Bojagi: Jogakbo pieced and stiched wall hanging with Sara Cook

Art textiles Sewing, embroidery and accessories

Ref: SLW12472

Suitable for all £425
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About this course

Discover the inspirational qualities of the ancient tradition of Bojagi (Korean wrapping or covering cloths) and piece together your own contemporary Jogakbo wall hanging (pieced patchwork), made with a traditional Kkekki seam (triple machine stitched), using silk organza fabrics.

Course Description

On this three-day course, you will learn how to make a contemporary, translucent, two layered wall hanging, made from silk organza fabrics, pieced together with a traditional Korean Kkekki (triple stitched) seam. This type of piecing is known as Jogakbo or pieced patchwork.

The course will start with a talk introducing the different types of wrapping cloths. The tutor will show a selection of her work, illustrating the different types and techniques used when making bojagi. Her book, ‘Bojagi: Design and Techniques in Korean Textile Art’ has brought the appreciation of wrapping cloths to a wider audience.

You will be working with silk organza fabric of which some colours will be hand dyed by the tutor. This fabric will be part of the kit that you will be given at the start of the course. Your kit will contain a design for you to follow as a guide or you can create your own informal design.

The tutor will demonstrate techniques to the whole group, but will work with you individually in starting to create your own Jogakbo design. Instructions for completing the wall hanging will also be included in your kit, in case you do not reach that stage.

The aim of the workshop is to explore the use of overlapping translucent colours of organza and to explore the use of the extra fine Kkekki seam. Symbolic decorative embellishments, Bakjwi maedup (Bat knot) and Settam Sangchim (triple stitching), will be demonstrated for inclusion in the wall hanging, as desired. The significance of these embellishments and others will be explored.

You will be able to take inspiration from the historical examples of wrapping and covering cloths from the resources provided during the class. Please bring a notepad and a pen.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • The tutor will provide some materials. Each student will receive a kit, containing a selection of hand dyed silk organza fabrics, enough to complete your covering cloth. There will be two colourway choices.
  • Printed instructions for suggested design, seaming techniques and construction and embellishments are provided.

What students need to bring

  • Sewing machine (recently cleaned and in good working order, alternatively you may use a College sewing machine – please email us to reserve one: bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk)
  • 4” x 24” Creative Grids acrylic ruler or other similar size acrylic ruler, if you have one
  • A smaller acrylic rule, e.g. a 4” x 12” ruler or similar would also be helpful.
  • A2 Rotary cutting mat (If your mat is old and rough, you might want to borrow a better one or replace it with a new one.)
  • 45 mm Rotary cutter with a new blade
  • Silk pins
  • 50 weight, Aurifil cotton thread or 60 weight: turquoise or yellow, depending on which colourway you would like to work with
  • Microtex 80 sewing machine needles
  • Large and small sharp scissors for cutting fabric
  • Thimble, if you wear one
  • Selection of hand sewing needles
  • Hera marker or creaser tool (the tutor will have some for sale)
Please make sure that if you wear glasses for close work, that you bring them with you. Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Tutors

Sara Cook

Study a short course with Sara and inspire by the ancient tradition of Bojagi (Korean wrapping cloths) and piece together your own Jogakbo cloth by hand stitching, using traditional ramie fabrics.
Sara is an author, textile artist, and tutor with more than 30 years of experience. Sara regularly exhibits her work in the UK and internationally. 

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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