The Up-cycle Fiber Workshop

This spring, Chatham Hall’s Whitner Art Studio invites students to slow down, stitch intentionally, and reconnect with the art of making in our new Up-cycle Fiber Workshop—a hands-on, creative experience inspired by the Japanese philosophy of mottainai, meaning “waste nothing.”

Rooted in a deep respect for resources and the value of thoughtful reuse, mottainai is more than a word—it’s a way of life. It calls us to notice what we discard and challenges us to turn the overlooked into something meaningful. That’s exactly what this workshop aims to do.

Over four Sunday afternoons in April 2025, artists, makers, and beginners alike are invited to explore fiber art through the lens of sustainability, creativity, and community. Whether students have never threaded a needle or are seasoned stitchers, they're invited to this opportunity to learn, experiment, and play.

Why It Matters
This workshop invites a pause in a culture dominated by fast fashion and disposability. It encourages participants to honor the materials they already have, reclaim the beauty of handwork, and reimagine what sustainability can look like in everyday life. It's not just about saving the planet—it’s about telling better, more thoughtful stories with the things we already hold in our hands.

What to Expect
Throughout four creative weekends, participants in this hands-on workshop series will explore the entire cycle of transformation—thrifting, deconstructing, reimagining, and rebuilding garments and materials into new, wearable (or hangable!) works of art.

Week 1 – April 6: Thrift & Deconstruct
The series begins with a Saturday thrift outing to collect garments and textiles. On Sunday, participants will begin the transformation process by deconstructing their finds—discovering color palettes, salvaging textures, buttons, and zippers, and turning old T-shirts and denim into yarn.

Week 2 – April 13: Design & Reconstruct
Using the materials gathered in Week 1, participants will cut, pin, and sew their new up-cycled pieces, experimenting with forms that reflect their individual vision and creative voice.

Week 3 – April 20: Stitch & Embellish
This week centers on the art of visible mending and sashiko stitching. These slow, intentional techniques serve both as repair and decoration, allowing thread to become a tool for drawing, storytelling, and meaning-making.

Week 4 – April 27: Showcase & Celebrate
The final weekend will feature a celebration of the group’s work, including a community Fashion Show, an Up-cycle Market, and a collaborative Outdoor Fiber Installation—a colorful, collective reminder of the power of sustainability and creativity.