Basic 'Mending' kit, for sashiko (Japanese embroidery) and boro.

Basic set for beginners in the art of 'Visible mending'.

Repair your favourite garments, or make small accessories using Sahiko techniques (Japanese embroidery).

The set includes:

• Skein of 100m of white cotton thread for sashiko.
• Skein of 20m of cotton thread for sashiko variegated in blue shades.
• Sashiko needle.
• Special leather thimble for sashiko.
• Small template 11cmx11cm with magic marking (disappears when washed), with traditional motif to embroider with the sashiko technique. RANDOM MOTIF, MAY NOT COINCIDE WITH THE PHOTOGRAPH.
• 6 pieces of dark blue cotton japanese fabric with different traditional patterns, about 26cm wide by 15cm high.

You can find patterns, ideas and uses on our Pinterest board, Sashiko.

The sashiko was used to patch and reinforce the garments that were wearing out. Although it was intended to be practical, over time a number of patterns were developed so that while the garments were repaired, they were also embellished.

This sewing technique, which arose out of necessity due to the lack of materials, gave rise to boron. This was the name given to these garments, often fishermen's and farmers' coats, which were formed by joining each small piece of fabric that covered holes and tears, by means of sashiko stitches. This textile art is very appreciated today by collectors, although it contains in its essence that origin of scarcity and hardship, and the ability of the Japanese people to overcome it.

The boro garments used to be made with indigo dyed cotton fabrics, or with pieces of kasuri (or ikat) fabrics, or decorated with the katazome technique. The gathering of these small scraps into one garment, joined with long rows of stitches, or sewn together to form patterns with exposed stitches, resulted in a beautiful mosaic that perfectly reflected the essence of the Japanese word "Mottainai", which expresses regret for any wasted resource.