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.
Workshop Description
2026 is the year of the horse (uma in Japanese). According to folklore, people born under this zodiac sign are sociable, quick thinkers, and skilled at both finances and paying compliments. Celebrate the year of the horse with us as we use the meditative art of hand-stitching to construct a Japanese-inspired bag. Relax and enjoy the rhythmic dance of needle and thread, drawing inspiration from the Japanese traditional craft of omiyage, darling and whimsical gifts crafted from scraps of beautiful fabric. You will use new and vintage fabrics and embroidery to decorate a charming drawstring bag with a horse design. The finished bag will measure about 6”x9” and be suitable for gift-giving or to hold precious objects.
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.
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.”
Portland Japanese Garden would like to thank James F. and Marion L. The Miller Foundation and Oregon Arts Commission for their support of arts and culture programming.
