Sashiko Workshop

This is a half day workshop to explore the Japenese art of sashiko stitching, which when translated means 'Little stabs'.  The running stitch was used to make clothes out of worn=out garments, nowadays sashiko stitching is used as a decorative stitch for quilting and embroidery.  Sashiko dates back as far as the 8th Century from a garment owned by a monk in Sosho-in.  Most sashiko however is traced back to the Edo period (1603-1867) during this period there was a strict hierarchy established social  order.  Commoners and working people were faced with limitations on the type of fabric and textiles they could use.  Sashiko was mostly used by working class or farming and fishing families to make stronger more practical workwear.  Worn out pieces were stitched with layers of old cloth, producing sturdy garments, and then passed down.  

In todays half day session, the sashiko technique will be demonstratred.  You will learn what basic materials and tools you will need toget started with the stitching.  We will explore  designing our own patterns or using a stencil.  We will also look at recording our patterns and techniques in a sketch book for future reference.