Professor Patricia Cheesman's traditional Lanna house in Chiang Mai serves as a learning center for textile and dyeing techniques, including ikat weaving, silk, and cotton fabrics. Established in 1988, the studio, known as "Studio Naenna," is located on Soi Chang Khian, Huay Kaew Road. It has been a space for textile work and weaving in collaboration with the local community.

At the Lanna House

Solid Studio

Professor Patricia and her daughter, Lamorna

Patricia, a British citizen, was born in Singapore, grew up in Indonesia, and worked in Laos and Vietnam. She has traveled extensively throughout the region before becoming a professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University, several years ago.

Equipment and documents for learning

Colors from Natural Materials

The Dense Studio: A Hub for Weaving, Learning, and Natural Indigo Dyeing

The Dense Studio is more than just a place to find traditional woven fabrics and locally produced textiles. It serves as a creative space where the art of weaving comes alive. Beyond the production of fabrics for sale, the studio offers a valuable learning experience for those interested in the art of weaving and the natural dyeing process known as indigo dye. This technique utilizes natural ingredients to create vibrant blue hues on fabrics, employing various techniques to achieve unique patterns and shades.

Classroom learning atmosphere

The tightly woven fabrics produced by the studio and those woven by communities collaborating with the studio will be available for sale at Adorn with Studio Naenna on Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 1. This initiative aims to generate income and a sense of pride for the weavers, ensuring the continuation of their weaving craft. It also symbolizes the close bond between the weavers and the studio.

Different Knotting Techniques

As the number of traditional tie-dye weavers in northern Thailand continues to decline, weavers from the northeastern region have been brought in to maintain the craft. This highlights the need to preserve and transmit local knowledge, while also generating income for local communities and passing on skills to younger generations to develop products for the global market.

Indigo dyeing corner

Dyed and dried fabric

The studio's intricate weaving techniques have long been admired by international customers. The fabrics are renowned for their durability, beauty, and comfort, while the designs are modern and stylish, catering to the demands of European and Japanese consumers. As a result, the studio receives a high volume of orders.

History of weavers from the Northeast who came to teach villagers to weave mudmee silk.

Currently, the studio is not only selling woven fabrics, but also organizing natural dye workshops. These workshops cover the entire process, from indigo fermentation and the use of other natural materials to the dyeing of finished fabrics. Lamorna, the daughter of the studio owner, helps to organize these workshops for both Thai and international participants.

The fabric products sold in the studio are thick.

The studio offers a variety of workshop programs, ranging from short 2-3 hour sessions to one-day and three-day programs. Reservations are required in advance, as the studio only accepts one group per day. The price depends on the number of participants in each group.

A weaver's spindle awaits the loom.

Based on my experience attending indigo dyeing workshops with Patricia and Lamorna, I can confidently say that they are informative, engaging, and exciting. The unique patterns created on tie-dyed fabrics are truly one-of-a-kind. Patricia and Lamorna are passionate and dedicated instructors who prioritize sharing their knowledge about fabric with their students. Their commitment to teaching and their warm personalities make the workshops a truly memorable experience, leaving participants eager to return for future sessions.

Weaver

Studio Naenna is located on Soi Chang Khian, Huay Kaew Road, Chiang Mai.

Tel. 053-226 042

Email: [email protected]

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