Bojagi: Stitching Happiness
A special textile workshop for hand-stitchers
With artist and teacher, Youngmin Lee
February 8-14, 2027
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Bojagi are traditional Korean wrapping cloths. They were used to wrap, cover, carry, or store objects in daily life, on special occasions, and in religious rituals. Koreans believe that bojagi can not only wrap an object but can also enclose bok (福, 복, good fortune or happiness). The act of making bojagi also carries wishes for the well-being and happiness of its recipients. The labor of love and the good wishes felt while making the bojagi imbue the item with the affectionate energy of the maker.
Using traditional Korean stitch and seam techniques, Youngmin will teach basic construction in this workshop. Bojagi construction involves hand stitching, which can be very relaxing.
Participants will learn how to use small pieces of fabrics- such as ramie, silk organza, Korean silk gauze, cotton, and linen- to create a geometric pattern, free-from, and improvisational designed bojagi.
Participants will gain the confidence to complete their project with a unique composition of various shapes, lines, and textures.
Location
San Miguel de Allende, located in central Mexico is a Heritage UNESCO puebla magica, not to mention voted one of the best places in the world to live by Conde Nast Traveler two years in a row. Come and be captivated by the friendliness and beauty of this town!
More on San Miguel below.
Retreat Venue
We are sure you will be delighted with the accommodations and facilities. Casa de los Angelitos is a family owned villa with stunning views of San Miguel.With Old world style, beautiful views and a friendly staff, Casa Angelitos is a truly remarkable architectural masterpiece. (Click on the link for a video tour)
About Youngmin Lee
Youngmin Lee is a textile artist who uses traditional Korean bojagi techniques to create contemporary work. Through hand stitching, natural dyes, and improvisational composition, her work explores transparency, memory, and the meditative process of making. She is the author of Bojagi: The Art of Korean Textiles (2024) and founder of the Korea Textile Tour. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is included in the permanent collections of the Asian Art Museum and Mingei International Museum.
Travel
Please make your reservations* to arrive at Leon (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) airports. Information about easy and reliable shuttle service will be shared with participants. Please note, if you decide to fly into Mexico City, it is another four hours to San Miguel.
*Also Note: Please wait to make your flight arrangements until we inform you the retreat is full.
Please click here for pricing and registration information
About San Miguel
Mexico is a huge country that offers its visitors an amazing amount of diversity. San Miguel de Allende is located in the geographical center of the country and is said to be built upon a bed of crystal quartz. Many people believe this legend aids in the “magical” quality so often associated with this town. San Miguel is a peaceful, safe environment, full of friendly people, sophistication and charm to spare. It is small, but far from sleepy. The streets are always full of visitors and locals in a lively and festive atmosphere.
There is more than plenty to see and do on off hours during the retreat. Most days you can count on very cool mornings, warm to hot sunny afternoons, and slightly cooler evenings. Think layers and bring a light sweater. There is virtually no humidity. San Miguel is quite hilly in parts, and the streets are cobbled. You will most likely be doing a lot of walking (the best way to see the town!), so we suggest to bring good shoes.
We are at 6000 feet and if you have not been in high altitudes, you may feel a bit tired the first day or two. Luckily, there are numerous cafes, parks and plazas for rest and refreshments all over town. There are also ample and inexpensive cabs (and Uber) available should you need a break from the walking. The cab drivers, incidentally are some of the best locals to practice your Spanish with!
The web is full of articles and videos about San Miguel. Here are two to whet your whistle:
About Linda Laino
Linda is an visual artist and writer who received her MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. She has lived in San Miguel de Allende for fourteen years where she formally taught English Language Arts and continues to paint and write. She has organized writing and painting retreats of her own in San Miguel and is recently sharing her love and knowledge of this charming and colorful town with other artists and teachers. She has been a waitress, a textile conservator, teacher and flower farmer, all in service to a lifetime of art making. Her painting and writing can be accessed here: www.lindalaino.com
Cancellation Policy Please Review
All deposits and balances for workshops are non-refundable. We understand that it is sometimes difficult to plan ahead for a trip such as this and these uncertain times have created a bit more challenge. We thank you for your understanding of the need for these policies on our end.
Please read our full cancellation policy here.
All participants will be asked to download and sign the waiver form and provide emergency contact info. Please email to lalainoart@yahoo.com
Linda will provide all participants with an SMA Survival Guide listing restaurants, things to do on off hours, and useful phone numbers.
We look forward to welcoming you to San Miguel in February, 2027! Please do not hesitate to contact us. For questions about the workshop, please contact Youngmin at young@youngminlee.com For questions about San Miguel, contact Linda atlalainoart@yahoo.com