April 2015 Workshop – Sashiko with Pepper Cory

When: Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 9:00am-4:30pm
Where: New Hope Volunteer Fire Department , 4012 Whitfield Rd., Chapel Hill, NC
Cost: $40 (DOQ member) $70 (non-DOQ member, if space available) plus kit fee of $22.

Yokosu!
Welcome to Sashiko (Japanese quilting)

Start the new year right in blue and white! You’ve admired classic sashiko in quilts and wall hangings-now it’s your turn. Even non-hand quilters remark on how easy and soothing sashiko stitching is-it’s the Zen side of quilting. Finally—a quilting style that will inspire you to use all that gorgeous Oriental fabric you bought! In the morning learn how to mark and stitch a classic sashiko design. In the afternoon learn the back-basting appliqué technique on your own patchwork blocks. These skills will combine to make a wall hanging. Note: prior to class you need to make six simple patchwork blocks and bring with you (See What students need to bring to class)

Kit The class kit consists of  ½ yd. hand-dyed indigo homespun, a ball of #8 white perle cotton, needle threader,  a sashiko sampler needlepack (10 needles), a stencil with three sashiko designs, template plastic for moon shapes, a white marking pencil, two thimble alternatives, written how-to directions, an essay on the history of sashiko plus instructions for a wall hanging. Note: basting thread and needles are also supplied for afternoon work. Cost is $22 per person.


Bring to class

Scissors for paper and fabric. Favorite thimble for hand sewing if you use one. Small pillow. A pair of cuffed white socks you wouldn’t mind cutting up. Blocks (how to make below) “moon” fabric,* thread/needle for applique.

*Moon fabric is a large-scale Asian print that you will be cutting “moon” circles out of and appliqueing to the patchwork blocks you’ve made. Make sure your Moon fabric contrasts well with both patchwork block fabrics.

Bring thin good quality thread (#60 works well) in a coordinating color for the Moon fabric to do applique stitches.

To do before class-directions 

To make six half-square triangle blocks: choose two contrasting Asian-style prints (light vs. dark, blue vs. red etc). From each,  cut three (3) squares 8 7/8 inches. Cut all squares in half. Pair a light triangle with a dark triangle and sew together (on machine) using ¼” seam allowance. Press to dark side. Repeat for all blocks. Note: five blocks are used in the wall hanging and the sixth is for practice.