Inspired by Sashiko

Schools

'Japanese Sashiko Textiles' was a really popular exhibition with schools and colleges and attracted visits from many textiles students eager to look at the amazing garments close up. Special mention must go to the tutors on the Textiles A-Level course at Richard Huish College, Taunton for bringing their students to see the exhibition – a round trip of 152 miles!

We organised a day for the Plymouth Excellence Cluster inspired by the exhibition, with pupils from many different schools coming together to look at the beautiful stitch work. Results from the day can be seen on our Flickr page.

Working with groups

Once again, our Home Educators group came up trumps – making their own versions of the amazing boots by Tokunaga Miyoko. Have a look at their flip flops on our Flickr page for some cracking photos of their creations. Our community outreach team also worked wonders with our traditional craft group who meet here once a week and who produced a brilliant sashiko-inspired display for our cafe.

Family-friendly activities

'Japanese Sashiko Textiles' gave us loads of inspiration for a series of holiday workshops throughout the summer. Over 1,000 attendees made a range of items during August 2010 from fans, origami birds and flowers to koi fish, zen gardens, oriental patterns and bookmarks. Additional family-friendy events included storytelling sessions and Saturday activity sessions making kites and Samurai swords and helmets.

Adult-friendly activities

The exhibition also gave us an opportunity to hold some events specifically for adults. These included contemporary craft workshops where attendees could learn and explore simple Shibori techniques, pattern and design; tours of the exhibition and a symposium featuring presentations by curator, Michele Walker plus other textile practitioners and authors.