The Art of Second Chances
Our sashiko experiences inspire renewal of textiles, creativity, and connection
Our sashiko experiences welcome all ages—from children discovering the joy of making and stepping away from screens, to adults seeking mindfulness, to older generations nurturing creativity and well-being. Through renewing, stitching, and creating, participants spark imagination, support health, and give textiles a second life.
Whether it’s families crafting together, individuals exploring mindfulness, or teams strengthening bonds, every experience is a chance to slow down, reconnect and bring people together in meaningful and creative ways.
Book a Sashiko Experience
Introductory Offer - Book 3 sessions for £59. Enter code 3XWHITEDOVE at checkout.
Bring a friend Offer - Each receives £2 off your orders. Enter code FRIEND2. To be booked separately, quote name in order.
Sashiko Session Essentials Set - For you first session, please purchase a set.
Come Stitch with Me 🪡 White Dove Café – 364 Upper Richmond Road West, London SW14 7JU
A relaxed introduction to Japanese hand stitching
Join me for a calm and creative café session exploring the beauty of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese stitching craft known for its simple, rhythmic patterns.
In this relaxed, beginner-friendly session you’ll learn the basics of sashiko stitching while enjoying the gentle rhythm of needle and thread. No sewing experience is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to slow down for a moment.
Together we’ll practice simple stitches and create a small sashiko sampler you can take home. Along the way you’ll discover how this beautiful craft transforms simple fabric into something unique and meaningful.
It’s a lovely opportunity to unwind, enjoy good company, and try something new — all in the warm atmosphere of the café.
You will discover the history and beauty of the Japanese stitching art Sashiko — a traditional craft that celebrates creativity, mindfulness, and care for what we have.
No stitching skills? No worries — we’ve got you covered!
Workshop Details
Date/Time: Commencing April 14th 2026 - Thursdays 9:30am - 11am
Location: White Dove Café – 364 Upper Richmond Road West, London SW14 7JU
In this 1.5-hour hands-on workshop, you’ll learn:
🪡 How to safely thread and use a Sashiko needle
🧵 Practice traditional Sashiko stitching techniques on fabric samplers
✨ As you progress you are able to apply your new skills to a personal project: mend a piece of clothing, restore a keepsake, or design something entirely new
You’ll Take Home
Your stitched sampler
A Sashiko needle and thread kit for continued practice at home
A new creative skill — and the satisfaction of making something by hand
Why Join?
Through renewing, stitching, and making, you can explore their creativity, share stories, and learn simple, hands-on techniques that bring old textiles back to life.
A lovely way to start your stitching journey — and the perfect stepping stone if you’d like to explore more in future workshops
Fun, hands-on, and beginner-friendly — no experience needed
It will be a joy to welcome you and discover this beautiful craft together.
Alicia x
Introductory Offer - Book 3 sessions for £59. Enter code 3XWHITEDOVE at checkout.
Bring a friend Offer - Each receives £2 off your orders. Enter code FRIEND2. To be booked separately, quote name in order.
Sashiko Session Essentials Set - For you first session, please purchase a set.
Come Stitch with Me 🪡 White Dove Café – 364 Upper Richmond Road West, London SW14 7JU
A relaxed introduction to Japanese hand stitching
Join me for a calm and creative café session exploring the beauty of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese stitching craft known for its simple, rhythmic patterns.
In this relaxed, beginner-friendly session you’ll learn the basics of sashiko stitching while enjoying the gentle rhythm of needle and thread. No sewing experience is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to slow down for a moment.
Together we’ll practice simple stitches and create a small sashiko sampler you can take home. Along the way you’ll discover how this beautiful craft transforms simple fabric into something unique and meaningful.
It’s a lovely opportunity to unwind, enjoy good company, and try something new — all in the warm atmosphere of the café.
You will discover the history and beauty of the Japanese stitching art Sashiko — a traditional craft that celebrates creativity, mindfulness, and care for what we have.
No stitching skills? No worries — we’ve got you covered!
Workshop Details
Date/Time: Commencing April 16th 2026 - Thursdays 1pm-2:30pm
Location: White Dove Café – 364 Upper Richmond Road West, London SW14 7JU
In this 1.5-hour hands-on workshop, you’ll learn:
🪡 How to safely thread and use a Sashiko needle
🧵 Practice traditional Sashiko stitching techniques on fabric samplers
✨ As you progress you are able to apply your new skills to a personal project: mend a piece of clothing, restore a keepsake, or design something entirely new
You’ll Take Home
Your stitched sampler
A Sashiko needle and thread kit for continued practice at home
A new creative skill — and the satisfaction of making something by hand
Why Join?
Through renewing, stitching, and making, you can explore their creativity, share stories, and learn simple, hands-on techniques that bring old textiles back to life.
A lovely way to start your stitching journey — and the perfect stepping stone if you’d like to explore more in future workshops
Fun, hands-on, and beginner-friendly — no experience needed
It will be a joy to welcome you and discover this beautiful craft together.
Alicia x
Sheen Lawn Tennis & Squash Club - 1 Parklands Close, SW14 7EH
Friday 24th April – 1:30pm - 2:30pm | Thursday 30th April – 7pm - 8pm
Come Stitch with Me 🪡 Come & Try the Art of Sashiko
A Calm, Creative Taster Session
Join us for a relaxed, one‑hour introduction to this beautiful Japanese hand‑stitching practice. No experience needed.
You will be guided through simple sashiko stitches and create a small textile piece to take home. The session combines:
• creative discovery • mindful making • social connection
Together we’ll practice simple stitches and create a small sashiko sampler you can take home. Along the way you’ll discover how this beautiful craft transforms simple fabric into something unique and meaningful.
It’s a lovely opportunity to unwind, enjoy good company, and try something new.
In this 1 hour hands-on workshop, you’ll learn:
🪡 How to safely thread and use a Sashiko needle
🧵 Practice traditional Sashiko stitching techniques on fabric samplers
✨ As you progress you are able to apply your new skills to a personal project: mend a piece of clothing, restore a keepsake, or design something entirely new
Why Join?
Through renewing, stitching, and making, you can explore their creativity, share stories, and learn simple, hands-on techniques that bring old textiles back to life.
A lovely way to start your stitching journey — and the perfect stepping stone if you’d like to explore more in future workshops
Fun, hands-on, and beginner-friendly — no experience needed
It will be a joy to welcome you and discover this beautiful craft together.
Alicia x
Discover the enduring beauty of traditional Japanese crafts
SASHIKO : 刺し子
Sashiko is Japanese thread magic — each stitch makes fabric stronger and more beautiful. What was worn or torn becomes a pattern that celebrates imperfection, turning repair into art.
Means “little stabs” or “little stitches”, which beautifully describes the repeated small running stitches of sashiko.
BORO : 襤褸
Boro is patchwork with purpose. Layers of fabric and careful stitching transform worn pieces into something unique and full of character. Each patch tells a story, each stitch brings it back to life. It is the embodiment of Mottainai - don't waste
It refers to rags, tattered cloth, or something worn-out.
We’re here for the thrill of slow creativity —turning old into iconic. Every repair is a chapter, every upcycle a reinvention, every swap a fresh start. Every stitch is a spark of creativity, care, and second chances.
Loved pieces. Bold fixes. Upcycled magic. Swapped stories.
Hi! I’m Alicia
I’ve spent over 20 years in sustainable fashion. I’m a sustainable fashion & behaviour change facilitator and former founder of a vegan shoe brand. I now run hands-on sewing and mending workshops as well as behavioural change campaigns in schools and corporations. These help people reduce fashion waste and feel empowered to care for what they already own. My work focuses on behaviour change, inclusion, and showing that there is a kinder, more sustainable way to live — one small, practical action at a time.