San Francisco Center for the Book

Sashiko - which translates to little stabs - is an embroidery technique developed in the Edo period in Japan. It became not only a decorative practice, but one that was used to mend and repair clothing.

In this workshop mixed media artist, author, and educator Lisa Solomon will first walk you thru how to sashiko stitch, with some pointers on how to create your own patterns from a grid. There will be templates and scrap fabric for you to use and practice with. After a bit of warm up, Lisa will demonstrate how give your clothes a new life and extend their use.

The class will provide a quick overview of supplies and techniques, including interior and exterior patchwork as well as ways to incorporate traditional sashiko patterning from simple to more complicated designs. Participants will also be encouraged to reflect their own personalities in the way they mend. Bring a garment that needs to be fixed! This class will offer a great way to think about sustainability, slow fashion and working with your hands in a meaningful and creative way. 

Prerequisite:
None

Materials to Bring:
Bring a garment that needs to be fixed, and any other scrap fabric you'd like to experiment on.

About the Instructor:
Lisa Solomon (she/her) is a mixed media artist based in the Bay Area who moonlights as an author, professor, illustrator, and color enthusiast. She often questions and deconstructs the meaning of identity and personal histories through the use of mediums traditionally associated with domestic crafts. A “hapa” [1/2 Japanese, 1/2 Caucasian] she feels as though hybridization is consistently at play in her work. She exhibits her work both nationally and internationally and is known for her books A Field Guide to Color and The Color Meditation Deck. Lisa shares her home with her husband, a teenager, a bevy of pets and many many spools of thread. She continually works to bridge the gaps between being creative, living creatively and making a living as a creative. Find Lisa on Instagram at @lisasolomon.