Month: November 2018

Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ Cover

Back Order Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ

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We. as Sashi,Co & Keiko Futatsuya as well as Upcycle Stitches, make several Sashiko Jackets (or Sashiko Coats) per year when Keiko and/or Atsushi get some ideas that we would like to make it happen. Simultaneously, we are often open to accept the Back Orders Sashiko Jacket based on the client’s request. The whole process takes about a year to complete. However, we will listen to you and make your dream happen by starting with collecting the most appropriate vintage fabric. Of course, we will perform our Sashiko stitching on the jacket.

It is our pleasure to make the “one of a kind” Sashiko Jackets with listening to the client’s preference. We had a great opportunity in 2018 as well, and I would like to share the beautiful achievement with the client, Back Order Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ.

 

A story of the Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ

In January 2018, a gentleman contacted me if one specific type of Jacket, which I had introduced on the website, was still available for sale. Interestingly, the inquired jacket was just sold 2 days before his inquiry. We decided to offer the option to customize the Jacket with the preference of their choice.

 

The clients provided us their preference of the favorite Sashiko patterns, types of vintage fabric such as Katazome or Kasuri, and overall taste they had in their mind.

After listening to the preferences and image of the clients, it is our job to understand and visualize them in our mind with communicating the fabric. It is almost impossible to make the exactly the same thing as the client is imagining in their mind. Our job is to exceed their expectation by creating something “Wow” with following their preference and expectation.

 

When the backorder is assigned to Keiko after the listening phase, it is Keiko’s world until it gets completed.

 

How the “Back Order” works

 

Please contact Atsushi to tell us that you are interested in placing the back order.

Then, Atsushi will get back to you with specific questions such as the following:

  • The sizing | Possibly the photo of the client
  • Sashiko Pattern Preference
  • Vintage Fabric / Japanese Fabric Preferences

Based on the project, we may ask you for the additional notes. The more information we have in the initial stage, the better the outcome can be. Once Keiko starts her project, she doesn’t change her blueprint. She has the “Completed Image” in her mind when she starts, so we would ask you to provide all the possible information before that.

 

Pricing and Expectation

The price for the Back Order is about $5,000.00 USD per Jacket.

For making the similar item of Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ, the rough estimate is about 4,880.00 USD per Jacket.

The price varies based on the types of vintage fabric you prefer, the amount & pattern of Sashiko stitching, the sizing, and also the exchange rate for the JPY=USD. We used to provide the cheaper price, but the vintage fabric in Japan is getting so expensive. We hope the vintage fabric will not be more expensive than as is now (which is super expensive for my sense…)

 

Once we all agreed to the preference and pricing, we will give you the rough estimate of delivery. It usually takes about 10 months to 15 months, and based on the preference, it could be longer than that.

 

You may have a question of how we make a transaction.

We will NOT ask for the deposit and will NOT ask you to promise us to purchase it after the completion (although please be serious in placing the order.) It is our responsibility to exceed your expectation, and we will do everything to make it happen. At the same time, once Keiko starts creating the one, she doesn’t share any progress updates. This is to avoid the third party voice to her creation. Trust me. It is much better when she is completely free from any requests and responses. She will follow the initial preference and will talk to the fabric, thread, and probably the clients non-verbally throughout her process.

Because of this Keiko’s production style (some people call it like an artist), she often make 2 pieces based on the same preference, just in case one is not following (or exceeding) the client’s expectation. The process time of 10 months to 15 months are for making 2 or more items for the one backorder request.

 

 

Photos of the Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ

With the generous understanding from the client, we are happy to share some of the photos of these exclusive Sashiko Jackets. The clients will send me more photos from their days, which is the most important for us because we believe that Sashiko exists in the ordinary days & when it is been used instead of behind the glass showcase.

 

Enjoy the beautiful Photos.

 

*Please understand that I am not criticizing the museum quality Boro or Sashiko Jackets. There are reasons that they have to be displayed behind the glass. They could be fragile. We are simply proud of ourselves that we can “make” the museum quality Sashiko Jacket from one piece of fabric.

Photos from the Client

Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ From J

 

Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ From J2

 

 

Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ _MN

Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ _MN 2 Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ _MN 1 Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ _MN 3

Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ _FO

Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ 3 Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ 2 Sashiko Jacket 2018 SJ 1

 

 

Sashiko with Keiko Futatsuya

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It was such a wonderful 10 days enjoying Sashiko with Keiko Futatsuya. She had traveled from Japan between November 14th to 25th to supervise Atsushi’s Sashiko Workshop as well as to help more Sashiko production in the USA. With stitching Sashiko together with her, I remember the origin of our Sashiko, which is “caring” and stitching for someone.

 

Sashiko with Keiko Futatsuya

Surprisingly, it was my first time to enjoy Sashiko with Keiko Futatsuya. After all of these years with Sashiko, interestingly, we sit down together and enjoyed Sashiko stitching for the first time in 30 years.

 

Before my father passed away, Keiko and I worked for him in a company that provide Sashiko items and supplies. My father was the president of the company, and I was the head of sales, and my mother took care of many kinds of administrative works. In between those tasks, of course, we Sashiko stitched. Since I found out how talented Keiko is after seeing her artworks, I had asked her to focus on Sashiko works more than other daily tasks. I tried to help her by me doing these tasks, and she created very beautiful Sashiko pieces even before 2013.

 

Regardless, we didn’t have chance to sit down together and share the moment with Sashiko stitching when we were working for the company.

 

After my father had passed away, we rarely see each other. I haven’t been back to Japan for 5 years, and it was her 2nd visit after the one in 2016.

 

So, it was a privilege to share the Thanksgiving holiday with her stitching and talking over thread and fabric. I believe, it is the origin of Sashiko. Talking and stitching together with enjoyment (or sometimes, it could be some negative feelings).

 

 

Sashiko with Keiko Futatsuya

 

 

Enjoy Sashiko, as simple as that

 

What makes Keiko so talented?

You will find the answer if you have a chance to look at & touch her Sashiko achievement, but this is my quick summary.

 

[Her enjoyment of Sashiko makes her Sashiko so different from the others]

 

I believe I am good at Sashiko stitching. However, there is a huge gap between my works and Keiiko’s work. Please do not misunderstand that it isn’t about good or bad. It is about the preferences, and some people may say that they like my Sashiko items better. However, “I” feel that there is a big, and almost impossible to fill, gap between her work and mine, which is the “Enjoying Sashiko”.

 

I enjoy Sashiko, of course.

At the same time, I also enjoy sharing Sashiko to the others. In other words, I feel so happy when I see my students’ great achievement, and purely happy for them.

 

Keiko also enjoyed the other’s achievements and got so much inspired. You know what my mother said when she saw some of my student’s great achievement?

She said:

 

“I am so jealous of them. I would like to see what I can do after seeing their works”

Then, right after we come back from NYC, she started the Boro project like below.

 

I don’t know anyone else who is enjoying Sashiko more than Keiko. Enjoy Sashiko. As simple as this.

I am perfectly happy with me introducing her enjoyment, the Sashiko with Keiko Futatsuya.

 

Enjoy Sashiko with Keiko Futatsuya

Not only the Sashiko technique

 

Sashiko is merely a form of stitching the Japanese used to practice in their ordinary days. Ultimately speaking, the name of Sashiko is for the stitching only.

However, what I would like to share throughout Sashiko is not only the techniques but the mindset, culture, and the enjoyment I described above.

 

After offering many workshop in NYC starting 2 years go, I now have confidence that “I can give you the eye opening experience in the Sashiko workshop.” 

 

I have this website for the articles, Youtube Channel for the video Tutorials and LiveStreaming, and Instagram & facebook for sharing photos. My goal is to share the Sashiko as a whole, not only the stitching but also the Japanese culture which could be a hint to ease some of the struggle we have in the current society.

 

I also offer the Sashiko workshops to share everything I have → Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic)

It is the best way to connect me and understand the core technique and wisdom of Sashiko.

 

 

 

Well…. It was a great, eventful, and super exciting Thanksgiving week, enjoying Sashiko with Keiko Futatsuya.

I will keep working hard so that I can invite her again to do another great visit, and next time, sharing Sashiko with Keiko Futatsuya & You.

 

Enjoy with Keiko Futatsuya Jacket

 

75 COLLECTIVE x Sashiko Cover

75 COLLECTIVE x Sashiko Workshop

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It is my honor to be a part of the great event in December, in TriBeCa area organized by my dear friend, Matt Aprile from Indi. I am so happy to announce our participation to 75 COLLECTIVE x Sashiko Workshop. Atsushi will be offering the Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core and Basic) as well as a short-version workshop.

 

75 COLLECTIVE x Sashiko

 

 

75 COLLECTIVE x Sashiko

 

Sashiko Workshop Schedule

The exact location will be notified directly to your email address from our email address (info ● sashico.com) after your registration. All of the materials are included in the registration fee. No experiences in Sashiko is required. Simply bring your passion and interest and learn the authentic culture of Sashiko stitching.

 

Atsushi has been teaching Sashiko in NYC every 2 months or so.

Offering the workshop to more than 70 participants, we are confident that we can provide the eye-opening and satisfying workshop for you. Since Atsushi does not live in NYC, our schedule is not periodic. As of now, we do not have any plans for 2019. Please take this opportunity to celebrate the Holidays together. Winter is a great time to enjoy Sashiko.

Please read the workshop description here to understand “what you can expect from Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic)”

 

Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic)

This is the well-reviewed and well-organized Sashiko workshop that the participant can learn everything she/he needs to start enjoying the Sashiko.

 

Dec 8th Saturday

  • 9:30 am to 12:30: 2nd-floor Studio
  • 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm:2nd-floor Studio

Dec 9th Sunday

  • 1 pm to 5 pm: 2nd-floor Studio| A bit bigger group and longer, but the same contents.

 

75 COLLECTIVE x Sashiko Fukin 75 COLLECTIVE x Sashiko Hariyama

 

Sashiko Denim Preview Workshop

 

*This is a first time offer designed for 75 COLLECTIVE x Sashiko.

Available Date:

  • Saturday, December 8th, 1:20 pm to 2:30 pm | about 1 hour
  • Sunday, December 8th, 10 am to 11:10 pm | about 1 hour

 

What you can expect from Short-Term Workshop

With provided material, you will learn how to transfer or draw the basic pattern of Japanese traditional geometric pattern to the Denim Swatch. Then, Atsushi will share how you can patch the swatch to your favorite Denim. It is a very quick introduction of Sashiko & the process of applying Sashiko to the denim

Please bring your own denim with a hole or tear. You may bring the Denim without any hole or tear, but the denim with more damage would be fun to work with.

 

*I believe, in order to learn the core technique and culture of Sashiko, anyone would need at least 2 hours of actual stitching. If you are interested in Sashiko, please consider taking the Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic). We will not disappoint you if Sashiko Stitching interest and inspire you.

 

 

75 COLLECTIVE Participants

 

Please see a list of all the founders who will be joining us below, I have also linked each name to the respective websites. I am so honored to meet all of these brands’ founders. I am a Sashiko professional, but I have a lot to learn for branding Upcycle Stitches in the USA.

 

Event Details:

 

WHO:

75 COLLECTIVE

WHAT:

a collective of global brands

who care about how our clothes are made

and the people who make them

WHERE:

75 MURRAY ST, 1st Fl

New York, NY 10007

WHEN:

12/1-2 from 10am to 6pm

12/8-9 from 10am to 6pm

THE EVENT

We are creating a space where established and emerging conscious clothing brands can gather together to build community and exhibit their work, work bound by the thread of artisanal and handcrafted tradition and heritage.

we are:

STUDIO 189
KORRA JEANS
11.11 eleven eleven
indi
blluemade
POST-IMPERIAL
SANNGA
KORDAL STUDIO

with workshops offered by

Upcycle Stitches (75 COLLECTIVE x Sashiko)

RIGG
indi

with food & beverages by:

MAI SHIOYAMA

In our eyes the future of the fashion industry has the potential to be a bright one; one that supports the people who actually produce the clothing, the artisans responsible for the crafts that inform the clothing, and the communities around which the clothes are built through sustainable production practices.

We will be offering workshops so you can experience the traditions and crafts integral to many of our brands. Sign-up for the workshops here

instagram: @the75collective

Enjoy Sashiko in Happy Holidays

Enjoy Sashiko in Happy Holidays

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Leaves on trees get colored then fall down. We expect the snow soon and we kind of stay inside more in North East of the USA. It is the best time to sit and stitch. I am happy to announce that the great Fashion designer, Indi Kids, will have me for their wonderful event in December. The Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic) will be available on December 8th and 9th. I hope you can find the time for your busy yet fun season. Enjoy Sashiko in Happy Holidays.

The Detail of Indi Kid Event

Sashiko Workshop Schedule

The detail of the workshop can be found on the workshop registration page.

  • Dec. 8th, Saturday, 9:30 am to around 1 pm for 3 hours + α | 

or

  • Dec. 8th, Saturday, 3 pm to around 6:30 pm for 3 hours + α |

or

  • Dec. 9th, Saturday, 1 pm to around 5:30 pm for 4 hours + α (Bigger Group)| 

I hope to meet you & see you there.

Since this is a day-long event, we are brainstorming the other workshops/offers we can make. Keep eye on our newsletter so you will not miss the information.

Enjoy Sashiko in Happy Holidays

Holidays can be pretty busy, too.

At the same time, you may have some time off from your routine days. I hope you will find some time to reward yourself by enjoying Sashiko. Sashiko can be very relaxing, meditative, and mindful. Aside from Sashiko, you can also consume CBD Oil in order to promote that sense of tranquility.

Sashiko makes great Gift

Enjoy Sashiko in Happy Holidays

One of the workshop participants who took the Sashiko Stitching Workshop in September shared her beautiful result. By learning Sashiko basic and core, you can make this kind of Tote bag and keep enjoying your own Sashiko projects. There aren’t many techniques you need to master to maximize the Sashiko experience. However, there is some eye-opening technique that I would like to share to enrich your Sashiko project. We hope that all of us enjoy Sashiko in Happy Holidays.