Saturday, March 29, 2025

10:00 AM- 3:00 PM

Class Fee: $125 / WMQFA Members (with member code); $150 / Non Members

Workshop Description:

Each participant will receive a Japanese artisan apron sewn into a bag body. The bag will be a cross-body style. We will spend time on “Chiku Chiku” (big running stitches) to complete a long sash and pockets. Takako will also talk about Japanese fabrics and how they were used.  

There will be some machine sewing to be done at home to assemble the bag after the workshop.

The kit fee is included in the class fee. The kit includes one prepared apron bag, sewn sash, Sashiko thread, needle, kaya, and Boro fabrics.

Recommended skill level for participants: basic hand-sewing skills 

Age level of participants: Adults

Tour Fee: $10/Members $15/Non Members

All proceeds go to supporting the Museum

Join us for an immersive experience as Takako Willden, a Niigata, Japan, native and Cedarburg local leads you through the gallery of Akiko's work!

Takako was instrumental in helping to connect Akiko Ike with the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, and served as a fulltime translator during Akiko’s stay. She is now thrilled to share the knowledge she absorbed from the artist herself as she guides you through the gallery.

Photographs are welcomed, we just ask that you do not use a flash.

Guided Tour from 9am-10am

Workshop from 10am-Noon

Workshop Description: The day will start with a private tour led by Takako Willden through the gallery of Akiko Ike’s hanging work. Here, Takako, will explain Akiko’s unique technique and style by pointing out specific examples, and will be happy to take any questions from class participants.

This immersive experience will be followed by a two-hour workshop, where you have the opportunity to make one Chiku Chiku Kay Bag using the same Japanese cotton and special Sashiko thread dyed in Niigata, Japan that Akiko Ike herself uses. Takako learned the technique directly from Akiko while in Japan, and with Akiko’s blessing, she is able to offer this workshop here in Cedarburg Wisconsin! If you enjoy hand sewing, this is for you!

Kaya is a Japanese term for the material used in mosquito netting, which Akiko often recycles into her own artwork. The Kaya bags you will be making in class will be similar to a tote bag in size. The body of the bag will be Japanese Kaya (mosquito netting) material which you will personalize through chiku-chiku stitching.

• All the Kaya bag supplies will be provided (Kaya netting, Boro fabric, thread, needle)

• We will be Chiku-Chiku stitching the bag body and handles

Please bring a pair of scissors to cut your thread as you work. 

Participants can bring a sewing machine if they would like to try to complete the project during the workshop. Or they can take the bag body and straps home to assemble at a later time with a machine or through hand sewing. A sewing machine is NOT required.

*Extra Sashiko thread and other items from Akiko’s shop will be for sale during the workshop. Purchases must be made in USD cash (No ATM onsite) Please plan accordingly, Thank you*

Guided Tour from 6pm-7pm

Workshop from 7pm-8:30pm

Workshop Description: The evening will start with a private tour led by Takako Willden through the gallery of Akiko Ike’s hanging work. Here, Takako, will explain Akiko’s unique technique and style by pointing out specific examples, and will be happy to take any questions from class participants.

This immersive experience will be followed by a 1.5-hour workshop, where you have the opportunity to make two Chiku Chiku Coaster using the same Japanese cotton and special Sashiko thread dyed in Niigata, Japan that Akiko Ike herself uses. Takako learned the technique directly from Akiko while in Japan, and with Akiko’s blessing, she is able to offer this workshop here in Cedarburg Wisconsin! If you enjoy hand sewing, this is for you!

Please bring a pair of scissors to cut your thread as you work.

Teacher Biography: A native of Japan, Takako Willden is mostly a self-taught artist who enjoys learning from the experts. She loves to find ways to repurpose Boro fabrics from Japan and make them into something beautiful and useful. Takako learned the technique directly from Akiko while in Japan, and with Akiko’s blessing, she is able to offer this workshop.

Guided Tour from 9am-10am

Workshop from 10am-Noon

Workshop Description: The day will start with a private tour led by Takako Willden through the gallery of Akiko Ike’s hanging work. Here, Takako, will explain Akiko’s unique technique and style by pointing out specific examples, and will be happy to take any questions from class participants.

This immersive experience will be followed by a two-hour workshop, where you have the opportunity to make one Chiku Chiku Brooch using the same Japanese cotton and special Sashiko thread dyed in Niigata, Japan that Akiko Ike herself uses. Takako learned the technique directly from Akiko while in Japan, and with Akiko’s blessing, she is able to offer this workshop here in Cedarburg Wisconsin! If you enjoy hand sewing, this is for you!

Please bring a pair of scissors to cut your thread as you work.

Teacher Biography: A native of Japan, Takako Willden is mostly a self-taught artist who enjoys learning from the experts. She loves to find ways to repurpose Boro fabrics from Japan and make them into something beautiful and useful. Takako learned the technique directly from Akiko while in Japan, and with Akiko’s blessing, she is able to offer this workshop.