About Us – Aya Fiber Studio
Historic Downtown Stuart Main Street
Workshop in progress
Lisa Binkley teaching a Surface Design Workshop
Fully Equipped Wet Studio fo Dyeing
Updated dye kitchen
Our fully equipped dye kitchen for fiberart workshops.
Studio Storefront
The welcoming storefront of our studio in Stuart, FL.
Student work areas with large tables and lighting
🌊 Ancient Japanese Techniques Meet Florida
Blue like the sea and sky, indigo has captivated artists for centuries. Known as “Japan Blue,” this extraordinary dye was named in the 19th century for the 48 luminous hues that could be produced from the Japanese indigo plant. Today, that same magic lives on in Stuart, Florida, at Aya Fiber Studio.
✨ Our Story
Founded by fiber artist Suzanne Connors, Aya Fiber Studio is dedicated to preserving and sharing the timeless art of Japanese indigo dyeing and other traditional textile techniques.
Suzanne has been practicing aizome (indigo dyeing) for more than 14 years, opening her first dyeing workshop in 2014 at the Fish House Art Center in Port Salerno. Her vision grew into a vibrant studio and teaching space, now located at 170 NW Dixie Hwy in North Stuart.
At Aya Fiber Studio, the indigo vat becomes a gathering place where tradition, creativity, and community meet.
🎨 What We Offer
We host immersive 1–5 day fiber art workshops, welcoming beginners and experienced makers alike. Students explore ancient and contemporary techniques, including:
Katazome – stencil dyeing with rice paste resist for intricate designs.
Rozome – Japanese batik, painted freehand with wax.
Shibori – folded, stitched, bound, or clamped cloth creating patterns that surprise and delight.
Natural dyeing, surface design, and stitching workshops led by renowned guest artists.
Each dip into indigo reveals the magic: fabric turns green, then deepens into brilliant shades of blue with every plunge. Workshops are hands-on, joyful, and full of discovery.
🛍 The Gallery
Beyond the classroom, Aya Fiber Studio features a boutique gallery with hand-dyed textiles, art-to-wear garments, and one-of-a-kind fiber creations—all celebrating the beauty of Japan Blue.
🌟 Quick Snapshot (for new visitors)
Aya Fiber Studio is a welcoming space where ancient Japanese techniques meet Florida’s creative coast. We offer:
Hands-on workshops in indigo, shibori, and fiber arts
Classes for all ages and skill levels
A boutique gallery of indigo-dyed and art-to-wear creations
📍 170 NW Dixie Hwy, Stuart, FL
📅 Ready to Try It Yourself?
Workshops fill quickly, so advance registration is recommended.
Why Stuart?
Nestled on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Stuart is a charming town known for its natural beauty and creative energy. With miles of pristine, publicly accessible beaches and award-winning seafood, it’s the perfect place to relax, recharge, and create. Often called the Sailfish Capital of the World, Stuart also earned the title of America’s Happiest Seaside Town by Coastal Living Magazine for its Old Florida charm.
Explore nearby attractions such as:
The House of Refuge
Florida Oceanographic Center
The Elliott Museum
Environmental Studies Center
Bathtub Beach
Join Our Fiber Arts Community
The Aya Fiber Studio hosts a variety of workshops year-round, led by skilled instructors in an inspiring, intimate setting. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention and hands-on guidance in techniques like shibori, eco-printing, quilting, weaving, dyeing, and more.
We also offer Open Studio Days, giving artists access to our fully equipped workspace to practice, explore, and bring their projects to life.
Studio Features
Our well-appointed studio includes:
Sewing machines & sergers
Large cutting and work tables
Irons, ironing boards, and dress forms
Wet area with sinks & outdoor dye area
Steamers, drying racks, and indoor lines
Silk/batik frames and dye equipment
4-harness Leclerc floor looms & tapestry looms
Marbling equipment
On-site reference library
Silhouette Cameo, Cricut, printer, and computer
Free Wi-Fi
Plan Your Fiber-cation
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, our workshops offer the chance to build your skills, meet like-minded creatives, and be part of a growing fiber arts community. Check out our event calendar for upcoming classes and register online to reserve your spot.
Let’s create together—on the beach, in the studio, and in the company of fellow makers.
**OPEN STUDIO TIME**
Open Studio at Aya Fiber Studio – $40 Drop-In
Need more time to finish a class project? Working on something new and need space, tools, or just a little guidance?
Join us for Open Studio time! Enjoy uninterrupted access to our fully equipped dye kitchen, large print tables, sewing area, and small equipment. Suzanne will be on hand to assist as needed.
🌀 Perfect for indigo dyeing
🪡 Great if you need studio support
🖐 Ideal for completing past workshop projects
Just $40 per session
Materials not included, but available for purchase on-site. Bring your creativity—we’ll provide the space!
PRIVATE CLASSES
Private Indigo Dye Workshops – Celebrate Creatively!
Looking for a unique, hands-on experience to share with friends, family, or co-workers? Our private Indigo Shibori Workshops are perfect for:
🎉 Birthdays
💍 Bachelorette parties
👭 Friends + family gatherings
🤝 Team-building events
You’ll explore the beauty of sustainable indigo dyeing through traditional Shibori techniques in a fun, relaxed studio setting.
What’s included:
🟦 Instruction in multiple Shibori techniques
🟦 Two items to dye: a bandana + tenugui (Japanese multi-purpose towel)
🟦 All materials provided (no outside items, please)
$60 per person – Minimum 3 participants
Larger groups welcome—pricing based on group size.
Whether you're enhancing existing skills or planning a memorable activity during your South Florida visit, I’ll work with you to create your ideal workshop.
📩 Contact me to design your custom session!