“Too Good to Waste,” a finished quilt

“Too Good to Waste” 2016, 28″x28″

Boro cloth is traditional Japanese fabric, much mended, repaired, and reinforced to prolong its life through decades of use. Boro comes from the Japanese term boroboro meaning something tattered, but also means “too good.” Boro cloth is now very valuable and highly sought after as both antique textiles and collectible art.

I made this piece in response to reading the theme of the exhibit. The literal thin place in textiles, repaired with boro to make them whole again. And to use that to make a quilt…

As a quilter, my piece “Too Good to Waste” also reflects on the location and neighbourhood of St. James’. As an outsider looking in to the neighbourhood it is easy to be dismissive of the people and their myriad of problems; but every person is unique and worth the effort of aiding or comforting them. The people are worth the effort, they are too good to waste.

Materials used: denim, ubiquitous and long lasting. The colour is a nod to traditional indigo of Japan. Sashiko thread from Japan. Tartan backing is for Scottish (Anglo) settlers to the neighbourhood and reminiscent of sleeping bags used by homeless people.

For more info: Heart of the City Festival…St.James’ Anglican…Downtown Eastside

Sharing my quilt with other fabric artists here and here.