Discover the Magic of Japanese Indigo Dyeing with You Are Brave Textiles
A Hands On Workshop Product Review with Michelle from You Are Brave
There’s something quietly transformative about working with indigo.
The deep, shifting blues… the rhythm of dipping cloth into dye… the moment you lift the fabric and watch it oxidise before your eyes. It’s not just a craft—it’s a process that invites you to slow down, observe, and create something truly unique.
Recently, we had the pleasure of seeing our Japanese indigo dye kit (Australia) come to life in the hands of Michelle from You Are Brave, a creative business dedicated to encouraging courage, creativity, and self-expression through making.
Meet the Maker: Michelle from You Are Brave
Based in Australia, Michelle Kistima-Menser designs and creates her fabrics, her collaborations with other artists. Her hand printed fabrics, inspired by nature and finished products are available here.
She's attending several craft fairs in 2026 where you can meet with her and shop her work.
When Michelle explored indigo dyeing for beginners using our curated range from Japan, it was a natural fit.
First Impressions: Easy to Use, With a Few Practical Hurdles
Michelle found the DIY indigo dye kit surprisingly easy to use, especially once she got started.
“It was pretty easy to use… and even easier the second time once I understood the process.”
But “I had to go to Google Translate to fully understand the instructions. Not a huge problem, but it could be a hindrance if you’re not very tech savvy and familiar with Google translate”
She also noted:
“Google Translate didn’t work so well on one of the pages—I had to take a screenshot and copy and paste the text. It was a bit fiddly.”
The Results: Beautiful, Layered Indigo Blues
Once underway, the results spoke for themselves.
“The colour was really good.”
Michelle used one full pouch of dye across multiple items, creating a softer, mid-range blue.
“Using the whole pouch on quite a few items gave more of a mid blue… it would be helpful to have more guidance on this.”
This highlights an important tip for natural indigo dyeing at home:
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More items in the dye bath = lighter tones
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Fewer items + repeated dips = deeper indigo blues
What’s Included in the Kit
Our shibori indigo dye kit Australia is designed to make getting started easy.
Michelle shared:
“It’s great that the kit comes with gloves and a scarf/hand towel.”
However:
“There weren’t enough plastic bands included—only five.”
💡 Tip: Having extra rubber bands on hand will give you more flexibility for creating traditional shibori patterns.
💡Michelle ironed the cloth before so that dye does not get stuck in creases. 
Ready to Try Indigo Dyeing?
If you’ve been curious about trying indigo dyeing at home, this is a beautiful place to start.
👉 Shop Japanese Indigo Dye Kits
https://www.handsonworkshop.com.au/collections/indigo-dye
Why We Love Japanese Indigo Dyeing
Michelle’s experience reflects what we hear from many customers trying a Japanese indigo dye kit in Australia:
Beginner-Friendly
No studio required—just a simple home setup.
Every Result is Unique
No two pieces are ever the same.
Mindful & Relaxing
A slow craft that helps you switch off and create.
Tips for Better Results (From Real Use)
Based on Michelle’s experience:
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Start small if you want deeper colour
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Repeat dips to build intensity
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Use extra rubber bands for more pattern variety
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Allow time to understand instructions (we’re improving these!)
A Creative Practice Worth Trying
Indigo dyeing isn’t about perfection—it’s about exploration.
Even with a few small hurdles, the process is incredibly rewarding, and the results are something you simply can’t replicate with mass-produced textiles.
Explore Indigo with Hands On Workshop
We’re proud to bring authentic Japanese craft supplies to Australia, connecting makers with traditional techniques like aizome (indigo dyeing).
Shop Now – Japanese Indigo Dye Kits
Browse All Japanese Craft Supplies
And if you’re looking for inspiration, we highly recommend Michelle’s printed fabrics and products
Final Thought
Creativity doesn’t require perfection—just a starting point.
And sometimes, all it takes is a little blue.