Boro & Sashiko, Harmonious Imperfection: The Art of Japanese Mending & Stitching

by Shannon Leigh Roudhan, Jason Mullett-Bowlsby

Fall in love with boro & sashiko stitching Combine hand stitches to create dramatic, unique designs and learn to embrace imperfection, admiring the utilitarian beauty of every stitch. “Shibaguyz” Shannon and Jason Mullett-Bowlsby invite you to try your hand at boro, the traditional Japanese art of mending and quilting, and more than 30 authentic sashiko designs. Stitching lessons are true to tradition, inspired by historical works by Japanese masters. This guide in sashiko and boro includes patterns, stitch how-tos, and needle-threading and knotting tips. Put your handwork to good use with 9 contemporary projects like a sashiko sampler wallhanging, reversible knot bag, or a kimono-inspired jacket! With step-by-step instructions, even beginners can embrace the art of visible mending.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Sewing, Japan, Art, Reference, Quilting

156 pages, Paperback

Published December 25, 2020

Reviews

[Tam G · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I really liked about this book was the very clear instructions, particularly about how to do the stitches. A lot of books on this subject have a short history, some nattering on about personal things, some projects, and an encyclopedia of stitches. All very useful, but this one is very specific about what specific materials to get, where to find them in the US or how to make substitutions, how to get started, and how to read and lay out the stitch patterns. Very concise.

[Irene Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of this book did not appeal to me but there are treasures inside.

Firstly, the authors did the research and provide context for boro and sashiko. I enjoyed following them down the historical rabbit hole and I learned new things (The connection to crazy quilting for example).

Excellent explanations of the tools, basic sashiko principles, fabrics, knotting and needle handling: the what, why and how - now I finally know how palm plate thimbles should be used and can choose a range of knots (or not) to suit. Nearly half of the book is taken up with this information, making this a useful reference work rather than a pattern / project book to slavishly follow. Some lovely new stitch patterns to experiment with as well.

There are 9 projects: pillow (I am going to use that fan of squares on something), knot bag (I need to make one of these - but note there is a mistake in the instructions as you will need to cut 2 of both the boro fabric and lining, not one of each as stated), tote bag, tool kit roll, wall hanging, wrap vest (Cotton canvas as a base? Really? Maybe that's not as stiff a fabric in the US.), throw (quilt), long jacket, short jacket (I love everything about this one and may slavishly follow the example...).

The garment patterns range from S to 5XL, but the instructions are so clear and the patterns so simple you could figure out how to make them for any size with minimal calculations.

Celestial trumpets for the inclusion of metric measurements as well!

Then the icing on top of this cake - a small diversion into visible mending.

And thumbs up for the authors photo on the back where they don't look like they are posing glum-faced for an oil painting.

My new favourite sashiko book.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors love and respect Sashiko and Boro so much, they carefully present it as just that- a love without appropriation. Their humor and irrepressible personalities shine through their stories. Sashiko is one of my favorite art forms so this book is a great tool.

I appreciate the stitching guides and clever tools list. While some of the projects may be quite complicated, they are splendid!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is informative and has fun projects. I couldn't follow the knotless knotting instructions, but I can make the things without understanding them.

The story of boro is pretty much the story of powerful people being bizarrely cruel to the already downtrodden. It made some fascinating to look at art, though.

[JL Salty · Rating 3 out of 5]

10/22
Some of the more detailed instructions could use more photos, the words are not enough instruction.
Not crazy about these projects but some of the instructions might be useful to return to at a later date.

[Jacqueline M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this at the library because I've been very into visible mending lately and I wanted a deeper dive into the most famous methods for that task. The authors did a great job with cultural appreciation here: going into the history of the art form, tying it to the necessity of farmers and fishers who literally weren't allowed to wear clothes made from cloth that would actually stand up to their harsh lifestyles, and recognizing that (like quilting) this art was just seen as a way to survive until very recently. The directions on how to read a Sashiko pattern were EXTREMELY helpful. I also really appreciated the high quality photos of each technique. Overall the photos throughout were extremely well done. I am knocking a star because these patterns are not something I would ever make. I am more interested in the practical aspects of this craft: repairing worn fabrics, strengthening weak areas on garments and other fabric items etc. I am not going to be embroidering an entire piece of cloth and then turning it into a full size kimono jacket. But if that's your jam, go on with your bad self. I could see myself purchasing this if I found it at a good price just for the stitch instructions alone, but since my local public library has it, I would probably not buy it at retail price for my own reference library.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Introduction to a Japanese Art

I particularly loved the history behind the Boro & Sashiko fiber arts. I’m definitely going to have to incorporate Broken Needle Day into my life. We should honor our tools more and I’ve definitely broken my share sewing machine and milliners needles in half. As for the patterns they give a great start with some creative ways to use sashiko stitches in projects.

[Soc Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly written information about the art, materials, stitch patterns with diagrams and illustrations. some projects with patterns included for pillows, reversible knot bag, grocery tote, boro tool kit, sashiko sampler wall hanging, rectangle srap vest, lotus pond throw, kimono-inspired long jacket, hanten short jacket

Arlington county public library 746.46 Mulle

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. This is the most comprehensive Sashiko book I have ever seen. Great history of Sashiko and Boro. The photos are terrific. I was pleased to see all the various patterns presented here. Very well done.

[Liz Moffat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful book on boro and sashiko which I will refer back to in the future. It give a back to the practice and some history before some very practical information on how to carry it out. Then it has some projects to complete

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This feels like a great resource to start with. It has a lovely combination of history and information about why you would pick one stitch over the other. My main reason for learning this right now is mending but I may try out some of the projects that aren't mending just for fun!

[Amberwench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Techniques, patterns, projects, a little history- this book is a great resource!

[Rayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book.

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful instruction, interesting project ideas 👍🏼

[Myrna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.26/5 stars. I found the chapters Reading Sashiko Pattern Charts and Sashiko Stitch Directory to be very informative and practical.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will have to go back and reread slowly. Nicely put together.

[Theresa Ratti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and informative.

[Ambur Taft · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 for my crafting list. Patterns, descriptions, & good pictures but not confidence building.

[Jodell Larimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear specific instructions, excellent graphics and photos.

[cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! Liked it so much after reading a digital copy that I bought a printed copy.