Bethany to Host Japanese Embroidery Workshop

BETHANY, W.Va. – Bethany College will host a workshop on the art of sashiko on Tuesday, Oct. 4, featuring Japanese embroidery artist Itsuko Hotta.

The workshop, which will be held in T.W. Phillips Memorial Library from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., is free and open to the public.

The event will feature a Japanese cultural presentation by Fumiyo Iwadachi, Chair of the Handa-Bethany Educational and Cultural Exchange Committee, a sashiko embroidery demonstration, followed by a hands-on workshop by Hotta.

Sashiko is a hand-sewing technique that uses geometric patterns. It combines decorative technique with mending and quilting to transform ordinary fabrics into exquisite ones.

Those in attendance at the workshop will be able to make a 5×5 coaster with special fabrics dyed with natural indigo. All of the supplies will be provided.

Hotta has been making sashiko art pieces since 1978. She has won numerous art contests and awards.

Bethany College began an educational and cultural exchange program with Handa City in Airchi, Japan, in 2003. Since then, the Japan Outreach Program at Bethany has brought a cultural event to the community each fall.

Reservations are required for the event. To register, or for more information, email Fujiko Nito at [obfuscate_btn]fnito@bethanywv.edu [/obfuscate_btn].

About Bethany College

Bethany College is a small college of national distinction located on a picturesque and historic 1,300-acre campus in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. Founded in 1840, Bethany is the state’s oldest private college.