Boro Workshop— stitching “indigo” scraps – Tricia Warman

In Japan mended and patched textiles are referred to as BORO cloths, Boro meaning rags. Poverty was the root of this textile tradition. The piecing of fragments of indigo cotton to repair a cloth, coat ,futon cover happened again and again mending the same piece of cloth. These Boro cloths were seen particularly in the countryside families using fabric scraps  from their ancestors , so, passing down family memories. A necessary and frugal textile for use in the harsh winters. This will be done by hand but could be pieced by machine or embellished to gether before the stitching. We will recycle small pieces of denim, indigo/ blue scraps of fabric by layering them onto a base.  Using running and backstitch mainly to create a new cloth. Images or text can be added using stitch or appliqué. Embellishment can be added, threads/buttons/ beads etc. to enhance your design. Your own fabric is good to use maybe from your family/friend/collection, this will make it more personal to you.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

       Scraps of blue/white fabric
       Old  denim Jean scraps
       Threads/ needles
       Embellishment if required – beads, buttons etc…
       Base fabric — fine cotton /lawn/flannel. ( I will have some if needed)
       Large piece of cotton fabric for the back & tacking thread
       Sewing machine (if you choose)
         Embellishing machine (If you would like to embellish)