We are holding the workshop at Strathnairn Arts Centre on the north side of Canberra - enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, view of the Brindabellas - and the gorgeous Stepping Stones cafe at the venue.Japanese rice bags (komebukuro) were traditionally used in Japan for offering rice at shrines, providing a proper wrapping for the offering. A carefully pieced bag, its scrappy nature was born of necessity. A day carefully hand making this bag is a journey into Japanese making and stitching traditions with a rich cultural context. We will have genuine samples on hand to inspire, and participants will have not only a kit of genuine old and used (boro) material, you can also play in Alison's specail vintage scrap basket!During our stitching day together you will have the chance to understand the nature of 'boro' and aspects of Japanese hand stitching/mending. Our komebukuro will be made using an ingenious traditional pattern and method that you will enjoy using again and again.The fabric kit is all genuine vintage and antique fabrics from Japan.
When:
Friday August 7, 2026
10 - 4
Where:
Strathnairn Arts Centre, Holt ACT
Strathnairn Arts is located on the northwestern edge of Canberra near the Murrumbidgee River
90 Stockdill Drive, Holt ACT 2615
What’s included:
Kit of vitnage and antique Japanese fabrics for the bag and lining, with contemporary cords, piecing and embellishment threads, workshop notes.
Morning and afternoon tea with simple home baking (there is a wonderful cafe at Strathnairn for lunch option or if you like to bring your own lucn, fridge and microwave are available).
