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Workshops

Sashiko and boro weekend workshops 2025

Jane MacDonald has been interested in Japanese textiles and crafts for well over twenty years, developing a specialty in the craft of sashiko stitching and design. Initially drawn to the quality and detail in the workmanship of Japanese textiles, Jane now teaches extensively and is renowned as a patient teacher who is diligent in providing an enjoyable learning environment for all levels and abilities.

JUNE Workshop 

Dates: 14-16 June 2025

Time: Arrive from 9:30am to 4.30pm. Class commences at 10am and finishes around 4.30 each day

Venue: Lismore Workers Sports Club, Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah. 

Meals: Morning/afternoon tea and lunch are included in the workshop. You you will need to arrange your own breakfast and dinner 

AUGUST Workshop 

Dates: 2-4 August 2025

Time: Arrive from 9:30am to 4.30pm. Class commences at 10am and finishes around 4.30 each day

Venue: Lismore Workers Sports Club, Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah. 

Meals: Morning/afternoon tea and lunch are included in the workshop. You you will need to arrange your own breakfast and dinner 

 

BOTH WORKSHOPS

Requirements for table runner / coaster:

  • 1 x pre-stencilled Olympus patch (MC-T) which comes in navy, green, teal, putty, red and black. 
  • 3 or more colours of sashiko thread 
  • Sashiko needle 
  • Sashiko thimble 
  • 5½ inch square of 5mm dot grid fabric for coaster - we’ll have some available on the day for you to choose a colour if you don’t already have some at home ($4)
  • Ruler
  • Fine line washout marking pen
  • A circle template is useful  
  • General sewing supplies including scissors.

Table runner fabric kit $54.80 - Click to purchase

You can certainly buy individual items to complete this project (see links above), or you may already have some of these at home. We have also put together a fabric kit for the workshop that includes:

  • 1 x navy Olympus pre stencilled panel (MC-T)
  • Sashiko threads 
  • Sashiko needles
  • Sashiko thimble
  • Tsumugi fabric for border

When you order your fabric pack, make sure you choose 'studio pickup' (no postage) and we'll keep it safe for you to collect when you arrive! 

NOTE: There are a couple of things NOT included in the fabric kit: you will need to purchase backing fabric and iron on Pellon to complete the table runner.

The Kogin hair tie kit ($10)

  • Will be available at the workshop, no need to order!

JUNE WORKSHOP ONLY

Requirements for Boro inspired Lucky owl “Olive”

  • Sarashi fabric (muslin) or thin worn out fabric to place pieces onto
  • Assortment of fabric pieces for front of owl
  • A 10" x 12" pice of fabric for backing 
  • Small amount of green fabric for base, yellow for the beak and 3 fabrics for Olive's eyes 

To finish the rest of the project at home, you'll need:

  • Fabric craft glue (Helmars 450 clear adhesive is excellent) 
  • Toy fill pellets or lentils
  • Dental floss
  • Vliesofix or another double sided fusible web

Other requirements

  • Pins and tacking thread

We will try to complete Olive on the day if time allows so Jane will bring along her sewing machine for everyone to use. We will simply be sewing the two sides together so if you would like to bring the extra items listed above and you are keen to complete the project we can do that, but there is absolutely no pressure to do so.

We will have double sided fusible web and toy fill pellets for sale on the day along with Helmars glue and dental floss.

Fabric pack for Olive $29.50 - click to order

  • Sarashi piece of fabric (muslin) which is easy to stitch through
  • Fabric pieces for front of owls
  • Fabric for backing 
  • Green fabric for base, Yellow for beak, 3 fabrics for eyes 

When you order your fabric pack, make sure you choose 'studio pickup' (no postage) and we'll keep it safe for you to collect when you arrive! 

AUGUST WORKSHOP ONLY

Make a Book Cover with Kazue Yoshikawa from Sashiko Lab 

We don't have confirmation for the cost of this kit asset, but will reserve one for each participant and will update when we have more information. 


ACCOMMODATION

You will need to arrange your own accommodation for the workshops. We've included some suggestions below, or you could search for an Air B&B or motels at Ballina if you'd like something further afield, but do remember that you will need transport and at extra travel time each day if you choose to do this!