Kogin Sashiko

Kogin Sashiko | Another Ramification of Sashiko

Sashiko is a broad term for needleworks developed in Japan. Kogin Sashiko (SashiKogin) is one of the well-known ramifications of Sashiko. Although I do not practice Kogin Sashiko, I am a big fan of its pattern and beauty. This is an introductory article about the difference between Kogin Sashiko and the Sashiko Stitching I perform (some Japanese call it Gushinui).

 

Before jumping into the explanation, please read the analogy of “Pizza in the USA“, which I often use to explain what Sashiko is. It may help you to understand how I understand Sashiko.

 

The photos of Kogin are provided by @1005coma (Instagram).

 

Kogin Sashiko and Sashiko Stitching

 

Kogin Sashiko was developed in Aomori Prefecture and surrounded areas of the Northern part of Japan. The origin of Kogin Sashiko is to fill in the gap of rough Hemp Fabric that they had to wear even during the severe winter. The cotton fabric was too expensive for the ordinary farmers in the Northern part of Japan to wear. Therefore, the wisdom of Sashiko developed to make hemp fabric warmer by stitching with cotton thread.

Because of this tradition, the needle for Kogin is not sharp. It is purposefully made to be the dull top needle. The other Sashiko stitching usually requires the very sharp needle to minimize the damage to the cotton fabric, yet Kogin Sashiko requires the dull top needle to scoop the gap in between the hemp fabric.

 

Kogin Sashiko 1
A Sample of Kogin / Hishi Sashiko to fill the Gap of rough Hemp fabric.
Kogin Sashiko Sashiko Running Stitch
A Sample of Sashiko Stitching | Creating the patterns with running stitch.

 

Kogin Sashiko and Sashiko Stitching are both needleworks with “caring” someone and supporting their ordinary lives. Both of them are the wisdom of making ordinary days a bit easier.

 

4 Key concepts of Sashiko are…

They stitched for

  • Make fabric warmer
  • strengthen the Fabric
  • Repair & mend Fabric
  • Decorate fabric under the severe or challenging condition to do so.

 

As you have read my analogy of Pizza and Sashiko, it is not about which is right Sashiko or not. I have the honor to get to know some of great Kogin Sashiko artists live in Japan. More photos and more explanation will be online accordingly.

 

Kogin Sashiko and Hishizashi (Hishi Sashiko)

 

The category of Kogin Sashiko has many kinds in its culture. I will study the difference more and introduce the characters of each Sashiko in the Nothern part of Japan.

 

As of now, let me introduce the most obvious distinguish the Japanese uses.

  • Kogin Sashiko: The patterns are made based on the counting of the Odd numbers.
  • Hishi Sashiko: The patterns are made based on the counting of the Even numbers.

 

I assume the description above doesn’t make sense by just explaining it in the text. By collaborating many Kogin artists in Japan, I will translate and introduce the Kogin Sashiko and Hishi Sashiko with more photos. If you are interested, please leave your comment here. The more I receive the feedback and comments, the faster (the more serious) I will work on the articles.

 

For this introduction, I wanted to share the difference between Kogin Sashiko and the regular Sashiko Stitching. Both very beautiful, but not the same.

 

Photos of both beautiful Sashiko culture

 

Please understand that the article is not about judging which is better or not. I practice the Sashiko stitching, and am proud of what I do. It is merely a matter of preferences. This website, UpcylceStitches.com, is for sharing the culture of the beautiful Japanese hand-stitching culture.

 

Kogin Sashiko Sample

 

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Sashiko Analogy

Sashiko Analogy | For Understanding of Sashiko

“What is Sashiko exactly?” This is probably the question in your mind. A question of “Am I doing correctly?” would tire you out when you would like to follow the traditional Sashiko style. Well, unfortunately, even we as Sashiko artists do not have the exact answer for What Sashiko really is. Regardless of my writing about what Sashiko is, the conclusion I come up with for now is to give you the analogy which helps me to explain what Sashiko is. So here is my Sashiko Analogy.

 

Sashiko is like a Pizza in the USA.

There are many styles of Pizza such as Neapolitan, California style, Chicago Deep Dish, and more. Can you define which is the Pizza and not Pizza? There are good pizzas and bad pizzas, but no such a thing as the right pizza and the wrong pizza. After all, it is all about the preferences.

Sashiko is very similar. There are many styles of Sashiko developed in Japan. It is about preferences, not rules.

 

Origin of this Sashiko Analogy

I initially come up with the Sashiko Analogy with Japanese Miso-Soup (Misoshiru) while I broadcasted my stitching on Instagram. Japanese Misoshiru is so ordinary for the Japanese and most of the household in Japan have their own style of Misoshiru.

Sashiko is(was) also too ordinary to make it like an art form over the history. Many Japanese who lived in a poor society performed Sashiko in necessity, and therefore we have many kinds of Sashiko left: some survived, some vanished.

 

A Sashiko Analogy with Misoshiru is a fantastic way to explain what Sashiko is to the Japanese since Misoshiru is so close to their lifestyle. I thought of what would be an equivalent to the Misoshiru and come up with the Pizza.

 

It can be anything.

Applesauce that your own family made for you and your family? Sauerkraut your family fermented in your family house?

 

The point is a sense of “ordinary things to do = nothing special.”

With a few concepts of Sashiko behind its history and the sense of ordinary process will lead you to a good understanding of what Sashiko is.

 

So Where do I start Sashiko?

Sashiko is ordinary things to do. Alright.

How about now? Is it ordinary?

 

After the economic growth in Japan, and globalization, Sashiko is not an ordinary thing to do anymore. Therefore, many people look for information and tutorials.

I am here for that. I provide “how to do Sashiko” on my Youtube Channel and Online/Onsite Sashiko Workshops, and I talk about “why I do Sashiko” in my Live streaming on Youtube.

 

You can learn the basic technique of Sashiko and long-established wisdom of how beautiful Sashiko can be. I also talk how beneficial Sashiko can be for the mental, mindfulness and slow switching. By learning the history of Sashiko, I strongly believe that we can enrich our life.

 

Sashiko is (was) a form of needlework to achieve…

  • Reinforcing the fabric for the warmth
  • Strengthening the fabric for the durability
  • Mending the fabric for the repurpose and recycle (upcycle)
  • Decorating the fabric in the limited supply and government regulations.

 

When your project can follow either of these “concepts based on the purpose,” I would say you are doing fantastic Sashiko.

 

Of course, as you can find a good pizza and horrible pizza, there are good looking Sashiko and not so much good looking Sashiko. I am here for the better looking Sashiko. I just want you to learn not only “how” to do Sashiko, but “why” to do Sashiko throughout my website.

 

You may read some writing archives below. The answer to the question of “What is Sashiko?” is still on my list of things to achieve. Your feedback and request will help me to seek more!

 

Reference | Some Article Archives:

 

What is Sashiko? | As a Sashiko Artist

Correct Sashiko Wrong Sashiko

Sashiko Rules | Right & Wrong in Sashiko Stitching?

Sashiko and Animism | Power of thoughts

 

 

Kakishibu Dyed Thread K_1712 Cover

Kakishibu Dyed Thread | Hand Dyed with Persimmon

5/15 Update for Kakishibu Dyed Thread

Ever since we first introduced the Kakishibu Dyed Thread in summer 2018, we have tried several Kakishibu Dyed in Sashiko Threads. The result of Kakishibu can be easily affected by sunlight, so it has been very challenging to create the similar color. However, we decided to offer the thread regardless of its small inventory number.

 

As of now, we have K○_1712 Series and a few left from the previous Series (K-177 and K-179).

 

Kakishibu Dyed Thread K_1712

Kakishibu Dyed Thread K_1712_Numbers

 

 

One of the most popular Natural Dye

Squeezing the green (non-ripe) persimmon to get the juice. Fermenting it to transform the persimmon juice to a dye liquid. Smells are really strong. Controlling the condition is a big responsibility. After these steps, we can finally enjoy the natural color from Persimmon Tannin dye. We are happy to present our new Kakishibu Dyed Thread for the Sashiko stitching. The same perfect design (twist) for the Sashiko purpose, with the beautiful natural color from Kakishibu.

*Kakishibu (柿渋)= Persimmon Tannin in Japanese

 

Kakishibu Dyed Thread Covor

 

4 Shades of Kakishibu Dyed Thread are available

These 3 shades and 1 variegated color are available for sale! Enjoy the natural color in your Sashiko project.

  • K1 | Gold Yellow
  • K2 | Dark Grey
  • K3 | Greyish Brown
  • K4 | Persimmon Tannin Variation / Variegated

 

Kakishibu Dyed Thread 4 Shades availability

 

Kakishibu Dyed Thread K1 Kakishibu Dyed Thread K2
Kakishibu Dyed Thread K3 Kakishibu Dyed Thread K4

 

Kakishibu Dye Professional

Ever since Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya started challenging to dye Sashiko thread with Natural materials, Indigo Blue and Kakishibu Gold kept attracting us. The Kakishibu dye process requires at least 3 major conditions to make it successful.

  1. A lot of, tons of pure water
  2. Large space enough to prevent odor issues
  3. Skillful artisans to follow the strict dye process

It was very challenging to successfully achieve the Golden color Sashiko thread with ourselves. Then, in 2017, we got a fortune to come across the Kakishibu Dye Professionals in Gifu Prefecture, Kaki-Zanmai. They use the locally grown persimmon and follow the steps I illustrated in the first paragraph of this article. In their studio, people can dye what they would like. We asked them to dye our Sashiko thread, and we could add the Kakishibu color to our Sashiko Thread collection.

 

Here is a note from their Japanese website.

 

Kakishibu Dye

We provide a special Kakishibu dye made from “Izira Persimmon.” This Izira Persimmon is only produced in Yamagata city, Gifu Prefecture. The Izira Persimmon contains a lot of tannin, and had been well known for Kakishibu Dye. Natural & Local product for Kakishibu Dye. Kakishibu dyed product such as threads, fabrics, and papers are believed to have these functions; Anti Corrosion, Insect repellent, Antibacterial, Deodorant (Eliminating Odors), and Waterproofing.

 

Kakishibu Dyed Thread

 

Kakishibu Fabric, as well.

We have asked to dye the fabric as well. It is too costly to sell online for now, but we are happy to share the photos if you are interested. Please contact me so I can take photos of beautifully dyed fabric for Sashiko purpose. We are working on a project of Sashiko art piece with using Kakishibu Dye Sashiko Thread and Kakishibu Dye Cotton Fabric. Wait for the update 🙂

 

 

 

Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project Cover

Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project

It has been almost 7 years since I had encountered this beautiful project: Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko  Project. I sometimes refer this project as “Otsuchi Sashiko”. The official name for the project is  Otsuchi Recovery (Fukko) Sashiko Project (大槌復興刺し子プロジェクト).

After the earthquake followed by Tsunami on March 11th, 2011, the five volunteers established the project to support the people in Otsuchi, especially those who had nothing to do but sitting in the evacuation shelter. The men had a lot of things to require the muscle power after the disaster. The young generation also had many tasks to revive the infrastructure such as distributing the support goods and clean. However, those who wouldn’t be able to move, mostly elderly women, did not have things to do and had to wait for nothing in the non-private shelter.

Not only the fish (support goods such as food and blankets) but also a fishing rod (a method to make a living).

The project tries to create jobs for those who couldn’t do hard labor outside.

They have been trying to create the community where anyone can gather for the purpose of stitching.

We all then hope that the stitching can be a part of the purposes of their new life after the earthquake.

I, Atsushi, first join the project in June 2011.

Then, visited Otsuchi for an advice on creating a business (creating jobs) in November, then two months in February and March in 2012. Ever since the first day I met the project, I have been thinking what I and Sashiko can do for them.

I had written many articles and reports regarding the Otsuchi Sashiko in English, but I had to give them up when my father passed away and the stakeholders decided to shut down the website. Well, even after the sad reality of me leaving Sashiko behind for while, my mother, Keiko Futatsuya, kept in touch with them. Now, she is the advisor of Sashiko technique and designing in Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project.

I do not find many articles about Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project online in English.

It is my mission to write it down what this amazing and remarkable recovery project is. This is a story of Otsuchi Sashiko throughout my eyes and emotions. The story may be biased a bit, but I believe I am introducing the fact as sincerely and accurately as I can.

Brief History of Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project (OSP)

Otsuchi town was badly damaged by the earthquake followed by Tsunami, including the loss of town hall and the mayor and more than 1,280 of people’s life. The survivors how needed an evacuation shelter by losing their house were more than 9,000 people.

Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project Story 1 Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project Story 2

A role for “mothers” and “grandmothers”

In the evacuation shelter, mothers and grandmothers, who were very much hard worker in their own house as a house-maker, didn’t have anything to do. There were no kitchen to cook, no living room to clean, no dishes to wash. Men and young generation could work for the cleaning debris, but the job required a lot of muscle power. Mothers and Grandmothers couldn’t help them even if they wanted to.

No car to commute. No place to work when a big part of the town is damaged by the Tsunami. The days of ladies in Otsuchi, well known for the hard-workers, had changed drastically.

The answers they had come up with was Sashiko, in which requires only a needle, thread, and piece of fabric. The Sashiko was doable in a limited space of the evacuation shelter. The mothers and grandmothers wanted to do “something” instead of just waiting.

One stitch by one stitch with hopes

An elder woman who lied down all the day in the evacuation shelter. A hard-working mother who lost her house-making job. A young woman who lost their job opportunity. Everyone in Otsuchi moved the needle with hoping the recovery of Otsuchi.
Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko project is their first step to the recovery by women in Otsuchi since June 2011.
The Earthquake destroyed the houses and jobs and took away our previous people. We, as Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project, would like to re-establish the town of Otsuch throughout Sashiko by strengthening, mending, and making it more beautiful.
*Sashiko is a needlework to reinforce, to repair, to mend, and to decorate the fabric. 

A vision of OSP

*Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project = OSP

Toward high-spirited Otsuchi

OSP strives to cheer up people in Otsuchi and related to Otcushi throughout the Sashiko Project.

When a mother, who enjoy Sashiko, is happy, the household will be filled with smiles. If the household is filled with smiles, the town of Otsuchi will be energetic. When the town of Otsuchi become energetic, everyone in the town and related to the town will be happy.

Our goal is to contribute to the recovery of the town of Otsuchi.

Tell the value of Hand-made culture

We strongly respect the value of hand-made craft culture with spending so much time and putting the good-heart in it in the era of “speed” and “efficiency (productivity)” with mass-production and mass-information. “Hand-Made Craft” provide us “Care” and “Mindfulness (Mental Wellness)” by thinking of other, and using our own hands.

We actually perform the handmade craft in every day and tell how previous they are throughout the project

Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project

We also value these 5 categories throughout the OSP activities

Locality (respect to Otsuchi)

OSP rooted the town of Otsuchi, and try out best to contribute to Otsuchi throughout the project.

Particularity about Hand-Stitching

We are particular about providing the hand-stitching items for those who respect the culture of hand-made crafting. We care of customers and try our best to tell the value of hand-made culture.

Encourage the Self Esteem of artisans

We encourage our artisans (Sashiko-san) to build self-esteem of what they do by providing the opportunity to improve their skill and understandings. We also respect each other who enjoy the hand-made crafting (Sashiko)

Aiming the best continuously

We continuously try our best to improve our technique and product, and we strive to provide the best Sashiko product.

Place & Community

We respect the concept of “community”, the place everyone can gather and socialize. We provide the place where Sashiko-san (the artisans) can gagther, even without any purposes, and then the customer would like to visit to meet them.

OSP Facts

Coming soon. (Confirming the lastest numbers with Otsuchi Sashiko for their 10th anniversary)

Purchase / Support the OSP

Purchase Sashiko Items from OSP

You may purchase Sashiko items, such as workman jacket and bags, that OSP provides at the Sashiko Exhibition including the one in the major department stores. You may contact me (Atsushi) if you have a specific item (or an idea of what you would like to purchase) for the detail. I am happy to provide as much information as possible. Not many products are listed online, but I believe I can provide the good amount of information for an online order.

For example, the bag below is about $350.00 in Total. ($300.00 for the bag plus shipping and handling of $50)

You will receive a card signed by the artisan (Sashiko san) who made the bag. Since everything is hand-made by the individual artisans, each item is completely one-of-a-kind.

Support by Donation to Non-Profit Organization

The OSP is managed by the certified Non-Profit Organization, Terra Renaissance.

If you wish to make a donation to the Otsuchi Sashiko, please contact me (Atsushi) for more detail. I will try to translate and connect you to the appropriate individual in the certified NPO Terra Renaissance. 

Support by purchasing the thread for OSP

Keiko and Atsushi Futatsuya have been supporting the Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project by providing the thread (initially free then specially discounted price for the continuously).

Needless to say, Sashiko thread is the key material to make Sashiko products. We have the campaign to ask the general public to purchase the thread for OSP naming “supporting thread” to connect Otsuchi and Takayama (where Keiko is located). If you are interested in this campaign, please contact Atsushi for the detail. (Working on the page for this now.)

Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project Support Thread

More Photos from OSP

Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project Title
Photo by t.koshiba
Sashiko Exhibition Report

Sashiko Exhibition Report | May 8th to 12th in 2018

We have been enjoying to have many visitors to our very first Sashiko Exhibition in Tokyo 2018. Keiko, the Sashiko artist, stayed in the gallery on May 8th. She is very happy to meet many people with a passion for Sashiko. The Sashiko Exhibition continues until the Saturday, May 12th, 2018. With many photos which I received from my friends who visited, here is the Sashiko Exhibition Report.

 

So many “One of a Kind” Sashiko

 

One of a factor that makes us an artist is the speed of Sashiko stitching we can make. Every Sashiko is hand-stitched, of course. Every item is One of a kind, and we will not be able to create the exactly the same one. (We will try our best to create the similar one if a customer requested custom order items based on the sold item.)

 

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report 3 Bags
Patchworked Sashiko and Vintage Fabric into one unique and beautiful bags. It is breathtaking to look at so much Sashiko stitching at once.

 

Traditional, Contemporary Sashiko and even Boro.

 

We also displayed some of Keiko’s latest Jackets, from traditional Sashiko, Contemporary Design with Sashiko, and even Boro pieces. We believe some of them are museum quality, but they are all purchasable by a customer. It is because we believe that a Sashiko item will look more beautiful when it is used in the ordinary life. It is very honored to be displayed in a museum, but at the same time, we would like to see our Sashiko items in our human’s life.

Visitors to the Sashiko Exhibition can, of course, touch, feel, and try them on to feel the stitching and its warmth.

 

 

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report Traditional Sashiko
Keiko combines many japanese traditional geometric patterns into one unique pattern. This is very traditional Sashiko jacket with keiko’s design.

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report Core of Sashiko
When we get a good quality and size of Japanese vintage fabric, we always appreciate the people who kept these fabrics. The fabric wasn’t strong enough and had holes to make it one Jacket, but we performed Sashiko and patches to be another Jacket. This is core of Sashiko Stitching
Sashiko Exhibition Report Boro
Boro is the ultimate result of Sashiko stitching. Keiko collected all torn and worn fabrics from the past, and made it one beautiful Jacket. Boro tend to be dirty and smelly, but we try to “recreating the Boro” with following the process that the Japanese a hundred year ago did.

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report Sashiko Jacket
Every Sashiko Jacket, one stitch by one stitch. We are proud of each Sashiko items. They are simply awesome 🙂

 

 

Otsuchi Sashiko Stunning Works

 

The Sashiko Exhibition was co-hosted with Otsuchi Sashiko Project.

It is a recovery project from Northeastern Earthquake in 2011 to support the Tsunami victims throughout Sashiko. Keiko and Atushi has been supporting the project since June 2011. I am planning to write an article about the Otsuchi Sashiko Project with more detail, so please wait for an update.

 

Over the last 6~7 years, the Sashiko skill in Otsuchi Sashiko Project imroved significantly. We are so happy to share their beautiful Sashiko works with our Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya Sashiko works.

 

 

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report Otsuchi Jacket
The Sashiko Jacket that Otsuchi Sashiko made with Keiko’s advise. This became a representable Sashiko art of Otsuchi Sashiko

 

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report Otsuchi Sashiko Bag
Each person (Artisans) in Otsuchi is in charge of completing one drawstring bag. It means, every bags has different stitching size, space, and therefore they are all unique. Knowing who makes the bag is something we would like to pass down

 

 

 

Share this Sashiko Exhibition Report

I am honored to receive many comments that they wish they could visit the show. An international travel isn’t easy to make. However, our goal is to share our Sashiko with as many people as possible. We may be able to visit your country, city, town if someone there could invite us to have Sashiko Exhibition there (also, Sashiko workshop is an option, too)

 

Please share this Sashiko Exhibition Report, and let’s hope that someday we can visit your place. We sincerely would like to share these beautiful works in person. We want you to touch, feel, and enjoy what we create & what we are proud of.

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report Keiko Greeting
Thank you for your time to read this Sashiko Exhibition Report. Keiko and Atsushi are looking forward to meeting you one day.

 

*We keep all the copyrights for the photos and text on this website. Please contact me if you would like to use a photo of Sashiko items on your website, SNS, and printing materials. We are happy to provide with better quality. 

*I plan to update the Sashiko Exhibition Report as needed. This is version as of May 10th 2018.

 

 

 

Judging Your Sashiko

No more Judging Your Sashiko | Atsushi’s Message

I believe you have come to our website to look for the Sashiko Information. The Sashiko information you would like can be an advice on how to do Sashiko appropriately or what is the “right” way to do Sashiko Stitching. I have been receiving many questions regarding “How to do Sashiko”, and I am happy that I have been sharing what I do on Youtube, on this website, and SNS such as Instagram. The comment I made on Youtube Live Streaming on 5/2 was somewhat memorable, and here is my writing about what I truly would like to share throughout Sashiko. No more Judging your Sashiko, and No More Judging what you do.

 

Answers are Important, but no Judging Your Sashiko

I understand that the comprehensive direction (Answers to your questions) in crafting are very important information. Most of the questions start with either “Should I…” or “Is that okay…” for my answers. I try my best to explain what I share is merely an advise but not the answers. However, I also understand that the audience prefers the solid answers than freedom such as “you can do whatever you want.”

 

The website and Youtube videos are for you to find the answers to your questions instead of me giving you the solid answer full of my preferences. Once you get the solid answer, you will start judging your Sashiko with saying “This isn’t beautiful enough….” and “What am I doing wrong….”. The judging yourself is a very critical process to get better in most of the art and crafting. However, I sincerely would like to share that the Sashiko is a process of needlework with caring others, not the process of judging your Sashiko Stitching.

 

A machine does the perfect job. We are human, though

If I only would like to have the perfect Sashiko Stitchings, I may use a machine to make the completely even stitches. Some of the sewing machines have a computer programing built in it, so the result will be perfectly accurate. However, many people enjoy the hand-stitching Sashiko. Why? It is because that the people enjoy not only the result with human-like imperfection but also the process itself.

 

Since we enjoy the actual stitching, I would like you to focus on the caring part than the judging part. I understand that you cannot stop doing it, but I would like you to try that. Instead of judging how uneven the stitches are, I want you to just observe the stitching and move the next line or next project. The result will be great if you keep doing it with appreciating the process.

 

The process of Judging is based on the problem-solving society. It is very important to have a critical-thinking-skill to be “successful” in this society. The successful business person will analyze the situation, find the problem to be improved, then solve it. It is the necessary skill to have in business, but not in Sashiko.

Instead of trying to “fix” the problem, I want you to try “observe” it. In fact, I want you to “keep” observing it. One day, you find that not only your stitching but your mind are pretty well-ordered. This is the mindfulness of “Sashiko” and the “Slow-stitching” I call. The stitching itself doesn’t have to be slow. It is silly to just try to be slow on everything. I just want your right brain (very critical skill) to be slow a bit. At least, when you enjoy Sashiko.

 

When you seek answers, then you will not be mindful.

There isn’t much information you need in Sashiko. Most of them, I already provided in Youtube videos and here. You will find your own answers by being mindful, and that is the Sashiko I would like to develop from the history of Japanese and share in this world.

 

Grey in the middle of Black and White

Sashiko is(was) a very ordinary needlework for Japanese for the ordinary Japanese people. Therefore, culture of Sashiko is strongly related to the Japanese culture and philosophy. I would like to share many similarities of Sashiko and the Japanese culture.

The people in the 21st century, including myself, would like to categorize the “color” either black or white. After categorizing the difference, we tend to label them. In most cases, these categorization ends in dualism, pretty much “Right (Correct)” or “Wrong (Inaccurate)”.

The Japanese didn’t have the strong influence from the dualism. We believe in something in-between, so like “Grey”, to blur the conclusion. Although it isn’t the best attribute in terms of business, I find it very interesting in Sashiko stitching. Most of the questions regarding “Right Sashiko and Wrong Sashiko” comes from Western culture, not from the Japanese.

 

I am not saying you have to follow the Japanese philosophy. What I am trying to say here is that Sashiko is not only about stitching, but also the culture behind it. By introducing the Sashiko’s concept, I believe I can contribute to the Japanese culture, and it is the best thing I can do as a Japanese.

 

*I can think of many other interesting story of Sashiko & Japanese philosophy relationship. I will keep updating this entry. It will be a long one 😀

 

Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018

Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018 | In Kugayama, Japan

We are happy to announce the Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018 with Keiko Futatsuya (Sashi.Co) and Otsuchi Sashiko Project. This is their 2nd Sashiko Exhibition in 2018, followed by the exhibition in Gifu. They will have numbers of Sashiko Jackets, Sashiko Bags, and Natural Dye Sashiko Thread for purchase. If you happen to be in Japan near Tokyo Area, please enjoy our authentic Sashiko works!

 

This is our first year to offer Sashiko exhibition. Following after the Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018, Keiko and I sincerely hope that we can visit other cities to have our Sashiko exhibition to share what we love, what we are proud of, and what we would like to share.

 

The Detail of Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018

 

Date: May 8th to May 12th in 2018

[5/8 (Tuesday) to 5/12 (Saturday) in 2018]

 

Location: GALLERY AI in Kugayama, Tokyo.

Please contact me if you would be able to visit the gallery. I am happy to share the exact location. Everything displayed in the exhibition is subject to purchase. We want a customer to use (wear, carry, display in any daily usage) the Sashiko items, and Sashiko items become more beautiful by being used in the daily life.

 

Some Photos of Sashiko Items

These are only a few samples of what Keiko & Otsuchi Sashiko will display. You may be able to touch the most of our Sashiko Items. For the jacket, you should try it on if you are interested. Again, Sashiko is a form of very “ordinary” stitching developed in Japan. We do not want to make it so fancy, we just would like to enjoy the power of authentic Sashiko.

 

Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018 Jacket.
This is one of the most popular Sashiko Jackets/Ponchos in Keiko’s Collection. We, Keiko, myself, and Otsuchi Sashiko, are the group of Sashiko Professionals. I hope visiters can have a chance to enjoy the master pieces.

 

Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018 Jacket 2
Not only the traditional Sashiko, Keiko will display some of her modern Sashiko Jacket. This jacket is the collaboration of Katazome vintage Fabric with her “free-style” Sashiko Stitching.

 

 

 

Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018 Keiko's Jacket
Keiko will be in Tokyo on 5/7, with wearing something very contemporary & Sashiko Stitches. This best is with Denim fabric and some Sashiko Stitching. Pretty Fashionable, I think.

 

 

I will write a report of two beautiful Sashiko Exhibitions in 2018 1st half. The Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018 will be something we will be something very remarkable. Keiko is very nervous to show up as Sashiko artist in front of visitors since this is her first time! (She was not allowed to mention her name before 2014.) Exciting!!

 

 

 

 

Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop Happy

Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop | May 3rd

May 3rd, 2018. This day became another great milestone on our Sashiko Journey, to learn what we can provide throughout our Sashiko experience. We had a group of Stitchers from Thailand to have Keiko’s Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork workshop in her private space.

I started a Sashiko workshop in late 2016 in the USA. Ever since I started introducing the Sashiko Workshops in English, many people asked me if they can take the Sashiko Workshop when they travel to Japan. Some inquires got fade out, some couldn’t fit their schedule, and some could make it happen with their passion & luck. Some people even travel for 5 hours only to take Keiko’s workshop.

It is our surprise, hand big honor to be respected this amount.

 

Regardless of my belief in Keiko’s ability and talent, I always worried (and still worry) about the language barrier. However, every time Keiko has a workshop, the happy faces surprised me that my worry regarding language isn’t the big obstacle in sharing Sashiko stitching.

 

Here, with participants’ permission, let me share happy faces with their brilliant result of a day-long workshop for Boro-Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop.

 

Happy Faces with their Beautiful Sashiko

Thank you very much for sharing these beautiful photos. The Boro inspired fabric is done by each participant. They are all unique and so beautiful.

 

 

Boro Sashiko Workshop in Japan _2

Boro Sashiko Workshop in Japan _3

Boro Sashiko Workshop in Japan _4

Boro Sashiko Workshop in Japan _5

Boro Sashiko Workshop in Japan _6

Boro Sashiko Workshop in Japan _1

 

 

The detail of Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop

 

In Japan, we do not offer the Boro & Sashiko workshop regularly. The workshops are only available by privately arranged and appointed. Please read the article about “Customize Sashiko Workshop in Japan” and contact me for setting up the workshop to meet your preference & expectation.

 

This workshop was a whole day workshop, starting at 9 until the dinner time. The participants will finish their projects to make it a Tote-bag. We provide enough materials to do so. The result is simply amazing, and we are so glad to have many happy faces. The contents of Sashiko related workshops are independently different. It means that I will modify the content of workshop by hearing your preferences and experience.

When you are serious, please feel free to contact Atsushi for the arrangement.

 

Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop All

 

 

Please be advised for maximizing the workshop experience here.

Keiko will show you how to use thimble, needle, and do Sashiko workshop. However, there is a slight possibility that the language barrier causes the frustration. I will do everything I can do to follow up, but please consider to take Atsushi’s Sashiko Workshops in advance, if possible. You do not need to know how to use a needle and thimble in our Sashiko method. However, we strongly recommend you having the basic needlework skill.

 

Boro and Sashiko. Share the fun and beauty

 

This Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop taught me, again, how beautiful the Sashiko and Boro piece can be. 7 participants made 7 completely unique Boro-inspired patchworks. All of them are so beautiful and precious.

It is all about preferences. Not being right or wrong.

When we stop judging others, and most importantly ourselves, we can enjoy our life more and more.

 

This is the Boro and Sashiko we love.

 

Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop 33

Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop 22

 

 

*The Japanese article can be found https://sashico.com/

 

Shop Sashiko Thread

Shop Sashiko Thread | Get the best for Sashiko

Are you looking for Sashiko Thread? You got to the perfect place to Shop Sashiko Thread. We offer a variety of Sashiko thread including variegated colored and natural dyed.

 

All of the thread is made in Japan, from cotton 100%, with some unique twist for the best result of Sashiko Stitching. These are the best Sashiko stitching, and we can say out loud based on our 30+ years of experience in Sashiko field. We use these thread for our Sashiko practice.

 

Check All of the thread on Storefront

 

Coron Manufacture & Sashi.Co (Keiko Futatsuya)

 

Shop Sashiko Thread Indigo

 

Coron is a long-established company specialized in thread manufacture in Japan. We have been enjoying their thread more than 30 years. We are in love with their thread, and we strive to contribute to their thread manufacturing. Introducing their thread is one of my activities to “pass down” Sashiko to the next generation. Without good Sashiko thread, the Sashiko cannot be as beautiful as it is right now.

 

We also try natural colors from Botanical Dyes.

Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya has been successfully producing many natural colors with Madders, Logwood, and other botanical dye materials. It has the same quality of materials and the same great twist for the Sashiko stitching.

 

Please give a shot to use these Sashiko threads.

I guarantee that you will be in love with these threads. They will make your Sashiko stitching more beautiful, more rewarding.

 

 

Shop Sashiko Thread wisely

 

Since Sashiko is getting popular, you can find many Sashiko threads available in the market. Make sure to be a smart customer there. You can shop Sashiko thread wisely in two perspectives.

 

1. Choose the best quality and purpose

The core concept of Sashiko is to mend, repair, and repurpose the fabric. Therefore, if you have a thread already, you do not need to buy the new one. However, if you are ready to purchase the new skein of thread, make sure that you get “Sashiko” thread. The Sashiko thread with the best quality will make your stitching last longer and will improve your stitching. Some of the thread is cheap, and some are the other sides. For example, our thread price range is from $12.00 to $30.00. Sounds a bit expensive? Some of the threads are expensive because of Natural Dye such as Indigo or Kakishibu.

However, the thread length is 145 meter. Yes. 145 meter.

I didn’t use up the whole skein even after stitching the entire denim jeans pants. It is how big of an amount for the skein of thread,

 

2. Know who you are buying from

 

Since Sashiko is getting popular, many dealers are jumping into the market regardless of its small size.

Let’s say, if you purchase a skein of Sashiko thread from a non-Sashiko related dealer, you may save a few quarters. There are many markets places that the many kinds of dealers are competing for the attention. However, these non-Sashiko related dealers will not provide you the advice or information regarding Sashiko. They are merely moving a product from left to right.

 

If this is a market in mass production and mass consumption, then I would understand that the principal of capitalism and fair business rules: the cheaper the better.

I would say, for Sashiko, it is more like “how to preserve culture” aspect instead of making the profit for the capitalists.

 

Please be part of the upcycling movement by choosing the good products from a seller who sells not only the product but also the culture behind it.

 

 

Related Articles regarding Sashiko Thread

 

Sashiko Thread is the VERY important factor to make the beautiful Sashiko stitching.

I had had some inquiries about my tutorials that it didn’t work out. The problem can be solved by getting the thread I introduce. Sometimes, the non-Sashiko thread will not do what I share like Kasane or running stitching.

 

I will keep writing about the benefit of using Sashiko Thread.

Meanwhile, please let me know if you have any questions in Shop Sashiko Thread here.

 

A Sashiko Thread Secret | Reward your time

Why you want to Buy Sashiko Thread from us

Sashiko Thread Difference | What is so different