Boro Workshop - Japanese inspired textile repair

Boro Workshop - Japanese inspired textile repair

Boro (more accurately ‘Boro boro’), meaning ‘rags or tatters’ is the art of repairing fabric using scraps and stitching.

By FABRICATIONS

Date and time

Location

FABRICATIONS

7 Broadway Market Hackney London E8 4PH United Kingdom

Refund Policy

No refunds

Artists

About this event

Boro (more accurately ‘Boro boro’), meaning ‘rags or tatters’ is the art of repairing fabric using scraps and stitching. A source of shame in Japan for many years, the fabrics are now highly prized and can fetch significant sums. Boro work follows the British wartime tradition of ‘make do and mend’ but was used out of necessity in Japan to prolong the life of clothes and bedding due to extreme poverty and the scarcity of textiles.

Your tutor is Rob Jones, a textiles designer who takes his inspiration from Japanese textiles disciplines including sashiko, boro, shibori and katagami stenciling. Rob's Boro mending work was featured as inspiration for contestants on the semi-final of the Great British Sewing Bee in 2022 and he regularly visits Japan to travel, refresh his skills and purchase authentic vintage Japanese textiles to show in his classes.

In this class you will learn:

  • The history and origins of Boro. Examples of vintage Boro and other Japanese textiles collected by the tutor in Japan will be shown and their background explained
  • How to repair a garment using scraps, both modern and vintage
  • How to use sashiko stitching to enhance your work
  • Practice using visible repair to enhance and strengthen textiles
  • Applique and reverse applique and a number of decorative stitching techniques will be shown
  • A variety of types of Japanese stitches and their application will be presented, with examples on vintage Boro and the tutor’s own work:
  • Nami-nui - running stitch
  • Hongasesi-nui - backstitch
  • Mimi-guke - edge stitch
  • Maki-nui - whip stitch
  • Chidori-gake - Herringbone stitch
  • Hashigomatsuri - Ladder / slipstitch

It is recommended that students bring an item of clothing you wish to repair although fabric and threads are provided should you wish to just practice or start on a piece of your very own boro.

Rob will bring examples of historical 'Boro' pieces, a selection of his own interpretational examples as well as a number of reference books.

This class is a natural follow on class to the "Sashiko" morning workshop. We offer a discount when booking the full day!

Basic hand sewing skills advised. If you are new to hand sewing, we recommend attending our "Grandma's Hands" - Introduction to hand sewing repairs (fabric items) class first.

About the Tutor: The class is taught by Rob Jones, a textiles designer who takes his inspiration from Japanese textiles disciplines including sashiko, boro, shibori and katagami stenciling. Rob's Boro mending work was featured as inspiration for contestants on the semi-final of the Great British Sewing Bee in 2022 and he regularly visits Japan to travel, refresh his skills and purchase authentic vintage Japanese textiles to show in his classes.

Class Size: Max 8 students

T ime: 2:30 - 5pm (Please arrive promptly)

Where: The class will take place in Fabrications "Re Imaginerium" studio (we no longer have a shop cat as depicted in one of the photos!) which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps. The studio is light and bright with a homely feel to help you feel relaxed and inspired whilst learning. You will have your own work area (with some shared facilities like ironing, cutting table) We purposefully keep class sizes small to ensure a quality experience and plenty of guidance time with the tutor.

Please Bring: An item of clothing (jeans, linen or cotton items would be suitable) you wish to repair, although fabric and threads are provided should you wish to just practice or start on a piece of your very own boro.

Includes all other materials

Packs of indigo dyed shibori and vintage textiles will also be available to purchase on the day in addition to the class should you wish to continue your practice at home.

Please Note: There is no food or drink allowed in the studio, You are welcome to bring a sealed water bottle but please ensure all 'take outs' are consumed before arriving.

Scroll down for Frquently asked questions.

Full Terms & Conditions: Here

For more information on Fabrications and our classes visit our Website

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring food & drinks in?

There are no food and drinks allowed into Fabrications shop and studio. You are welcome to bring a re sealable drinks bottle and there will be a planned lunch break for all full day classes. Bring your own packed lunch or Broadway Market has a wealth of cafe's and food stalls to choose from.

What if I am late?

Please arrive promptly for class, ideally 5 mins before, we have a lot of content to work through. If you are experiencing transport issues please contact us on 020 7275 8043 or 07958 424 808 . If you just turn up late, you may be refused entry, it's diruptive and unfair on the rest of the group.

Do I need to bring any materials?

Most of our classes include materials, but please check the "Class Includes" or "What to Bring" in the events description. A couple of our classes (such as the afternoon 'Boro' class) asks you to bring an item of clothing to repair.

What is the minimum age for the class?

We have young people from age 10 upwards attending our classes. However, please get in touch or visit Fabrications before booking, so we can meet the young person and guage if the class will be appropriate at this time.

Are the classes wheelchair accessible?

The classes take place in Fabrications studio, which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps. If you are able to use stairs, there is a mezzanine area where you can tuck away your wheelchair. Please get in touch before booking to discuss any accomodations.

What if I need to cancel my booking?

Our classes are non refundable. There is a link to our full Booking T&C's in the description. If you contact us giving enough notice we may be able to transfer you to another date. If we are able to fill your place we will always offer an alternative, but this is isn't guaranteed.

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FABRICATIONS

Established in June 2000 on Broadway Market, East London by textile designer maker, Barley Massey, Fabrications has grown into a buzzing hub of creativity focusing on social textiles, upcycling and eco design through our shop, studio and classes. 25 years on our aim is still to inspire a joy of making whilst encouraging thoughtful and resourceful ways of living in a welcoming and creative environment.

In our bricks & mortar or online shop, discover one off upcycled creations to wear, give as gifts or dress your home with! Items are created by Barley all year round, changing with the seasons, and due to the recycled nature and the spontaneous way she works with 'waste' materials and pre loved clothing, each piece is unique and unrepeatable.

Fabrications is also a great source of crafting supplies to fuel your next project, whether it’s knitting, crochet, weaving, macramé, embroidery, sewing, dressmaking or another creative endeavor. We are dedicated to offering good quality supplies at a fair price from local, sustainable & ethical sources. Fabrications is also an authorised local dealer of domestic Brother sewing machines, overlockers and accessories.

In the studio, we offer a commissioning service, including Barley's sensitive 'Remember Me' service, which enables you to bring along old garments and textiles holding sentimental value to be transformed into comforting home furnishings, new garments or gifts for loved ones.

The Studio or "Imaginerium" is also open as a creative classroom, offering a regular programme of classes, events and our popular fortnightly Community "Craft Club". We are looking forward to meeting and getting creative with you!

From £60.29
Sep 21 · 14:30 GMT+1