What you’ll do

You will choose your favourite fabric from a selection of antique Japanese kimonos and obis.

I will show you how to turn them into a brand new bumbag, teaching you every step of the way. If you have no sewing experience, don't panic! I will teach you the basics and guide you through the whole process.

Many beginners joined this workshop in the past and they always leave with a beautifully made bag. Have a look at the archive photos at the bottom of this page.

Bag description

For those of you who already know my bumbags from the ones you see in my store, this design is slightly different. I adapted the pattern to make it more suitable for this class. The bag can stay flat against your body if you don’t put much inside it, but it can also expand easily if you need more room. It opens with a zip, it has two pockets at the front, two pleats on the top, and it has a lining.

Schedule

Join the full workshop and learn how to make a bubag form zero OR start the process with me and I will finalized the bag for you while you visit some pretty spots in Arashiyama.

• Full workshop: 10:00 to 15:00 or 16:00 depending on participants’ pace and levels, including a lunch break (meal not provided)

• Condensed workshop: 10:00 to 12:00, I will finish the bag for you by the end of the day while you roam and visit Kyoto.

A few examples from previous workshops

What you will learn

Here are some technical skills you will learn during this workshop:

• how to use a sewing machine

• how to recognize a silk kimono from a polyester one

• how to cut fabric using a paper pattern

• how to sew a waterproof zipper and patch pockets

• how to make a durable finish using a bias

How to join

Please submit the form at the bottom of this page in order to book your session.

It will take place in the South of Arashiyama, a 16 min. walk from the Hankyu Kami Katsura station. The exact address will be shared after your booking is confirmed.

Please be aware that my schedule is quickly getting full so I recommend contacting me sooner rather than later so I have best chances to match your dates.

Conditions

Payment & Cancellation

Payment is made at the time of the booking. Cancellation can be refunded until 10 days prior the workshop.

The price for each participant is 110 US$/ 16.000 JP¥. I can welcome 2 to 3 participants at once for the full-day workshop and up to 5 for the condensed one. If you are looking for an activity for a bigger group, please contact me to discuss the details.

Lunch

Lunch break will be taken around 12:30 to 13:30, regarding how participants feel. There is a nice soba restaurant just around the corner or you can bring your lunch and eat at the venue.

Children

Children aged 10 years and above can follow the workshop on their own. Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult who will stay with them for the duration of the workshop. If the parent also wants to make a bag, please book two spots, one for you, and one for your child. If the parent only wishes to accompany, you don’t need to book another spot.

For parents thinking of bringing their children who don’t wish to participate, please contact me so we can discuss the options more in details as we will have to keep them busy will you are participating.