One of our main activities is “recreate” Boro (襤褸）fabric with Sashiko stitching. The authentic Boro pieces are almost impossible to recreate because the beauty is made by the flow of time over many years. Boro is not a Japanese word for patching or mending. The word is from a type of “Onomatopoeia” describing the process of the fabric getting damaged. So, we use the word for the result (or on-going process) of repetitive stitching. When we find “a piece of fabric which did not become Boro”, we try to patch it and try to make it to be the part of bigger Boro piece, such as a blanket or Jacket. ☆
In this process, one important element is to find the good aged fabric (vintage fabric) to be part of the in-progress Boro. We have tried some new fabric to patch, and some worked, but the natural look were made with the vintage fabric. Then, you may ask questions. “What is the characteristic for the good Japanese vintage fabric for Sashiko and Boro making?” Would you be interested in this topic if I write a blog or a video story?
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We may be able to recreate the Boro beauty with the aged fabrics. However, we cannot recreate the aged fabric because it requires many years, and unfortunately, some of the artisanship is already lost (or about to be lost). The best thing we can do is to know (or be attentive to understand) the condition and situation. I hope we all can enjoy the “Limited” resources to make Boro – It is perfectly fine to use what you have to make a boro-inspired patchwork. The core concept of boro is to upcycle what we have. However, if you have a chance, make a visit to look at the authentic Boro. They are so powerful (I don’t say “beautiful” so easily because some of them are kind of “scary” for me.) ☆ 「お洒落な襤褸」という、たった6文字なのに矛盾する作品（笑）を作るためには、どうしても「時を刻んだ布」が必要になってきます。通称、古布（こふ）。どんな古布が刺し子に適しているのか、英語で纏めてみようと思っています。日本語でもニーズはあるかな……？あくまで、私達の好みの話なのですが、「古ければ何でもいい」という訳じゃなく、ある程度の基準があるので、それをお伝えできたらと思っているのです。また配信で話すかな〜（最近日本語のブログが手抜きで申し訳ないです。頑張ります。）
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2019-06-14 17:32:06
I would read the blog and everything you link to
So if I’m understanding this correctly, Boro would literally translate to rip? Like the sound of fabric tearing?
I would very much like to read about Boro. 💙 I myself are drawn to the old, worn and mended. It feels strange and kind of ”wrong”. My relatives weren’t wealthy. My grandma would think that the fact that I am wearing my worn and mended jeans very confusing. Since I can afford buying new ones. Sadly she is no longer alive, I would have liked to talk to her (and other old relatives) about this thing.
I too would love to learn more about using vintage fabrics and boro. To me… these fabrics resonate with the histories of the people who used and wore them.
it’s always a pleasure to read what you have to say! the distinction between “beautiful” and “powerful” really resonates with me. thank you for providing so much insight