Boro textiles are clothing and household items created by peasants in ancient Japan that were patched and mended many times over. These countless layers of patches and stitches resulted in warmth and sustainability in a way of life where nothing could be wasted. Once a source of shame representing poverty, Boro has become a trend in fashion. In this talk we’ll look at the origins of Boro and how patches and stitching are now inspiring what we wear and influencing fiber art.