A free workshop on Japanese Boro, Indian Kantha Stitching, and Freeform Embroidery is being held Saturday February 22 at the Merritt Island Public Library, 1195 N Courtenay Pkwy, following the monthly meeting of the Space Coast Weavers and Fiber Artists Guild. Meeting begins at 10:00.

Boro refers to heavy patching and mending with a plain running stitch. Born of necessity, authentic pieces of Japanese patched and sewn clothing and household items are now considered art. Kantha stitching is a simple running stitch done to hold together old pieces of worn-out saris. Both honor the tradition of thrift and respect for textiles.

Today, artists are using these techniques and sometimes adding embellishment from other textile traditions to create fabric collage. This program will show examples of Boro and Kantha and provide an opportunity to work on a small fabric sample to take home. The program will be conducted by guild members Judy Schwab and Candy Grammel.