/2 day Indigo Shibori Dyeing workshop at my home studio this week. That will lead to more smiling dyers and more wonderful Shibori!

I'm also looking forward to teaching at Sanborn Mills Farm in September. You can learn more about the workshop and register to join me by clicking here!