This summer, FWM continues to explore the theme of mending—creating a community space that brings us together to mend our cloths, learn new techniques, and connect us through this meditative process. Join this workshop to learn the art of nuitsugi, Japanese mending techniques led by Maki Aizawa, a San Francisco-based artist and cultural producer. Explore various mending techniques in the kimono-making process that are both functional and practical, yet delicate enough for such fabrics as silk, fine thin cotton, and linen.
“Nui” means to sew, and “tsugi” means to connect. Let’s create something beautiful together! All levels are welcome. Participants should bring an item of clothing or a cotton tote bag to practice these techniques. Maki will provide Japanese patching fabric. Everyone will leave with a patched item, plus their very own mending needle.
Maki Aizawa, a daughter of Tsuyo, is an artist and designer based in California and Asuka, Japan. Kimono-making has long been a part of Maki’s life, and she cherishes the memories of a childhood living with the students of the Aizawa Sendai Kimono Making/Training School. There, she was surrounded by all things related to sewing kimonos by hand, including a rich array of silks, brocades, cottons, pattern books, and special Japanese threads and needles. In 2021, Maki created her own brand, Kamiko, that brought together a women’s collective of licensed kimono makers in the Tohoku region of Japan. Kamiko puts a contemporary spin on kimono traditions, creating designs that can be incorporated into everyday life. Maki also leads a non-profit organization called Amu, which supports indigenous artists from Japan, and is currently writing a book on kimono making with artist Veronika Schaepers. 
