Main Lesson: Fiber Arts and Community Project with Ms. Sonja

September 28-October 1, 2026

Dear Middle School Families,

Last week, we mixed our dye vat and began practicing several Shabori dye folds and techniques. Those of you who were able to attend the parent meeting on Thursday, were able to see some of the first examples of their work, which was quite stunning.

This week, we will continue our work with Shabori dyeing and introduce Sashiko stitch resist techniques, which will help prepare the students for the hand quilting process that is head of us.

Over the last weeks, I have been encouraging your children to think about what individual dyeing/sewing project they would like to create. We have been discussing several ideas including making a tote bag/backpack, napkin sets, small quilted wall hangings, pillow cases, curtains, and even wearable items such as pajama pants. I have provided a project proposal form for them to fill out. Please print it out and help your child think though the elements of their project. Please make sure that they bring in their proposal on Tuesday as we will continue to work on their ideas in class. Click here for the project proposal form.

In addition to our work with indigo, we made an onion skin vat and dyed silk for the Phoenix Michaelmas celebration. Some of the students helped support our early childhood class by dyeing and ironing golden silk capes. The colors were stunning and if you happen to have seen or made a shooting star ball, you can thank your middle schooler!

If any questions arise, or you need to get in touch, please email me at sonjaphoenix@protonmail.com or text/call 503-484-6605

Warmly,

Sonja