A fascinating way to spend our bank holiday evening. Liz is an authoritative, informative and engaging speaker who allowed us to look closely at a wide range of her work, including Sashiko stitch on items of clothing, one shown below. Liz is a black work specialist but tonight shared with us her other love; Japanese embroidery. She covered all three techniques listed in the title above, some of which have their origins in a history when peasants in Japan were not allowed to buy cotton, so used stitching to strengthen and extend the life of garments.
Liz described Boro as a mindful and restful approach to hand stitching. It is a make do and mend technique, relevant to recycling and reusing. Scraps of fabric are laid down and stitched together using running stitch.
Kogin is a counted thread technique worked from right to left. Patterns developed in specific areas, just as Guernsey patterns did here. Liz recommended using 16 count Aida as a beginner, before potentially progressing to even weave, where counting is more challenging. Fairly thick thread is used and she recommended a blunt tapestry needle big enough not to break the thread as it is pulled through.
Lots of Sashiko patterns disappeared from Japan, but Liz told us they began to be collected again after the Second World War. They are also worked in running stitch, but the patterns are drawn on the fabric, she suggests using a fine pencil. A traditional Sashiko thread is mat. Patterns can be based on family crests, found all over Japan. She suggests starting bite size and potentially joining smaller pieces together.
Liz suggested some suppliers including Lakeside Needlecraft in Manchester where you can find rainbow gallery threads, including bright gold, copper and pewter. Beads are not traditional in this work but can be used and she recommends Mill Hill beads. Liz can be found on https://www.blackworkjourney.co.uk and also on Pinterest. We are lucky to be having a day workshop with her on 24th June 2023, covering all three techniques. We can’t wait.
Our next meeting on 12th June 2023 next meeting features Suzette Smart ‘Stories in Stitch’ and the raffle bag colour is blue/ turquoise. Apologies for not having photographs of this month’s bags which were as always beautiful.
Birmingham Embroidery and Textile Art 