Portland Japanese Garden is partnering with textile artisan Judilee Fitzhugh to offer a series of four immersive textile workshops. In each session, participants will relax and enjoy the rhythmic dance of needle and thread while learning the meditative art of hand-stitching to create Japanese- and garden-inspired projects.

This workshop runs from 9:30am–4:00pm, including six hours of instruction and a 30-minute lunch break. Participation is limited to 20 students per workshop, and classes are open to students of all levels of sewing experience.

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Workshop Description

Kinchaku (巾着) are traditional drawstring pouches used to carry personal possessions. They are often used like a handbag and can vary in size and purpose from carrying coins to bento boxes. In this session, you will create a pieced kinchaku designed to carry a teacup using traditional fabrics and techniques. Each participant will receive a teacup and everything they need to create their own kinchaku. (You are welcome to bring your own teacup,  but please note this pouch won’t accommodate anything larger than 3 inches tall by 3 inches wide.) 

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Instructor Bio

Judilee Fitzhugh is a textile artisan specializing in natural plant dyes and couture sewing. A tour of duty in Japan with the U.S. Navy sparked a lifelong affection for Japanese aesthetics, indigo, and plant fibers.

She earned her Certificate in Craft from the Oregon College of Art and Craft in 2002 and taught in the BFA and Studio School programs until the school’s closure in 2019. Her work combines natural materials, vintage fabric remnants, hand weaving, and surface design to capture singular moments in history.

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Feedback from Past Students

“Fabulous location, people, and instruction. Judilee is so generous and positive.”

“Loved these classes! The Garden + the people + the instructor + facility… all the stars lined up!”

“Our teacher gave us the precious gift of artistic creativity and inspiration.”