Upcoming session
Date: See date options below
Location: Home studio in the Plateau, Montreal (H2T 2G1)
Price: $75 + taxes
Hand-Sew a Biscornu Pincushion
Did you enjoy the pincushion we used in class? Did you know that crushed walnut shells can sharpen needles and prevent them from rusting? Would you like to create a pincushion featuring your favourite sashiko pattern? Join the biscornu pincushion workshop!
In this class, you'll be presented with various sashiko patterns and choose one to sew and craft into a long-lasting pincushion to take home. You'll also expand your hand-sewing techniques by learning various stitches beyond sashiko.
All materials, including the crushed walnut shells, will be provided.
Skill Level: Intermediate (for returning students only)
Length: 4 hours
Participants: 4-5
Instructor: Xiaoxiao Yarn
Teaching Language: English
Materials Provided: All necessary materials and tools will be supplied.
*Note:
The workshop requires a minimum of four (4) participants. Should this number not be met 24 hours before the course's commencement, the workshop will be cancelled and a full refund will be issued.
Xiaoxiao Yarn | Sashiko practitioner and Instructor
Xiaoxiao is a sashiko practitioner and instructor based in Montreal, Canada. Her journey with this 17th-century Japanese hand-sewing and mending technique began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she moved to the countryside. While seeking to reconnect with everyday objects, sashiko, known for its simple charm and efficiency, quickly became essential in her life, integrating needlework with mindfulness practice.
In 2021, Xiaoxiao launched her YouTube channel, 'Xiaoxiao Yarn,' where she now shares her experiences with over 50,000 subscribers. Through sashiko, she has deepened her appreciation for everyday household items, enhanced her relationship with nature, and furthered her personal development.
Since 2023, Xiaoxiao has been teaching sashiko workshops in Montreal, sharing her knowledge and passion within her community, and inviting others to embrace this meditative and sustainable craft.
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We had a great time at the pincushion workshop! Learning sashiko under Xiaoxiao's guidance was wonderful because she is caring, very talented, organized, and patient! She helped us every step of the way. Now that Xiaoxiao has shared the secrets of this traditional technique with us, I am excited to keep practising sashiko on my own. Thank you, Xiaoxiao!
- Alexia G.
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The best part is to have something that is both pretty to look at and practical. The workshop took place in a very inviting space. Our instructor/host was so welcoming and allowed us to work at our own pace. The other participants were lovely, and the whole experience was really enjoyable.
- Liliane Y.
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
As always, the course was well-paced and easy to follow. What had seemed to me to be a big challenge, became a huge success and point of pride. I had help when I needed and the right amount of time to not feel hurried. My pincushion makes me smile every time I look at it. Thank you so much!
- Jodi (Yiu-Ming C.)