Summer 2023 Workshop: Bitty Boro Needle Book Coming in August!

Bitty Boro Needle Books in Traditional Indigo.

Having just finished a rockin' Spring that featured my Creative Trapunto class and two different Mandalas workshops, I'll be taking a break the rest of June through July. Of course, I'll be focusing on some of my own stitched work and also gearing up for the next workshop in August...my Bitty Boro Needle Book! 

Registration for the Bitty Boro Needle Book starts on Monday, June 19. 

Email me at threadborn@gmail.com to register!

Needle Books showing decorative bindings.

In this two 2-hour session workshop, you'll create a sweet 3" square needle book to hold your favorite needles. Decorate the cover with Boro-style patchwork and Sashiko-style stitch patterns using Running stitch. The inside pages are made of soft wool blend felt. Learn how to bind your book with beads and stitch and create a decorative button and loop closure. The small size makes it great for travel...just throw it in with your stitching project and go!

Inside pages of soft wool blend felt to hold your needles.

I'm offering three class sections. There needs to be a minimum of 4 students for the workshop to run. I'm trying to keep the class size to 10 but am willing to add a few extra participants.

Tuition is $55.

All class times are Eastern Daylight Time. If it's easier...check the time in Washington, DC.

Tuesday, August 8 & 15: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (this class section usually fills quickly!)

Wednesday, August 9 & 16: 7:00-9:00 PM

Sunday, August 13 & 20: 3:00-5:00 PM

All workshop sessions are recorded and the recordings remain available to students through the end of October 2023.

Please contact me at: threadborn@gmail.com to receive the supply list for this workshop.

Two needle books in soft blues.

I'm offering an optional $20 kit that contains all the materials needed (except thread) to create one needle book. The kit includes a wool felt base for your cover, (2) wool blend felt pages, assorted fabric scraps, lining fabric, tulle, a choice of 2 buttons, beads and (2) crewel embroidery needles (#5 and #3).

To order a kit please contact me at: threadborn@gmail.com. I have a flyer that describes color palette options. PLEASE NOTE: ALL KIT ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JULY 5!!

A pretty pastel needle book!

Hope you'll join me in August to stitch this fun and practical project!-- Julie

Registration for the Bitty Boro Needle Book starts on June 19!

 

Welcome to the Virtual Studio 2020

Thread Born "Virtual" Studio Fall Update

Zoom workshops will be continuing into the Fall. Some workshops are already on the schedule including a brand new workshop: Boro-Style Clutch Bag on October 31!

Here are the workshops presently on my schedule that still have space. Please email me if you would like to join a workshop or work with me to set up one (threadborn@gmail.com):

Saturday, September 26 (1-6:30 PM eastern US time): Fabric Stash Cloth Book

Saturday, October 3 (1-6:30 PM eastern US time): Stitch Mandalas

Saturday, October 17 (10 AM - 3:30 PM eastern US time): Talisman Pouch

Saturday, October 31 (10 AM - 3:30 PM eastern US time): Boro-Style Clutch Bag

__________________________________________________________________

Welcome to summer in Thread Born Studio...it's definitely not a typical summer where I'd be welcoming small groups of you into my home studio to hang out and learn something new. This year, everything's been a bit different!

For the past couple of months, I've been teaching hand stitching classes online via Zoom. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it...could I continue to build a sense of community even when I had 18 people in my class? Would students get the full benefit and learn without my seeing their work in process? Turns out that the answer is "Yes"! I had a very successful and satisfying five session beginning hand stitching class through The Art League School followed by a three session hand stitching continued class. This has given me the confidence to hold summer workshops via Zoom this August.

So how does this work? First you will want to contact me to get on my mailing list. You can either leave a comment here or connect with me on Facebook (Julie Basseches Booth) or Instagram (boothjb4757). I will send out information about how to schedule a workshop starting tomorrow, including costs, available dates and kit options. For now, I will explain how I put a workshop group together and a list of workshops that I'm happy to teach.

Below are descriptions of three and five hour workshops. Since we can't be in the actual studio this year, I'm only teaching stitching classes (no painting and printing). If you see something that interests you, get in touch with me with some dates/times that are good for you (and me!). I will then match you up with others who want to take the workshop too. I need at least three people to run the workshop and I'm limiting the size to six (so we can keep it more intimate). You could also get your own group together with a date/time-- that will guarantee that the class is a go. Once the class is scheduled, I'll send a receipt for payment and a supply list. If the workshop has a kit option, you can decide if you want to  purchase a kit and have it mailed to you (separate cost) or if you live in the Washington DC area, we can arrange for curbside pickup.

Here are this summer's workshop options:

Introduction to Boro-Style Stitching: Running Stitch/Sashiko Patterns (3 hour workshop)
Explore the possibilities of using Boro-Style patching and simple Running stitch to create intricate designs. Julie will show you how you can combine rows, columns and diagonals of stitch to design patterns. Students will stitch a small sampler. Kit option available.

Mending sampler

Introduction to Visible Mending (3 hour workshop)
Mending clothes has become a socially-conscious endeavor and an artistic statement. Students will have the option to work on mending a piece of their own clothing or work on a mending sampler. Julie will show you some approaches to visible mending (mending that's meant to stand out!) and enhancing including different patching techniques, reverse applique and surface darning.

Cargo shorts with decorative patches.

Hand Stitching Primer/Refresher (3 hour workshop)
Here's an opportunity to start your hand stitching adventure or refresh your memory about certain stitches. Julie will teach you a small selection of stitches and give you tips on how you can modify them for different effects. Students will create a small stitch sampler.

Stitched Word Sampler (3 hour workshop)
Starting with a short phrase or saying, learn how to use simple stitches and stitch combinations to design a stitched word sampler. Julie will suggest the best stitches to use and guide you as you design your piece.

Wrapped Stone Talismans (3 hour workshop)
Do you have a collection of stones from a special place? Learn how to turn your precious finds into one-of-a-kind talismans with the addition of waxed linen, fiber and beads. Julie will show you a number of wrapping, stacking and embellishing techniques to make them even more special. Kit with small selection of waxed linen threads and beads available.

Talisman Pouch (5 hour workshop)
Design a beautiful hand-stitched pouch to hold a special object (maybe your Wrapped Stone Talisman!). Combine layers of fabric, cheesecloth, silk sari ribbon, yarns and tulle with hand stitching to create a rich, tactile art object. Add shell embellishments and a bead closure for finishing touches. Kit available in select colors.

Fabric Stash Book (5 hour workshop)
This project was originally inspired by a small swatch book of Japanese fabrics. Different-sized swatches made for interesting combinations of pattern and color. Create your own version showcasing treasures from your fabric collection. The book cover features a textural layered variation of reverse applique with the option to add a Trapunto element. Complete your book with a stab stitch binding. Kit available for covers in select colors.

Sample book spread.

Itty Bitty Boro Book (5 hour workshop)
Similar to last year's offering but even smaller (and cuter!). Design a small format (3" squares) accordion-style cloth book using special fabric scraps from your own collection. Arrange your scraps on wool fabric squares and embellish with Sashiko-style Running stitch patterns for a beautiful and rustic book. Two kit versions available: felt backings/ribbon/buttons or that with the addition of interesting fabric scraps.

Stitch Mandalas (5 hour workshop)
Spend the day in meditative stitching creating a series of Stitch Mandalas. Learn a selection of stitches and a variety of approaches to stitching in circles.

NEW WORKSHOP: Boro-Style Clutch Bag (5 hour workshop)

Create a Boro-Style Clutch Bag by collaging your favorite fabric scraps onto a wool felt base. Add beautiful stitched details with Running stitch/Sashiko-Style patterns. Fashion a buttonhole or loop closure with a special button to add the finishing touch! Option to add a twined yarn strap (I will demo how to make one). Optional kit in two different sizes (large and small bag): includes felt backing, fabric scraps, button (option to upgrade to a vintage Czech glass button).

Hope to see you in the Virtual Studio! -- Julie

More Boro and Beyond Part 1

Jean T.: Showing all the techniques we did on the first day: A Line Can Be; Sashiko, Pattern Darning and Lacing.

Last October, I taught Boro and Beyond: The Versatile Running Stitch for the first time (at Artistic Artifacts in Alexandria, Virginia). I was inspired by a student to do a class in Boro (a Japanese mending technique using Running Stitch) and as per usual...decided to go a step further and spend time exploring the Running Stitch in depth and what it can do. Click here to read that post.

I taught the class again, at Artistic Artifacts, this past weekend...with 16 enthusiastic and talented students! I have many stitched works to share and so once again, I'm going to split the work into two posts.

Susan P.: A Line Can Be...

This first post focuses on what we did during the first day. We explored the Running Stitch itself...using a list of adjectives (A Line Can Be...) and first drawing and then interpreting the drawings.

Cheryl H.: Radiating lines.

Susan H.: A Line Can Be...

Susan S.: Meandering line

Ruth T.: Meandering

We then created patterns with Running Stitch...both Sashiko style and Pattern Darning.
Sashiko patterns are based on the intersection of rows of horizontal and vertical (and sometimes diagonal) lines of Running Stitch. The stitches and the spaces between are very uniform. We worked rows where the stitches lined up in columns and others where the stitches lined up like bricks.

Susan P.: Sashiko

Carol B.: Sashiko (and A Line Can Be)

Cheryl H.: Sashiko

Etta S.: Sashiko

Judith K-P: Sashiko

Jutta M.: Sashiko (and some Pattern Darning)

Susan H.: Sashiko

Susan S.: Sashiko and Pattern Darning

Pattern Darning is made up of closely stitched rows of Running Stitch...where the stitches and the spaces between change length to create the patterns. One of my students brought in this wonderful pillow from Bangladesh that has great examples of Pattern Darning.

Pattern Darning on a pillow from Bangladesh.

Pattern Darning on a pillow from Bangladesh.

Diana G.: Showing both Pattern Darning and Sashiko

Ellen S.: Pattern Darning and Lacing

Linda M.: Pattern Darning and Sashiko.

Susan H.: Pattern Darning and Lacing.

The last challenge of the day was to lace and wrap rows (and sometimes lines) of Running Stitch to create even more patterns.

Carol B.: Lacing and Pattern Darning.

Diana G.: Lacing

Etta S.: Lacing and Pattern Darning.

Judith K-P: Lacing and Pattern Darning.

Linda M.: Lacing.

Lindy M: Lacing.

Melanie H.: Lacing

Ruth T.: Lacing.

Susan P.: Lacing.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this workshop!

If you are interested in joining me for this 2-day workshop, I'll be teaching it again at Artistic Artifacts on October 21 and 22.

Boro and Beyond: The Versatile Running Stitch Part 1

Julie B Booth: Pattern Darning Sampler

I can't believe that it's been 3 weeks since my last post. I've been busy! Finishing up the Hand Stitching class (a blog post coming soon) and prepping and teaching a new workshop called Boro and Beyond: The Versatile Running Stitch.

I have so many great samples to share by students in the Boro class, that I decided to split the work into two posts (just like we split the stitching into two days!). The workshop was held at Artistic Artifacts...the  perfect setting for stitching and a wondrous shop loaded with temptations (that we all succumbed to!). I immediately had to purchase 2 skeins of the sari silk "yarn"...really strips of sari silk stitched together in a continuous length...perfect for some of the techniques (as you'll soon see!).

Julie B Booth: Using Running Stitches to create forms

The idea for this class came about because one of my students was interested in a workshop on Boro. Boro is the Japanese word for "rags" and refers to the tradition of patching and mending work clothing in rural Japan during the 17th to 19th (and some info says into the early 20th) centuries. Textiles were indigo dyed and stitched with layers of Running Stitch.

As I began to explore Boro, I came to the realization that the Running Stitch is a stitch found in just about every culture. So...that gave me the idea to really explore this versatile stitch and a number of different things you can do with it in a series of samplers.

Julie B Booth: Thick and thin; short and long stitches.

On Day #1 we explored line and pattern. We started with a list of adjectives describing different types of line. Students were asked to interpret some of the adjectives.

Alice A: Undulating and spiral lines

Ann Z.: Feathery lines

Kate G.L Radiating lines.

Peggy G.: Assorted lines.

Then we jumped to pattern and specifically two types of patterning traditions using the running stitch: Sashiko and Pattern Darning.

Julie B Booth: Sashiko sampler.

Barbara C.: Sashiko, Pattern Darning and lacing stitches.

Judy G.: Pattern Darning

Kate G.: Sashiko, Pattern Darning and lacing stitches.

Gloria W.: Stitch and pattern sampler.

Kathy F.: Sashiko and Pattern Darning.

Linda M. Sashiko and lacing.

Linda M.: Pattern Darning, Sashiko and lacing

Peggy G.: Sashiko and Pattern Darning.

Roxana F.: Pattern sampler.

We also did some lacing and wrapping over rows of Running Stitches.

Julie B Booth: Lacing sampler

Ann Z: Lacing.

Judy G.: Lacing.

Peggy G.: Lacing.

For homework, I asked students to create three bases for more stitching experiments. I'll show you those in the next post. If you are local and are interested in taking this workshop, I'll be teaching it again at Artistic Artifacts on January 21 and 22, 2017.