Boro are a class of Japanese textiles that have been mended or patched together. The term is derived from Japanese boroboro, meaning something tattered or repaired. Sashiko is a stitching technique, often employed in the creation of boro. It can be as simple as a running stitch holding two pieces of cloth together. Wabi-sabi is a philosophy that honors repairs over perfection, to enhance an object and extend its life. In this class, you’ll practice boro, sashiko, and wabi-sabi in the creation of a rice bag! Starting with Karen Stevens’ Modern Japanese Rice Bag pattern, you’ll stitch a small, fully-reversible bag that is the perfect size to carry around your lunch or latest knitting project, use as a purse, or hold a special gift.

Martha Myers is a maker. Her mother taught her to sew to save money when she was about 12. Her mother suggested she could buy all the fabric she wanted if she used it to make her own clothes – Mother had no idea! And it did save money to make her own clothes. Once Martha started her own family and career, her love of sewing suffered some. She taught high school math, then took a job in life insurance, eventually completed her doctorate in Information Systems, and taught for 20 years at Kennesaw State University. Then she retired. Once again, sewing is her refuge. She makes just about everything she wears, as well as a variety of art pieces. And it no longer saves any money at all.

$90 – $125

Additional Supply Fee: None, unless you opt to purchase a $20 kit from the instructor.

Scholarship Available: No

Level: Beginner machine and hand-sewing experience.

Number of Students: 5 – 10

Required Supplies:

• Pattern purchased from kzstevens.com – https://www.kzstevens.com/shop-1/modern-japanese-rice-pouch (Cost is $6)
• Sewing machine in good working order
• Basic hand-sewing supplies

If you do not purchase a kit from Martha, please bring the following additional supplies with you to class:

• Perle cotton and/or embroidery floss for decorative hand sewing (there is plenty at the SEFAA Center, so only bring this if you have it)
• Cotton flannel:
  • One 8″ x 25″ piece
  • One 7″ x 7″ piece
• Lining material:
  • One 8″ x 25″ piece
  • One 7″ x 7″ piece
• Coordinating (or not!) fabrics to patch together for the exterior – enough to make:
  • One 8″ x 25″ piece
  • One 7″ x 7″ piece
  • Four, 3″ x 4″ pieces of fabric for tabs
• 2 yds cotton drawstring, 1/4″ twill tape, or similar

Schedule:

• Registration will close at 11:55 pm on April 29th so that Martha has time to prepare kits for those who want them.
• Class will be in person at the SEFAA Center from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm on May 6th with a 30-minute break for lunch.

Covid 19 Policy: SEFAA is following the CDC COVID-19 Community Level guidelines for DeKalb County, Georgia. Mask-wearing is required inside the SEFAA Center when our Community Level is High.