Borrowing from Boro: A Needlebook

This beautifully crafted needlebook is designed for anyone looking to explore sashiko stitching inspired by the boro tradition. Its exterior features randomly arranged scrap‑fabric blocks. Hand‑stitched sashiko lines secure the pieces to a deep indigo base, blending heritage techniques with modern handmade charm.

Materials

• Cover fabric, linen or heavyweight cotton: indigo blue, 2 pieces 10" × 5" (25.4 × 12.7 cm)
  
• Fabric scraps, cotton or silk: contrasting with indigo-blue fabric, 5 pieces 2" × 2" (5.1 × 5.1 cm)
  
• Fabric scraps, cotton or silk: coordinating witscrap fabrics above, 5 pieces 1½" × 2" (3.8 × 5.1 cm)
  
• Fabric scraps, cotton: coordinating with indigo-blue fabric, 2 pieces 5" × 2½" (12.7 × 6.4 cm) for pockets
  
• Wool felt: cream or white, 1 piece 3½" × 8" (8.9 × 20.3 cm)
  
• Sewing snap, size 2–3, 1 pair
  
• DMC Pearl Cotton size 12, 131 yd (120 m)/ball: Blanc, 1 ball
  
• Sewing thread: 1 spool to match indigo-blue fabric
  
• Needle: sashiko size 0.99 mm or crewel size 6 to 8
  
• Ring: 1" diameter (2.5 cm), metal, plastic, or bone
  
• Scissors: fabric and embroidery
  
• Spray starch
  
• Chalk, pen, or pencil fabric marker
  
• Embroidery and sewing supplies: thimble, pins, point turner, ruler, beeswax, needle puller
  

Finished size: Open, 4¼" × 9³⁄₈" (10.8 × 23.8 cm); closed 4¼" × 4½" (10.8 × 11.4 cm).

About: Holly Dumont is a weaving, sewing, embroidering, and plant geek. A retired farmer of sheep and organic fruits and vegetables, she dabbles in dyeing, making paper, and making baskets. She never met a fiber plant she didn’t love. When she’s not doing one of the above, she might be canning, pulling weeds, or wondering if every plant with “cordata” in its name can be twisted into cordage. Insanely curious, she will spend hours researching, experimenting, and taking classes. Her husband, Leo, is guilty of aiding and abetting.

All items in the library are intended for personal use. Please do not distribute without written approval.