Indigo Workshop

Spent an afternoon at Rachel Blodgett's indigo workshop.  She showed us some techniques to use and then let us experiment with fabric and some garments we had brought.  The indigo breathed life into a pair of jeans I have loved but had faded immensely.  I had no idea what was involved in the indigo process or how labor intensive it is.  The color range is absolutely amazing and I loved watching the oxidation process - it really seems like magic!

In September and October, Rachel and her friend, Catherine Sieck (also pictured) will be inhabiting Turpentine Gallery in Oakland with their collaborative pop-up gallery.  While there, they will be offering dye-days, workshops and other events.

Look for updates from them -  Catherine // Rachel 

also here

Winter Vegetable Workshop

I spent yesterday at Soul Food Farm enjoying my friend, Anne Goffin's cooking workshop of winter vegetables.  We had a great afternoon of watching Anne make pickled pink turnips, braised cauliflower with farro, and frisee salad with roasted Chioggia beets and blood oranges and many more winter vegetable recipes.  We also got a chance to sharpen up on our knife skills and a chance to ask a chef for little tips and tricks you don't know as a home cook.

We took a nice walk around the farm to visit the chickens and pigs and drank rose in the olive orchard before feasting on a dinner that included all seven recipes along with some delicious stewed chicken thighs and pan seared pork sausage.