Holly Badgley teaching a class of students

Love Fest @ PenWag: Winter Presentation & Workshop

My friend Marcia Manzo called me last year to see if I would be interested in sharing pictures of my trip to Japan, two years ago, for the Peninsula Wearable Art Group. I love sharing things that are so dear to my heart.  This was maybe my one and only trip with the Chigyo sisters, so I was happy to revisit the experience! See previous blog.

She also invited me to teach a workshop in the afternoon that day. Looking at what I taught last time, maybe five years ago, we decided that embellishing a finished garment would be the ticket.

For the talk, I brought samples of the Kasuri fabrics I bought from the indigo dye master, cloth I purchased from the Temple market and clothing made combining my indigos from around the world. Who doesn’t love a show and tell? I was nervous my slideshow would be too long, but people seemed to enjoy the images: details of buildings, food and traveling. And the leitmotif of the honey badger, my favorite totem animal from Japan, got some laughs! One woman said she was moved to tears by the presentation. You can’t ask for more than that.

I was nervous my slideshow would be too long, but people seemed to enjoy the images: details of buildings, food and traveling.

The class in the afternoon was in a large room, but to start we gathered in close to talk technique and I showed ideas for printing, stitching and appliqué. There was an adjacent room that is a kitchen with nice high tables for printing, and a large sink. I brought ample bags of scraps, though not too much organza, as last time my stash of organza was decimated by enthusiastic sewers!

It is always frustrating to only have three hours to work, as I don’t get to see any of the finished products. I realize the class really just serves as a guideline for my approach to embellishment. I try not to make too many suggestions, mainly offering a possible direction or placement of a scrap. I really learn a lot from watching everyone’s own process of play. It’s a lovely give and take.

It is a privilege to see the amount of creativity in this group. Michelle Panganini is in charge of programs now and she is an up-cycling powerhouse. There are the many other makers, who uphold high standards of finishing and ideas. I am hoping to keep connected with this fine group in the years to come.