Freestyle Boro and Sashiko stitching Workshop

Boro (more accurately ‘Boro boro’), meaning ‘rags or tatters’ is the art of repairing fabric using scraps and stitching. A source of shame in Japan for many years, the fabrics are now highly prized and can fetch significant sums. Boro is an old practice, pre dating the British wartime tradition of ‘make do and mend’ , used out of necessity in Japan to prolong the life of clothes and bedding due to extreme poverty and the scarcity of textiles.

In this class you will learn how to design and assemble a selection of vintage Japanese fabrics to create a Boro style panel which can be used as a table mat or attached to a tote bag or tee shirt.

This class uses freestyle Sashiko stitching which is practiced in Takayama in Japan to create unique textiles.

Your tutor will give you a selection of vintage Japanese fabrics including Kasuri (woven IKAT), Katazome (stencilled), plain and other pieces for you to assemble into your design.

Fabrics will be tacked on to a backing cloth to hold them together and then you will be taught how to create different types of sashiko stitches to create your own design using the fabrics for inspiration.

In this class you will learn:

– How to assemble a design from different pieces of vintage Japanese fabrics
– How to use and keep Japanese sashiko thread without it getting tangled
– How to tie the quilters knot
– How to tie an end knot that sits very close to where the thread leaves the fabric on the back
– How to tack your pieces onto backing fabric to hold them together while you stitch your design
– How to use different types, sizes and styles of sashiko stitching to create interesting designs

Rob will bring examples of historical 'Boro' pieces, a selection of his own interpretational examples as well as a number of reference books.

This class is a natural follow on class to the "Sashiko embroidered coaster" morning workshop. We offer a discount when booking the full day!

Basic hand sewing skills advised. If you are new to hand sewing, we recommend attending our "Grandma's Hands" - Introduction to hand sewing repairs (fabric items) class first.

About the Tutor: The class is taught by Rob Jones, a textiles designer who takes his inspiration from Japanese textiles disciplines including sashiko, boro, shibori and katagami stenciling. Rob's Boro mending work was featured as inspiration for contestants on the semi-final of the Great British Sewing Bee in 2022 and he regularly visits Japan to travel, refresh his skills and purchase authentic vintage Japanese textiles to show in his classes.

Class Size: Max 8 students

T ime: 2:30 - 5pm (Please arrive promptly)

Where: The class will take place in Fabrications "Re Imaginerium" studio (we no longer have a shop cat as depicted in one of the photos!) which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps. The studio is light and bright with a homely feel to help you feel relaxed and inspired whilst learning. You will have your own work area (with some shared facilities like ironing, cutting table) We purposefully keep class sizes small to ensure a quality experience and plenty of guidance time with the tutor.

Class Includes: Vintage Japanese fabrics and a vintage backing fabric, a sashiko needle, a skein of sashiko thread (in a choice of colours) are provided and are yours to keep after the class.

Other sashiko threads will be available for use in the class will also be available for embellishment

All tools and equipment needed to take the class will be available for use.

Please Note: There is no food or drink allowed in the studio, You are welcome to bring a sealed water bottle but please ensure all 'take outs' are consumed before arriving.

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Full Terms & Conditions: Here

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