Neighbor Profile: Katie of Old River Design Company
There is a quiet, deliberate shift happening across the Bay Area. In a world dominated by glowing screens, endless notifications, and the relentless hum of the digital age, more people are finding themselves drawn back to the tactile. We want to touch things. We want to make things with our own hands. On this week’s episode of Bernal Connect, we sat down with Katie Furukawa Bonifacio, the creative force behind Old River Design Company, to talk about Japanese textiles, the art of the handmade, and building accessible learning spaces right here in San Francisco.
From YouTube Beginnings to the Heart of Japantown
Like many modern makers, Katie didn’t grow up in a traditional sewing household. Her journey into textiles started at age 25 with a sewing machine, a healthy dose of curiosity, and a lot of YouTube tutorials. What began as a personal hobby, exploring quilting and design, heavily influenced by her background in architecture, gradually evolved into something much deeper. As she explored different materials, Katie found herself particularly drawn to imported Japanese fabrics. Known for their incredible quality, distinct textures, and rich historical motifs, these textiles carry stories that go far beyond a simple print. That passion eventually led her to the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) in Japantown, where she now teaches beginner sewing classes. Using classroom machines secured through community grants, Katie focuses on breaking down the intimidation factor of sewing. Her teaching philosophy is refreshingly low-pressure: mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, and handmade items don’t need to be factory-perfect. By meeting students where they are, and even pre-cutting fabric for beginners to eliminate the initial fear of scissors, she has created an encouraging environment where anyone can learn to bring an idea to life.
Sourcing, Storytelling, and Zero Waste
Old River Design Company crafts beautiful home goods and accessories from textiles sourced directly from Japan. When asked about quality, Katie noted that you can feel the difference instantly; high-grade imports simply carry a weight and durability that standard commercial fabrics often lack. Sustainability and resourcefulness are also woven directly into Katie’s business model. Because cutting fabric is a permanent decision, she is deeply intentional about waste. Offcuts and scraps don’t end up in the trash; they find new life in creative ways, from being donated to local classrooms for soft play areas to being transformed into textured rope bowls during special workshops. For makers who love a project, she even hosts occasional scrap sales where customers can grab bundles of leftover fabrics at a fixed price.
Connection and Community in Bernal Heights
Beyond her textile work, Katie is deeply rooted in the local Bernal Heights community. When she isn’t designing or teaching, you might spot her enjoying neighborhood spots like the Rabbit Hole or Vega, or hosting pop-up markets right in her yard under the banner of Saatchi’s Sunny Space. You can explore her current collections, upcoming workshops, and design work by visiting her website at oldriverdesign.co or following along on Instagram at @oldriverdesignco. If you are interested in taking one of her beginner sewing classes, registration and schedule details are available through JCCCNC.org.
Calendar – Bernal Heights and Beyond
Mike Doherty serves as Chief Experience Officer at Greening Projects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant green areas
