When we think of traditional textiles from Japan, most of us think of richly decorated kimono silks, but the humble textiles of the countryside hold enduring fascination. “Mingei,” a term coined in the 20th century to describe these textiles and other rustic objects, is used to describe that which was made by hand to be used on a daily basis, but which is not simply utilitarian. These textiles exhibit the craftsperson’s art, labor, and love for making beautiful things with few resources at hand.
Carol Ziogas of Kimonomomo has been collecting and researching these textiles since 2004 and will share from her private collection of 19th and 20th century cottons, exhibiting techniques including aizome, katazome, tsutsugaki, shibori, kasuri, boro, and sashiko.
Working with artists and designers in Japan, Carol imports a variety of new and vintage textiles and sewing supplies, which will be available for sale at a trunk show after her presentation.
Multipurpose Room – M-50 
Free for members; $5 guests at door
Workshop: Introduction to Sashiko
Sashiko, which originated in rural Japan in the 18th century and had a humble, utilitarian purpose, is now considered an art form practiced internationally.
In this workshop you will be introduced to this ancient art and it will provide the foundation you need to pursue working either traditional or more contemporary sashiko designs. You will create a sampler of sashiko stitches where you will learn the following: 1) which threads, needles and fabrics are best; 2) how to trace a design; 3) how to start a row of stitching; 4) how to end a row of stitching; 5) how many stitches per inch are traditional; 6) how to make a perfect right angle turn; 7) what to do with intersecting lines; and 8) the rules regarding crossing over lines of stitching.
Your sampler can be used in a placemat, wall hanging, wearable art garment, or whatever you choose. You will have time to practice stitches, learn techniques and ask questions so you are confident in using these techniques. You will take away the basic rules and techniques for creating beautiful sashiko to suit your creative ideas.
Activity Center, Room E-46 jan-2017-supply-list
1:30 to 5:30, 4 hour workshop
Class size: 20 students
$55 members, $70 guests 
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