SASHIKO-JAPANESE DECORATIVE STITCHING

Service Description

Sashiko is a form of decorative reinforcement stitching from Japan. Traditional Sashiko was used to reinforce points of wear, or to repair worn places or tears with patches. This workshop is designed as an introduction to this decorative but practical skill. You will use templates to create small pieces which can be transformed into pouches or small bags once they are complete. Sashiko has recently become a bit of a trend to decorate torn garments and a great way to upcycle old items of clothing. It was , however, first used 400 years ago in Japan to help make clothing more durable and the way of quilting the layers added small pockets of warmth to make their garments snug and cosy. Rachel will provide all you need in fabulous kits ready to stitch. Just bring plenty of enthusiasm and maybe snacks although there will be tea and coffee and biscuits available? Your tutor will be the amazing Rachel D'Ambrosio. I will let her introduce herself to you: I started Patchwork and Quilting in 2019 and after doing lots of The Quilters’ Guild’s zoom workshops in lockdown, I fell in love with the mindfulness of quilting. I became the East Sussex rep in 2023 and Region 2 Coordinator for the Quilters’ Guild in 2024. Although I have recently left this post I still teach a monthly group, The Crafty Stitchers and sell my own work as Honeys Homemade Crafts. I am also a carer for my disabled daughter. I very much believe in the mental wellbeing benefits of sewing and quilting and I am a huge advocate for that. I teach in a style of calm, patience and positivity and realise that everyone sews and learns differently. I like to promote a workshop environment where everyone feels comfortable and I am approachable so they can ask any questions they like.