Sashiko Australia

Little Stab Designs

Sashiko Australia

I am pleased to introduce my new venture, LITTLE STAB DESIGNS, dedicated to sharing and educating about the artistry of Sashiko and Boro.

With 16 years of experience in the industry and as one of the co-creators of Indigo Niche – Sashiko Designs, I recently embarked on a new chapter. After trading online with Indigo Niche for the past five years, I received an offer to purchase my business in early 2024.

This opportunity allowed me to take a well-deserved break, rejuvenate, and spend invaluable time with my family.
However, my passion for creativity and teaching soon led me to establish a new, smaller enterprise focused on the craft I cherish deeply.

The primary mission of LITTLE STAB DESIGNS is to educate and inspire anyone interested in learning this exquisite art form. Our offerings include educational resources, encouragement, unique designs, retreats, and workshops.
Through this new endeavor, I aim to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of Sashiko and Boro, ensuring that this beautiful tradition continues to thrive.

Sue Howie

Sashiko Workshops

Workshops Offered by Sashiko Australia – Little Stab Designs
Sashiko or Boro Workshops
We are pleased to offer the following workshops:

Half-Day Workshops
Focus on either Sashiko or Boro techniques

One-Day Workshops
Includes elements of both Sashiko and Boro

Two-Day Workshops
Provides a comprehensive exploration of both Sashiko and Boro

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Sashiko Teachings

Classes will provide students with:
Guidance on stitching a pre-printed Sashiko cloth.

Techniques for transferring designs onto cloth for stitching
Methods to create original designs using various techniques
Strategies to achieve exceptional results

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Sashiko Retreats

We carefully select locations that offer a truly inspiring environment for teaching. Key considerations include on-site and nearby accommodation, restaurant availability, conducive sewing spaces, and relaxation areas for students.

We engage expert tutors, renowned specialists in their fields, to lead our retreats. By bringing together diverse specialists, we ensure that our retreats are not only informative but also engaging, providing participants with a rich and enjoyable learning experience.

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Feedback

Louise W

Thank you so much for the great workshops! Your ideas and values resonate strongly with me and you have released a "boro block" I've had for over 6 years. Choosing fabrics seemed impossible to me but now I can't stop! I've been stitching sashiko for many years and stuck with traditional colours and designs, but recently I've branched out to modern colours. I have finished one 12 inch square block and have got up to basting more to make a set of four placemats.

Robyn S

Thank you for your lovely Boro workshop. I learnt so much especially about design and colour choices. I enjoyed your confident relaxed presentation and sharing of inspiring designs. Perfect for me as a beginner.

Cathy C

I love doing retreats and workshops with Sue and have attended three at Tamborine Mountain and one at Maleny. She plans them so well, making us feel special, and she and her guest tutors have taught us many new things. During the last retreat at Tamborine Mountain, Sue helped us design our own wall hangings. With her encouragement, I now have confidence to make up my own Sashiko designs and combine them in projects that suit me.

Dilip M

I have known Sue Howie since 2010 and am pleased to share my experience with her. Sue is an outstanding teacher of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese decorative stitching, and Boro, the art of mending textiles. Her expertise in these traditional arts is exceptional, and her passion for teaching is evident in every class. Sue's deep understanding of Sashiko and Boro is complemented by her ability to explain complex techniques with clarity and patience. Her workshops are both educational and inspiring, making intricate stitching accessible to all skill levels. Her supportive teaching style creates a welcoming and encouraging environment. In Australia, Sue is highly regarded for her contributions to the quilting community. Her classes blend technical instruction with creative exploration, allowing students to develop their artistic skills while mastering these techniques. Sue's enthusiasm and dedication to preserving these traditional crafts are truly admirable. If you have the chance to learn from Sue Howie, seize it. Her talent, dedication, and passion make her an invaluable resource in the world of textile arts.