Paradigm Shift – Layered Cloth Construction & the Boro Sensibility

July 29-31, 2023 (3 sessions)

9am -4pm

In Japanese history, the Boro sensibility celebrates the beauty of imperfection with stitching and honors repurposed cloth. This workshop focuses on how layered cloth construction, along with Boro style mark-making, allows for a paradigm shift in both design and construction.

Along with celebrating the imperfect, the organic line and making mistakes, this method opens up innovative avenues for construction options, while learning to limit one’s color palette. Compositions will be built on a foundation of duck cloth.

Textiles used include scraps, vintage blue jeans and repurposed clothing.

Students will create small design studies, along with a book of stitches and mark making.

Each day starts with a design presentation. Imperfection is encouraged along with outside of the box strategies and approaches. This workshop blends the meditative quality of Boro stitching, the gratification of repurposing materials and the precious commodity of community.

About the Instructor:

Deborah Fell is a full time studio artist committed to the quilt medium. She is a professional member of the SAQA and Art Quilt Network. Deborah’s art focuses on abstract, organic shapes while using surface treatment such as dyeing and painting fabric, photography and reclaimed materials and mark making. Deborah obtained a Master’s degree from Northern Illinois University as well as a fellowship at Northwestern University. Artist Residencies have included the Mendocino Arts Center in California, and the Vermont Studio Center. Art exhibit openings in South Africa in 2014, Holland in 2015, and France and Cape Town in 2017, continue to strengthen Deborah’s art visibility at the international level. Deborah was recognized internationally when she was awarded the Quilts Japan Prize in 2018 from Visions Art Museum in San Diego. International exposure continues with the acceptance into Quilt National 2021, with a Juror’s Choice award.