Description
Before we get stuck into the delicious stitching detail of sashiko boro patchwork, I want to say hello. If there is anything I can help with, any Qs you have please ask, even little things please ask – I really want you to feel relaxed and happy so you can make the decision that’s right for you. It’s so important in finding the right course and tutor to bring out the best in you, a stepping stone on your way to stitching destination.
xSam
(drop me a line – my email is at the bottom of this page)
Is this the right course for me?
Sewing for wellness and relaxation through boro sashiko. Learning to be creatively expressive with your stitching, how to choose projects that maximise relaxation. Experiment with different stitching mediums, leather, twine, rope, incorporating elements of nature, stitching them into your projects. Learning to use a moodboard palette to inspire your boro stitching.
If you are looking for that lost in the moment stitching, to learn how to overcome stitching challenges with ease, and stitching freedom and confidence to express yourself creatively through boro and on into visible mending? Yes this is for you.
Wellness boro sashiko is simplifying the stitching to allow rhythm to flow in our sewing, our goal is to create inner calm as we get lost in the stitching. The sashiko on this course is returning to the roots of this stitching art. Sashiko and boro is the art of patching fabrics together to strengthen them. As this stitching art was born from necessity, the multitude of randomly placed tiny stitches to join the two fabrics together was not about the aesthetics originally, it was necessity. So that’s where we take the stitching on this course, softer freer style, closer to the original boro sashiko than the more modern geometric sashiko.
The art of patching scraps of unwanted fabrics together is a much loved stitching pass time now, this is at the roots of Japanese patchwork and we are going on this stitching journey.
Overview
The fundamental techniques of this stitching art will be analysed, look at examples of boro sashiko old and new. Colours, fabrics, stitches, project inspiration. Practice without pressure the styles we are drawn to from the templates and styles provided.
Working with the traditional style of sashiko stitching without knots and working entirely from the front of the fabric. Practicing until this style of stitching becomes fluid and you are relaxed.
Mood board inspiration, looking at textures and colours in nature and the world around us to inspire the choices and placement of fabrics on the pieces we create. Letting go of expectation and comparison and embracing where we are on our stitching journey and loving our work, tangles and all.
We will look at examples of frequent tangle causes and learn to spot them before they become problems, and how best to deal with them when they go get a hold.
Gain confidence with our personal aesthetic in creative expression, fabric choices and be daring to try new stitching ‘experiments’.
Liberating ourselves from the creatively imprisoning perfectionist ideals we have built around ourselves. Creative beauty is the other side of fear – that’s where we are heading – buckle up this adventure is so worth it.
Having fun while making to learn
Each week when we learn, please get involved and stitch along. If you are not yet confident about the stitching as we are learning and are concerned you won’t be able to do it perfectly – please dive in with any scrap fabrics.
Build your confidence and enjoy the process without the pressure. Let’s keep that creative flow freeness and joy.
Knowledge
Understanding threads, needles, fabrics, strengths and weaknesses. How to decide which projects, fabrics, tools, techniques to use for different stitching projects, depending on the outcome you are looking for. We will give you principles and knowledge so you have the power to use this skill to express yourself creatively.
Module 01 Foundation
We will get prepared for embroidering, learn about materials, understanding tools, exploring and practicing stitches we will be using. Analysing some examples to learn about design, placement, colours, fabrics, and tools. We will also look at the origins of sashiko and boro. And also kintsugi principles, repairing china with gold to celebrate the repair, and bringing this concept into stitching.
Practice panels with layout designs for inspiration, if you feel more comfortable use one of these and you will be able to tweak it to your own style. You can experiment. This can be made into wall art, a bag or cushion.
“Letting go” stitching
Stitching randomly and with flow can be much more challenging for us adults than following a set pattern. It’s almost as though we have to unlearn, shake off the self critical voice whispering negative thoughts, and enjoy the learning process again – embrace the mistakes, remember those blobby stick men we drew and were so proud of – we learned to improve the sketches – and we loved every picture on the journey. We get it and really encourage you to embrace the blobby stick man stitches in this course as you learn and improve.
There are some help options if you are finding it challenging not to follow a pattern, there is always a way, a solution, we take it gently so you enjoy the whole process.
How to create a mood board for inspiration, for boro patches and sashiko stitches.
Module 02 Boro Basket
Designing the placement of fabrics and your own sashiko patterns. Inspiration and some ideas to see which one works for you.
Inspiration blended with knowledge to understand which designs will work best for strengthening the garment and your personal aesthetics.
Module 03 Wall Cone
Designing on unusual shapes.
Adding notions, buttons, foraged dried leaves and twigs, couching stitch and creating texture with sashiko stitches.
Negative space in designs.
Module 04 Garment Patches and Decoration and Lily Sewing Basket Pattern (finishing with hand or machine stitching)
Now we have gained confidence with the simpler projects we are going to use that to create garment repair patches, and decorate a sewing pattern. Inspiration, design, planning, applique boro patches, garment repairs, decorative patches, applique. This is a creative exploration week.
Troubleshooting session – any frequently asked questions that would be useful to you, we will include here and I will show you how to deal with it.
Wrap up with any frequently asked questions through the course and any additional demonstrations, I think this will be a long session, with lots of projects for you to continue with when the course is finished.
Confidence & Joy
Building confidence through this course is an important part of your success in going forward creatively. You will learn the essential principles for fabric mending using freeflow sashiko that will open the door to finding your own creative expression. Confidence and joy are the key, so we keep building on it, it’s a very positive experience.
Is this for a gift?
You are so kind, I think you have made a super choice for your loved one. If you order a kit to accompany this course we will send it to them and welcome them to the course. Including a hand written note of your personal message to them.
What do I need?
A few weeks before the course begins we will contact you on the email address you provided with the following:
MATERIALS LIST we will contact you via the email address you provide, with all details and links to an purchase the different products if you don’t already have them.
KIT Option. We also have a limited number of kits with the essential materials needed for this course. You will receive an email a few weeks before the course with a link. Only a few of them so please don’t be disappointed if they sell out fast.
Length of the course?
The course will be over four weeks. The videos will be released each week, to ensure you have enough time to practice and experiment before the next exciting step of the making.
How long is each sewing session?
Between one to two hours, each week, perhaps a little more as we have a lot to cover in some of the modules. We focus on the learning, so we will take all the time needed to teach in a relaxed way. You will be able to replay the parts of the training you wish to, anytime after it has been released.
How do I access the training?
We will let you know the details on the email address you have provided. The video training will be hosted on a professional training platform, you will also receive patterns, printouts, and other relevant digital support materials as needed.
How long will I be able to access the training?
One year from the start date of the course.
What if I have questions?
Please ask at any time, email is the best. Frequently asked questions that would be helpful to all on the course will be respond in the final practical session where I explain and demonstrate any useful solutions.
No quibble refund
If at any point during the course you are dissatisfied you can request a full refund, we only ask that you complete a feedback form to let us know what you were not satisfied with.
Any Qs please let me know.
Have a super day,
xSam
