ASHLAND — A “Denim-dyed Bandana” program awaited 16 Art of Gardening members at Tin Can Chandelier Sept. 2.
Pat Edwards, president, opened the meeting referring to the art studio as being one of the few places to draw would-be potterers. Tin Can offers pottery wheel classes on seven in- demand pottery wheels.
Edwards introduced Ginger Stoops of Tin Can Chandelier, a Fiber Artist for 40 years, who presented the Denim-dyed Bandana program. Stoops, whose fiber artistry is a form of textile art that focuses on fabrics and just fibers, indicated in her talk that “I always use cotton.”
Demonstrating with Indigo, Stoops said the really important plant was nicknamed “blue gold” it was so prized.
The oldest known indigo dye dates to 6,000 BCE (6th millennium BC) from Peru. The plant compound Indican is the chemical that makes blue indigo dye.
The Chinese 5,000 years ago discovered that all parts of the indigo plant can be extracted for tinting cloth. The indigo tinting process led to an early version of modern tie-dye.
In 1498 Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India opened a direct sea route to increase the availability of Indian indigo in Europe.
Another interesting tidbit, according to Stoops, was that “Indigo flowers were an honored thing to give someone.”
In 1905, synthetic indigo was cheaper, a little more consistent.
Stoops showcased bandanas dyed in the Japanese Shibori technique. Three patterns, folding, honeycomb, and block, are from the 12th Century. The storm pattern was invented in 1880.
“I like to old school on a lot of things,” she said. The darkness of an indigo color means dipping fabric a multitude of times in an indigo dye vat, she continued.
Next year Stoops said she will try her hand at growing indigo. She grew up on a 100-acre farm near Chillicothe but now resides on 1⁄2 acre in Olivesburg. She turned her yard into a garden.
Besides her knowledge of ancient cultures pertaining to fiber arts, Stoops also teaches weaving, needle felt, wet felt and Boro stitching (mending worn-out clothing). Her website on Facebook is Wild Ginger Living, all about sustainable living.
Selling handmade soaps along with other arts and crafts, Stoops makes her rounds at Farmer’s Markets, including every Wednesday at Lexington Farmer’s Market. On the site she features her cattle dog, Boonie, modeling a bandana.
Stoops will make an appearance at Heritage Days at Malabar Farm Sept. 26 and 27.
“What’s your favorite fair exhibit?” was the roll call question. Lee Heckman’s favorites are the goats; her granddaughters show goats. For Dave Kowalka, it was the baking exhibits.
Cathy Siwek is planning to enter sage, basil, thyme, spearmint and a violet at the Ashland County Fair Sept. 20-26. She is also in charge of the club’s community project Oct. 7. Siwek indicated a pumpkin project with real miniature pumpkins. Members will assist Brethren Care residents in a craft.
A committee will meet in November to plan 2027 programs. All members are encouraged to contribute ideas.