Boro mending, kantha cloth, the Quilts of Gee’s Bend. Each of these evokes images of old, worn fabrics, simply but beautifully stitched for a new purpose out of need and salvaged cloth. Born of necessity in diverse cultures worldwide, contemporary fiber artists can learn much from these traditions both technically and aesthetically. In this workshop we explore the traditions that created these garments, functional objects, and artworks and then look to them for inspiration in creating new works of wearable fiber art.

Beginning with pieces of old and/or beloved fabrics—vintage linens, pieces of worn jeans, even bits of blankets or tattered garments—we select, curate, layer, and hand stitch them into new looks and new life as a work of wearable art. Techniques explored include non-traditional hand piecing and applique, hand quilting with heavier threads, inclusion of repurposed embellishments such as shirt buttons and beads from old jewelry, as well as design considerations. This workshop is a meditative blend of history, hand work, repurposing, and art making.