Sashiko Sampler Workshop

Join us in the Studio for a four-week series of classes introducing the basic techniques of sashiko with Renee Johnson, local fiber artist and our go-to for all things related to collecting and using Japanese fabrics, dyeing and embroidery techniques! 

Japanese sashiko has evolved over many generations from a practical hand-sewing technique that could add warmth and strength to clothing by stitching together fabric scraps. Today it is still popular in many practical mending applications and in more decorative forms. In this series of four, 1.5-hour evening lessons, Renee will guide you through creating a design “sampler”. You will learn how to prepare fabric, create a pattern on the fabric, choose needles and thread, proper stitching technique and different ways to finish your sampler. Each week Renee will introduce a new technique, help you get started, and then… you have the week to take your time and practice on your sampler fabric.  

With this sampler class, Renee's material guidance, sewing tips and tricks and pattern design will prepare you to tackle your own mending or decorative projects!

Workshop series - 4 classes

When: Mondays, September 8, 15, 22 & 29
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Main Street Studio, 786 Charlton Road, Charlton NY

Workshop Costs: 

Registration: $80.00 non-members;  $72.00 members (use member discount code at checkout!)

Materials: $20.00 (paid to Renee Johnson at class time)

Total including materials: $100.00 non-members, $92.00 members

Registration fee includes guided instruction & Open Studio access at Main Street Studio for the duration of the workshop series. The materials include fabric, marking pencil, thread, needles and thimbles. They are yours to keep! 

Open Studio Access: During the month, you are also welcome to practice in the Studio during any of the 16 hrs of Open Studio times that are scheduled during the week. There are two daytime sessions and two evening sessions each week where you will find a creative buzz, little distraction from the outside world, and space to spread out. 

Renee will have plenty of materials in the Studio available to try, fabrics and products for sale, a ton of reference books, and will be on-hand to answer questions as they come up while she is in the Studio working on her own projects.

About Renee Johnson: 

Renee is constantly exploring ways to re-purpose vintage and antique fabrics. Although this has been her main focus for the past decade, she has been sewing and creating items from natural or repurposed materials for the majority of her life. Renee is always on the search for unique and beautiful textiles and notions to be used by crafters and seamstresses alike. Renee also hand dyes fabrics and sashiko threads using natural materials like indigo and black walnut. If you are interested in mending, sewing or other traditional Japanese fabric/textile crafts, you can find her supplies online at RochesterTextile.com or stop by the studio during Open Studio times to see what she is working on! 

https://www.rochestertextile.com/