Mariko Sugimori is a creative spirit, a mom, and a first-generation Japanese-American fiber artist specializing in visible mending and sustainable textile arts. She is inspired by her mother’s boundless creativity and her father’s ability to fix absolutely anything! Her love of fiber arts began as a child, sewing doll clothes on her mom’s vintage Singer sewing machine and learning to knit at her local yarn store.
Her creative visible mending journey is partly inspired by her Japanese father, who instilled in her the concept of Mottainai, which roughly translates to “what a waste.” It is a phrase commonly used to express regret for throwing something away when it still holds value.
Through her work in sustainable crafting and textile renewal, Mariko teaches others how to transform worn garments into unique, wearable art while honoring the environmental and cultural principles that guide her practice. Her approach blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary fiber art techniques, making her a sought-after instructor and mentor in the visible mending and slow fashion communities.