By Ava Green
A No-Sew Craft For Anyone
Looking for a craft you can enjoy in any season? Kinusaiga requires no sewing, so you can create a beautiful piece of art from fabric scraps!
What is Kinusaiga?
Kinusaiga is a Japanese art form that involves tucking fabric into pre-cut grooves in a foam board. Originally developed to use up silk scraps from kimonos, it embodies the Japanese value of making the most of available resources. The result is a textured, layered fabric collage that is visually rich, with no needle, thread or embroidery required.
Joyful Art
Traditionally, Kinusaiga artwork depicts nature and natural landscapes, which we love, but the artistic vision is entirely up to you. Gather textiles around a theme, a season, or fabric from meaningful pieces like a baby blanket, blouse, or shirt to create a one-of-a-kind piece with sentimental value.
Kinusaiga Made Easy!
Whether this is your first foray into this wonderful craft, you’re a seasoned pro, or you’re simply looking for a fun group activity, our friends Marjolein and Sue at Filling Your Cup are here to help. Try it on your own with the instructions below, or join one of their group classes where everything you need is provided. Just register, show up, and start creating! They also offer other fun, beautiful crafts for adults and children; check FillingYourCup.ca for more information.
And, for the first time ever, Filling Your Cup will be offering Kinusaiga Kits at the 2026 Eising Christmas Craft Show!
Easy Directions to Get You Started
Whether you have a kit or you’re starting from scratch, here are simple, step-by-step Kinusaiga instructions from Filling Your Cup.
Expressive and Meaningful
Kinusaiga makes a truly unique gift for someone special, or a valued piece of art for your own wall. Whether you create something deeply personal or simply pieces to decorate your home each season, this craft is a creative outlet that is as satisfying as it is fun.
Mark Your Calendar
Don’t miss the 2026 Eising Craft Show, where you can pick up a kit. You can also gather your own supplies to get started now, or visit the Filling Your Cup website to book an upcoming 2026 workshop:
October 20 & 21: Kinusaiga Fall Pumpkin
October 22: Adult Autumn Fairy and Gnome Garden
October 30: Halloween Plant Bingo at Eising’s Garden Centre
November 3: Moss & Malt
November 7: Christmas Ornaments
November 19: Kinusaiga
December 3: Three Mosaic Christmas Trees
Please note that workshop locations vary and include Eising’s Garden Centre, Burning Kiln Winery, and Brandi’s Bar
How to Stay Warm and Stylish
By Ava Green
Colder temperatures are around the corner, and some of us are not looking forward to it! Whether you love winter or not, Sassyfras Boutique inside Eising Greenhouse and Garden Centre has the cozy, stylish clothes you need to look your best and stay warm all season long.
Begin with Layers
Fall, winter, and spring can all bring unpredictable weather to our corner of southern Ontario, so layering is key. Winter is an especially good time to follow the 3-layer rule:
- A base layer keeps you dry
- A mid-layer adds warmth
- An outer layer protects from the elements
Build Your Cold-Weather Capsule Wardrobe
Creating a winter capsule wardrobe makes dressing warm and stylish easy and stress-free. Here are a few ideas to get started:
Base Layer:
Start with a basic tee, a long-sleeve mock neck, or a long-sleeve crew neck top. Choose natural fabrics that wick moisture and keep you dry.
Tights or leggings make a great foundation under dresses or pants for added warmth.
Mid Layer:
For warmth, add a sweatshirt, a crewneck sweater, a v-neck sweater, or a turtleneck.
If you’re stopping at two layers, choose a chunky knit or oversized sweater for a cozy statement look.
On top of your tights or leggings, try a faux-suede skirt, faux-leather pants, wide-leg trousers, jeans, or a dress, maybe even a comfy sweater dress.
Outer Layer:
Top it all off with an eye-catching outer layer! Try a bomber jacket, blazer, faux-fur jacket, puffer vest or jacket, or a trendy coatigan for warmth and style.
Accessorize to Elevate Your Look
What makes an outfit really stand out? The accessories! At Sassyfras, you’ll find everything you need to complete your winter look.
From belts (perfect for cinching a blazer or dress) to trendy handbags, classic tote bags, sunglasses, and a wide selection of everyday jewellery, including locally made, one-of-a-kind pieces. You’ll find the perfect finishing touches that reflect your personal style.
Mix, Match and Stay Cozy
Once you’ve built your base, mid, and outer layers, the fun begins! Mix and match your pieces to create new combinations that make winter dressing simple, cozy, and chic.
With just a few well-chosen items from Sassyfras, you’ll be ready to step out in style, no matter how cold it gets! ❄️
By: Ava Green
More than just a name, the brands we love and trust at Sassyfras not only have a great reputation but also offer excellent quality, fit, and, importantly, style. We trust their track record and can enthusiastically recommend these brands to you!
Tribal
Founded more than 50 years ago in Montreal, their mission still remains the same - to make women look and feel their best, no matter what they’re doing. They know first-hand what that is because women design Tribal clothing for women. Consistent fit and premium fabrics are hallmarks of their quality garments.
Habitat
Comfort, fit and detail are the priorities for clothing from the Habitat brand. Founder and designer Suzanne Connelly is committed to creating clothing that fits well and suits customers’ tastes. This is not fast fashion that you’ll find everywhere, Habitat produces limited quantities for specialty boutiques - like Sassyfras!
b.Young 🍁
Great quality designs with value for your money have been the focus of b.Young since their inception in 1991 in Denmark. Creating timeless pieces using improved processes with an eye on the environmental impact of textile production, their goal is to produce pieces that will last. This is a brand that creates beautiful styles with integrity.
Culture Clothing
Daring to be different, and urging you to be you, Culture Clothing is a brand that stands out. Whether you’re looking for a piece that’s comfy and classic or a colourful statement piece, this is a brand worth checking out!
Soya Concept
Fashionable, colourful, and feminine for everything from shirts to skirts that are made for women. With a focus on sustainability, high-quality fabrics, affordable prices, and the latest trends, Soya Concept is a brand that aims to earn your loyalty.
Point Zero🍁
One of Canada’s leading clothing brands for men and women since 1979, Point Zero has lots to offer. Based in the heart of Montreal’s fashion district, this Canadian company is focused on great design, superior quality, and trendy fashions all at an attractive price. Additionally, they focus on their ecological footprint in terms of materials and the manufacturing process. An admirable brand that’s homegrown.
Dévia 🍁
Based in Montreal, Devia clothing is proudly designed and made in Canada. With a passion for fashion, they create inspiring and eclectic designs at affordable prices.
Terrera 🍁
Earth-friendly fibres, conscious production, and a commitment to giving back make Terrera an outstanding, sustainable, Canadian company. We think you’ll fall in love with their comfortable, easy-to-wear bamboo basics like bralettes, undies and leggings all created to fit and flatter women.
Moffi
Unique, high-quality clothing with sophisticated details and elegant design. Moffi is designed to appeal to every woman.
What’s In Store For You?
Step into Sassyfras at Eising Garden Centre and explore our carefully curated collection of trusted clothing brands. We’re here to provide great personal service and high-quality pieces from brands you’ll be proud to wear!