Join textile designer and repair artist Marina Balashova of The Fabric Folk in The Apple House for a slow stitching workshop inspired by the colours, textures and plant forms of Tom Stuart-Smith's Plant Library of over 2000 perennials and bulbs.
In this relaxed, mindful session, participants will explore the meditative rhythm of traditional Japanese sashiko stitching while creating a beautifully hand-stitched crossbody bag. Drawing inspiration from the shapes and patterns found in nature, the workshop invites you to translate botanical forms into stitch through a process of quiet observation and creative making.
Working with a carefully curated selection of reclaimed textiles — including Liberty prints — participants will compose their own botanical fabric collage using techniques inspired by boro, the historic Japanese practice of layering and repairing cloth and leave with a hand-stitched bag plus the skills and inspiration to carry on at home.
More about the workshop
Rooted in traditions of resourcefulness and care for materials, boro and sashiko were originally used to strengthen and extend the life of textiles. Today these techniques are also valued for their calming, repetitive rhythm and their ability to slow the mind and deepen creative focus.
The session will begin with a short introduction to the history of boro and sashiko, alongside examples of historic and contemporary stitched textiles.
Marina will demonstrate simple techniques for layering fabric, composing botanical-inspired designs, and building texture through hand stitching. Participants will then slowly develop their own stitched compositions on a hand-dyed indigo crossbody bag, with guidance and support throughout the process.
By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with:
• a hand-stitched Botanical Boro Bag
• an introduction to traditional Japanese sashiko stitching techniques
• the skills and inspiration to continue slow stitching at home
The workshop is open to all skill levels — from complete beginners to those wishing to deepen their textile practice — and all materials will be provided. Tickets also include refreshments and the chance to explore the Plant Library.
About Marina Balashova
Marina is a social designer and repair artist, and the founder and CEO of The Fabric Folk CIC, a Hertfordshire-based initiative dedicated to keeping textiles in circulation through mindful repair and creative reuse.
With a background in industrial design, product prototyping and sustainable design, Marina approaches textiles through a design lens — exploring how garments and fabrics can be repaired, adapted and reimagined rather than discarded.
Through The Fabric Folk, she rescues surplus and discarded materials and transforms them into opportunities for learning and community connection. Her workshops invite people to explore slow stitching techniques such as darning, patching and sashiko using reclaimed fabrics.
Marina’s work sits at the intersection of craft, sustainability and wellbeing, encouraging people to slow down, reconnect with materials, and see repair as both a creative practice and a small act of climate action.
Visitor Information
Parking onsite is limited so please car-share or please come by public transport wherever possible. Information on getting to us will be send out via an attendee email prior to the event or take a look at our visit us page.
Please note this is a no smoking and no vaping site. We do not allow dogs on site unless they are support or service dogs. Thank you.
Accessibility Information
Accessible parking for those who require it is available directly outside The Apple House. There is step-free access to the building and all areas. However, there are many potential trip hazards and uneven surfaces that may be encountered whilst visiting the gardens, along with gravel paths that aren’t suitable for walking frames with wheels.
If there is anything further that we can do to support your visit please get in touch via info@sergehillproject.co.uk