Skills for circular life – Part 1: Sashiko

Join us and Lillian Baker, a Toronto-based textile artist, for this small, hands-on session where you’ll learn sashiko—a centuries-old Japanese stitching technique that’s both a practical repair method and a meditative art form.

You’ll discover how to use simple running stitches to mend fabric, reinforce weak areas, and create beautiful geometric patterns that actually get stronger with wear. It’s the opposite of invisible mending: sashiko celebrates the repair, turning damage into design.

Beyond durability, sashiko embodies a philosophy of care and intentionality. Each stitch is a small act of mindfulness, slowing you down in a way that modern life rarely does. You’ll leave with a skill that lets you extend the life of your favourite clothes—and a deeper appreciation for the objects you wear.