Join upholsterer and sewing specialist Marianne Huntley for a crash course in Sashiko stitching: a Japanese hand stitch technique perfect for decorative pieces and visible mending.
In this workshop you'll use nature and the seasons and learn some simple
sashiko stitch patterns to create a personalised piece of decorative embroidery.
Sashiko is the ancient Japanese technique of visibly mending textiles by adding dense areas of decorative hand stitching, thereby strengthening the finished item, personalising it and adding to its story. You'll learn the humble origins of sashiko mending, the difference between sashiko and boro, and the many practical and creative applications of the technique.
Sashiko uses simple straight running stitches which anyone can do, but they can be combined in attractive and intricate patterns inspired by nature and the home to add personal meaning to our belongings.
Depending on your skill level and the complexity of your designs you may not finish your item during the workshop, but everyone will take their sewing home with materials, tools and the inspiration they need to continue working on it.
Once finished your piece could be displayed in a frame, used as a place mat, or sewn onto fabric (clothing/tote bag/blanket/etc). If you'd like to bring an item of clothing or textile to mend with sashiko, please do!
All materials will be provided, but please feel free to bring any fabric scraps that you would like to incorporate into your finished piece. To inspire your sewing, you may also like to bring photographs of patterns from around your home or found in nature, or bring a natural object itself (e.g. leaf, snail shell, tree bark, etc). But don't worry because resources will be provided to study and inspire!
The workshop is suitable for complete beginners or those wanting to refresh their hand-sewing skills. Please note, you will need reasonable hand/finger mobility and eyesight.
About Your Host
Marianne is an upholsterer and sewing specialist with a lifelong background in textiles, embroidery, dressmaking and upcycling.
Marianne can guide you in both practical and artistic methods of embroidery, and show you how to use sewing to make beautiful decorative items and also transfer these skills to extend the life of your clothes and textiles. Follow her on Instagram or Facebook @forminfabric
Price: £35
Level: Beginner/Intermediate (No Experience Required)
Total Places: 10