Japanese Boro/Sashiko Embroidery

Instructor: Barbara Asher

Date: Saturday, August 5, 2023

Time: 10AM - 2PM

Member: $72.00

Non-Member: $80.00

Ages: 15 and up

Description:

This workshop brings together the qualities of mindfulness and recycling. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the Japanese art of Boro/Sashiko. Translated, boro means “scraps” and sashiko, “little stabs.”

The Art of Boro/Sashiko, currently a high fashion trend due to the conciousness of reducing waste, was originally born out of the needs for recycling and frugality of the working class during the Edo period. The garment repair craft was comprised of piecing several layers of torn indigo fabrics in order to give them superior strength and utility. The stitching gave the garment strength and it's distinctive look. Garments such as this were often passed down from generation to generation creating a living and enduring work of art.

Participants will select scrap fabric from used clothing, bed linens, tablecloths, etc., and using a simple running stitch, create an item for personal wear, for use around the house or simply a little work of art to display. The possibilities are endless. Note: Cotton and denim fabrics work best. Avoid stretchy fabric (tee shirts and spandex items as well as silky or “slippery” fabrics as they are difficult to work with. Students need only a knowledge of a “running” stitch and the desire to create. An added plus, this type of embroidery is relaxing and meditative, a way to enjoy some “quiet time” and recharge your spirit.

Bio:

Barbara Asher has been involved  in world of imagery for her whole career. She has explored the medical visual world through the study and practice of radiographic imagery and the fine art world through the study of Art History. Barbara holds a BA in Art History, University of Hartford, a  BA. in Advanced Medical Imaging University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, and studied at  Mount Sinai School of Radiologic Technology, Hartford, Connecticut. Additionally she has been a adjunct radiology instructor at Manchester Community College, Manchester, CT. She has also served as an Adjunct Instructor for the Radiography Program at the University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT., Adjunct Faculty, for the Health Sciences Department and as the Clinical Coordinator/Ultrasound Program University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT.

Materials:

Embroidery needles (make sure they have a large eye. They do not need to be very long, sometimes they are sold in an assortment of large and small lengths.)

Scissors or thread snips.

Some assorted fabric scraps if you have any. I have scraps that I can provide for practice, so if you do not have any to start with, that’s fine. Also, I have embroidery cotton so you do not have to bring some.

Optional: Embroidery hoop (5” or 6”). Some like the feel of the fabric being taut in the hoop but traditional boro/sashiko does not use it.

* All workshops are held at the Five Points Art Center, 855 University Drive

Workshop Policies: Please review the terms of our workshop policies here