Research for new work

Leading up to my next textile fair at the Landmark Arts Centre, Teddington on the 5-7th March, I have been researching and brainstorming some ideas. I've been attracted to some techniques recently that I wanted to explore further, namely "Boro", "Sashiko" and "Shibori", all Japanese methods of dyeing and stitching. 

Boro textile

Boro was a patching and repairing method for clothes and quilts of poorer folk. Instead of throwing away fabrics, they were kept for repair by topstitching over worn patches to form new layers. This patchwork effect of different materials offers interesting textured surfaces and a lovely worn distressed appearance.

Sashiko is an all over stitching, usually with white thick thread on indigo fabric sometimes in a running stitch or a uniformed pattern. The stitch length is the same throughout and patterns are precise.

Shibori is a method of resist dyeing, a Japanese version of tie dye, which had particular wrapping and tieing methods to form patterned cloth. Traditionally using indigo dye, sophisticated patterns were made through stitching, clamping and folding round bamboo poles, shapes and even dried beans! 

Sashiko textile (Met Museum)

Shibori textiles