I very much appreciate positive comments on the previous post & the [Introduction to Japanese Sashiko] course on Domestika. I also appreciate those who send me “Warm Concerns” about the balance of pricing & compensation to the teacher. As I accepted Domestika’s offer with a very specific purpose, it is okay that I cannot provide for the family by just teaching. I have a much bigger problem – which is “Not Known”, or worse “Erased by Someone with a Louder Voice”. So, it is one strategy to survive that the money cannot substitute.
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I am not designed to be on the stage. I don’t know how to behave in front of cameras. Ever since I realized “I” need to speak up to preserve “Sashiko”, it has been a great continuous challenge outside of my comfort zone. There are reasons I have no media available before 2017. It never occured to me to share my appearance like I do today.
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Well. It is sad that I need to take a course called “Japanese Sashiko” – but this is the reality I need to face. Through the Domestika Course, I hope that Sashiko not introduced in English would be passed across the hands & voices.
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Challenges outside of Comfort Zone bring one big return. There are countless opportunities to meet (future) Sashiko Artisans. As Sashiko isn’t so complicated (yet so profound to “master” it), anyone can reach the level of me & Keiko. All they need is a proper understanding of “Form (Kata)” and “Fun in Stitching”. When they have fun, then they “happen to be” very good at it. “Fun” is the Sashiko I teach – and to prove my point, I will introduce some Sashiko Artisans from my teaching accordingly. (I need to “try” to smile in front of Camera. I am not angry – i just am not good at it).
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Photo © Domestika // Link to the Course is on IG Highlight.
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当たり前のように存在した運針を、仰々しく「運針会」て組み立てたのが4年前。100人以上の方にご参加頂きました。当たり前ですが、刺し子を続けるか、はたまた運針が適した刺し子を楽しむかはご本人次第で、どのような形でも刺し子を好きでいてくれたら良いなと思っています。どれだけ居ても良いように。いつ戻ってきても良いように。私は変わらないことを目標にしています。
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運針と刺し子の組み合わせは、「継続」が苦にならない為、結果として本当に沢山の方が凄い刺し子を形にしています。失うことを恐れた過去が、気がついたら目の前に存在して。嬉しくて仕方ないのです。運針会から刺し子を継続している方々で一緒に作品作りもしてきた方々をしっかりとご紹介したいなと思っています。いきなりタグが付いたらごめんなさい（笑）
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写真は苦手です…ので笑顔の写真と素の写真と。怒ってるわけじゃなく…苦手。
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#Sashiko #刺し子
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Author: atsushijp
April 01, 2024 at 09:20AM
It was a quite wild month, March 2024. We went through several big decisions in life, and I feel positive that we made good decisions. We all fear the “Changes”. Therefore, it is very challenging to change when we “try” to change it. An effective way to change oneself is to change the environment. I hope this change will do good for my family.
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I have changed a LOT in the last 10 years. Compared to 2010, I am a completely different person. As I experience the change, I think I can encourage others to change.
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I realized that my Sashiko Course on Domestika (and all others) is offered for $5.99. It is unbelievable pricing…. If I were a person before 2013, I would have felt a mixed feeling… happy but a bit undervalued. All I learned in my life, of course, cannot be summarized into 2.5 hours… and it would be challenging for me to accept the price. I was (and still am) proud of what I have been doing. Well, this is why it took a few years for me to make the course. It happened because I agreed with Domestika’s mission – to offer it as reasonably as possible to anyone anywhere.
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This is also my response to the frequent question asking me for the recommendation to start learning Sashiko. This is the one. Unfortunately, none of the books written in English is my recommendation as they are simplified. It is a good resource when it is just a “pattern”. To start learning Sashiko, please consider this Domestika Course – then if you find it interesting, please consider my class [Core & Essence] to learn the full picture of Sashiko we have been practicing. It will change your view – as it can be an eye-opening experience.
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So, the pricing for the course may be scary (too inexpensive for teachers). However, please consider it something I can contribute to this world – I would rather be paid less than completely ignored or erased from history.
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© Domestika
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運針会！4/18と5/4の9am〜1pmの日程で開催します！運針会で繋がる縁、心から感謝しつつ、私達の刺し子をできるだけ世界に広めていこうと思うのです。英語版のオンライン講座が大セール中…（笑）。ちょっと微妙な気持ち。でも、運針会ではもう一歩踏み込んだお話をするので、運針会のご参加を頂けると安心です。
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色々思うことがあり、IGには収まらない長さになってしまったのでNoteに書きました。こちらもご覧頂けると幸いです。https://ift.tt/nT0hcyz
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#Sashiko #刺し子
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March 28, 2024 at 04:39PM
Everyday, we put something in a trash bin. It is important to tidy up around us, and we “categorize” items to be valuable or trash. Some items may be really trash… but interestingly, it is up to our own value on what is trash, or even treasure. The value changes when it travels across the generation, culture, language and personality. Sashiko, for us, is a continuous moment to remind us to see what really trash is.
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Unused fabric with dirt can be trash. Or, for those who know how to treat it, it can be a treasure. Keiko’s Sashiko principle is to give them (the fabric) another opportunity to stand on the stage to perform. Here, performing for the fabric is “being used”, or more specifically, “being put on someone”. When trash is handled in different situations, it can be valuable. When someone has difficulty finding a place to shine, I would recommend them to go to another place where they can shine instead of accusing themselves of not being shinny enough.
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The process of trashy fabric moving to different places may be called Sashiko. As the “fabric as trash” is the one I want to be back on the stage, when I have choices, I ask the very best to help me to do so – the best needle, threads, and thimble to do so. It is a way of showing my respect to the fabric for giving me their second chance.
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It is so silly to find the “answer” for such a process. Doing one’s very best is way better than being “right”. Please do not follow someone’s answers about Sashiko taught in Books or Classes. They don’t know enough – and I will do my best to fill the gap of “missing”.
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記憶の中で母親が呟いていたこと。30年以上経った今でも鮮明に覚えていて、そしてまた一緒に時間を過ごすようになれば耳にするだろう、母親の刺し子への向き合い方。それが「もう一度、世に出してやるからな（表舞台に立たせてやるからな）」というメッセージ。ここでの表舞台とは「（布として）使って貰えること」。その為には欲しいと思って貰えるような技術＆デザインが必要で、私達の作品作りの根本には、「欲しいかどうか」がしっかりと根付いています。大切にする布に針を通し、糸を通す時、その針と糸は私達ができる最大限の良いもので向き合いたいのです。それが私達にもう一度機会をくれている布への礼儀だとすら思っています。だから、何も知ろうとせずに、「なんでもいいさ」と簡単に言い切れてしまう英語圏の刺し子が嫌なんでしょうね。なんでも良いのは事実です。でも礼節を知る「なんでもいい」であって欲しいのです。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #Boro #ぼろ
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March 25, 2024 at 07:53AM
I am happy that some of you may visit the William Morris Gallery for the Mingei exhibition: “Art Without Heros”. Among many Japanese philosophies, Mingei & its aesthetics can inspire, or even resonate with your Art. I believe the exhibition offers many beautiful & rich contexts. I would appreciate a comment with what you thought/felt about the exhibition & Unshinkai Sashiko Jacket. It is our dream to join/have an exhibition with our Sashiko.
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For the rules on how to enjoy the Jacket, please follow the William Morris Gallery Policy. They probably do not allow you to touch the Unshinkai Sashiko Jacket as a risk resides there. Well. When we host our own exhibition with our own responsibility, with proper supervision & explanation, we allow visitors to “wear” Sashiko Jackets. During the Workshop, I often encourage students to touch it, feel it, and wear it if possible. It is another aspect of Mingei – the beauty exists in ordinary usage. We try our best to preserve the skill & wisdom to “stitch” the Jacket when something happens. The stitch isn’t something to only “fix” – it is a process to add stories to fabric. Then, one ultimate result of adding a story is called “Boro”.
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Many, including myself, learn Sashiko from the summary of the past (books or old items). At the same time, please acknowledge the “Sashiko Artisans” who live today, who can make Sashiko Jackets from scratch, and who add stories to make future exhibitable items. Unfortunately Sashiko introduced it in English is causing gaps between what one sees from the past & what one can do. I keep sharing stories to fill the “Gaps”. By learning Sashiko properly, anyone can fill “something missing” in the Sashiko Trend. It is just a matter of acknowledgement.
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Photos from Japan Sashiko Tour 2023 – Big Thanks to my friends there.
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有名な美術館に私達の刺し子を展示頂けること。とても光栄なことです。と同時に、刺し子の本質を内在させた展示会もいつかしてみたいなと思うのです。それが「触れられる展示会」です。なかなかにリスクは高いのですが、でも、美術と刺し子の違いが存在するとしたら、それはガラスのどちらにあるべきものかということ。野良着は着て頂くのが一番の理想です。「用いて即ち美しい」。私達の刺し子は過去だけに存在するものじゃありません。残念ながら英語圏での刺し子は「過去（にあったもの）」と「現代（にできるもの）」に間を作ってしまっているように思うのです。重ねとか、運針とか…本質を見ようとしない人が多くて。今年の冬の日本での展示会では、触れて頂けるように準備しますね。触れるときっとわかるんです。あぁ、そういうことかって。
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#Sashiko #刺し子
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Good Thread for Sashiko – Updated in 2024
It is everyone’s interest to see what is Good Thread for Sashiko. I have been sharing many stories on SNS & Youtube about our sincere recommendation on Good Thread for Sashiko. It is indeed that Sashiko Thread Matters. Choosing a good thread will not only make a difference in the result of Sashiko but it also will improve the stitching experience itself. This article is an updated information about what is Good Thread for Sashiko in 2024.
*If you would like to jump to the conclusion & see what is available for purchase, please check this category. The threads listed there are all our recommendations & we use them in everyday’s stitching.
Coron Sashiko Thread – Where is it now?
Since I started Upcycle Stitches, I have been recommending “Coron Sashiko Thread” as the Best Sashiko Thread for the Sashiko Purpose. Coron Threads Manufacture.Inc is (was) a well-established & detailed manufacturer specialized in making various kinds of Threads. Where I am from (my family business) also work(ed) with them, and have been offering their wonderful Sashiko Thread.
You may find it difficult to have Coron Sashiko Thread in the last few years. Many Craft Supply Stores unlist their threads. Some even put them on sale to liquidate their inventory. Long Story Short, it is very sad that Coron Thread Manufacture. Inc doesn’t exist any longer. In the pandemic, similar to many other businesses, they decided to close their operation. It took a long time to “pass it over (revive)” to someone to continue their legacy. Thanks to many people’s help, we are now able to resource very similar (almost identical) Sashiko Threads.
We have the same thread as our recommendation – yet the Coron Sashiko Thread no longer exists. We can still use the best Sashiko Thread, yet it is so sad to see Coron Threads Company gone.
*You can see more stories with another article here on SashikoStory.Com
The Purpose for Sashiko Thread
We have been sharing the reasons why we use the “Sashiko Thread (manufactured by Coron)” as a Good Thread for Sashiko for decades. It isn’t only the materials, thickness, or colors. We have so many people & wisdom to make the Thread happens. However, in a big trend of Sashiko, Sashiko practitioners mainly focus on colors & thickness. Some even say “Threads do not matter in Sashiko. Use whatever you have”.
Well. It is true that one can use any threads for Sashiko to enjoy stitching itself. However, it doesn’t mean that we can ignore the wisdom behind long-established threads. It is so violent to tell others “whatever is fine” without acknowledging the stories behind. Some may do it unintentionally (just don’t know what it is), or worse, it seems they are misleading the information to increase their profit.
Sashiko Threads Matter – and without appropriate Sashiko Thread, some of the wisdom we appreciate today will not be promised. For example, I find some Sashiko Teachers saying “It is impossible to make both sides of fabric as identical in Sashiko”. It is impossible “For Them” because they do not understand the purpose for Sashiko Thread – and the significance of the outcome of Good Thread for Sashiko.
I do not want to repeat the same mistake
We have some memories with Coron Thread Manufacture as “Company”. They were a group of Shokunin – the respected & strict people with their own skill & tradition. It indicates that they weren’t so well prepared as “Business People” in today’s society. The issues of their business challenges, such as aging of Shokunin & finding the next heir (as they couldn’t increase the compensation like other industries), existed before the big trend of Sashiko. I knew it wasn’t going so smooth, but I never thought we would lose the Coron Thread Manufacture…
I do not want to repeat the same mistake I have made. It isn’t no one’s fault that they discontinued their business. The competition & expanding the market is a very healthy business activity. Without healthy competition, the culture won’t be secured appropriately.
The mistake I clarify here is us (Japanese Artisans) not speaking up enough. It isn’t healthy to have some non-Japanese saying “Whatever thread is fine for Sashiko” without knowing any of our Stories. Please be reminded that you indeed can use any thread for Sashiko. However, it has to be “one’s choice” – not something to teach or share with others without proper acknowledgement.
I do not know if Coron Thread would have continued their production if I spoke up more decades ago. Finding someone to take over the business was indeed a big challenge for not only Coron Thread but also many types of manufacturers in Japan (including my family business). Although I don’t know what I could have done to preserve their legacy better, I know that the voices have to be heard to protect the Culture. Telling others misleading information to control the flow of profit can cause Cultural Appropriation. Here, the acknowledgement for the stories is the bridge between Appropriation to the Appreciation. Strictly & Ideally speaking, I believe they need to learn Japanese before they start sharing some of their understanding of Sashiko – however, the world isn’t made like this. In order to speak up globally, one has to be able to do so in proficient English.
Here I am – and I will not stop speaking up to not to repeat the same mistake.
It may be Just Thread – but it is Thread
Some say “Oh, Come one. Just thread. Don’t Over React”. I have been receiving comments like this to accuse my voice – to minimize the significance of the culture. It is just thread – but there are many people who devoted their lives in to “just thread”. Sashiko is “just stitching” , yet it is stitching that many of my family & friends have spent their entire lives on.
I believe it isn’t exaggerating to say that none of our Sashiko Pieces wouldn’t & won’t be made without the Thread I talk about here. Some may say it is just a thread – but it is the thread that consist of this Cultural Sustainability. By minimizing the significance of this Good Thread for Sashiko, we face to the risk of losing much more than thread.
Cultural Sustainability in Capitalism
I speak up the importance of Cultural Sustainability in contrast to Material Sustainability. Both Material & Cultural Sustainability can be established simultaneously. It is not one or another. We also have to understand that we live in a society where we cannot ignore Capitalism. For us, the money isn’t the goal to achieve. However, money is very important vehicle to achieve the goal of preserving the Sashiko Practice. Therefore, it is critical to balance the Cultural Sustainability & Capitalism.
Unfortunately, some (or many) Japanese Craftsmanship got lost in a process of sophistication of Capitalism. The market based on demand & supply will determine the future of its product, and the demand & supply will be hugely affected by “Pricing”. If I could produce cheaper threads, the market for the thread I offer may be bigger. If the market is bigger, we can probably produce cheaper threads. It is the spiral of “marketing”, and the craftsmanship need to have different approach to the market. Sashiko Thread we strongly recommend are relatively more expensive than others. I strongly believe the pricing is fair when we compare the quality and quantity of what we offer – however, I admit it is high-end of the Sashiko Thread. The quality of production determine the pricing. At the same time, the popularity of our threads will be a very big factor of the pricing – the more people enjoy the Sashiko Thread we recommend, the lower the pricing will be. The more we can manufacture the Sashiko Thread we recommend, the bigger market we can sustain by having distributors all over the world.
What we see now is the market after we failed. However, it doesn’t mean that I can give up so easily to ig nore someone overpainting our wisdom & tradition. Your choice will secure the Cultural Sustainability I speak up. I, Atsushi Futatsuya, never will use the Revenue/Profit/Sales for the unreasonable luxury items such as Lamborghini or Rolex. I am not questioning their value as luxury items, and I do have huge respect those who can afford them. However, my goal is always the preservation of Cultural Sustainability in Capitalism. Therefore, money is a vehicle to make Sashiko somewhat sustainable. All of the profit via our online store & payment to our workshop will be used for the Sashiko’s Sustainability. The purchase of Good Thread for Sashiko here will be the great support to make our dream happen.
*Please be noted that “All of the profit” indicate the profit after somewhat satisfying our daily needs. When I have reasonable bills to pay, I may clear them first. In order to achieve this goal, I may want to think of the possibility of establishing the Non-Profit Organization. Regardless, I just want to repeat my declaration that all I do is to preserve the Cultural Sustainability that has been severely damaged (or broken) already.
Good Thread for Sashiko Exists
We can find a variety of Sashiko thread available in the market. The seller describe their thread as the “Good Thread for Sashiko” to increase their sales. It is very natural things to do & that’s what I am doing. It is us (customer & stitcher) who decide what type of future (sustainability) we want to have. So, when you choose to purchase “it”, please be mindful whom you are purchasing from. Are they actually talking from their experience or just saying to increase the sales? Do they stitch Sashiko? Do they even like Sashiko or do they like “something” they can get by saying they like Sashiko?
It is sad that Coron Thread Manufacture.Inc doesn’t exist any longer. However, their wisdom and legacy are passed over to another well-established thread manufacture. The thread we carry under this category of our store are all from the new production line – either Synthetic Dye by machine or Natural Dye by Keiko’s Hand.
Your acknowledgement, choice, and time to enjoy Sashiko with our Threads are hugely appreciated. We will do our best to preserve this Cultural Sustainability. We won’t repeat the same sad news.
March 24, 2024 at 08:11AM
If you are a long-time follower, you may have seen this Jacket. The “Unshinkai Jacket” is one of the biggest achievements of my teaching Sashiko. It isn’t my work. Keiko is a designer/producer of this Jacket, but Sashiko itself isn’t done by Keiko. The Jacket is composed of 18 Japanese Sashiko Artisans who learned Sashiko via our teaching (named “Unshinkai”, equivalent to [Core & Essence] in English).
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It is my pleasure to announce that this Jacket is now exhibited in @morrisgallery (William Morris Gallery) in London as a part of their exhibition: Mingei – Art Without Heroes. It is an honor that our Sashiko Jacket is acknowledged as one contemporary interpretation/inheritance of the deep & rich philosophy of Mingei. This Jacket is indeed a piece without Specific Heroes. It is another reason I (we) do not consider Sashiko as the “Art”. Well. In order to explain Mingei, I need more time & space to write.
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I am very impressed with the title of this exhibition: “Art Without Heroes”. This explains a lot of my messages in Sashiko. There are so many self-titled Heroes in Sashiko (in English) without acknowledging the Heroes who have been preserving Sashiko. “Mingei” itself has a lot of philosophical wisdom to enrich our life today. It is quite interesting to see the William Morris Gallery focused on Mingei in English. I am so excited to learn how Mingei is interpreted in English via their exhibition. Their acknowledgement to “Unknown Heroes” will help us to preserve the Sashiko we practice.
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運針をお伝えする中で、私の夢を形にし続けてくれている「運針会プロジェクト」。運針をお伝えして現在も刺し子を続けている有志の方々と一緒に刺し子作品を作り上げる、私の刺し子への信念が詰まった作品です。18人の方と一緒に作ったこの運針会ジャケットが、イギリスのウイリアムモリスギャラリーにて、「民藝 – 主人公なき芸術」の展示会の一作品として展示頂いております。本当に光栄なことです。
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民藝を語るなんて恐れ多いのですが、この「匿名性」は日本の美を理解する為にはとても大切で、主人公なき芸術という英訳を感嘆の思いで受け止めています。民藝を表現する言葉として、「用即美」や「民衆的工芸」と称されることが多く生活の中に存在する美を、これは私の芸術だと主人公であることを主張しなくてもその美を楽しめることが、とてもとても愛おしいのです。
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昔から「刺し子とは」を考えてきました。30年経て漸くその答えを出せるかもしれないと思っています。それはこのジャケットを作れるだけの方々と出会えたから。そしてそのご縁は今も続き、広がっていること。いつかと夢見ていた、皆様との作品の美術館展示。その一歩かなと思っています。世界を驚かせるだけの作品はできています。後は声を上げること。認識してもらうこと。「主人公なき作品」そのものを主人公にしていくのです。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #Unshinkai
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Sashiko Dialogues with Ty & Atsushi
Last year, I started a new challenge named “Sashiko Dialogue” with a big help from Ty (@tyxdiaz). The goal of the Sashiko Dialogues is to “deliver” the message. As the trend of Sashiko is so fast, as many are misled to “someone’s definition of Sashiko” so easily, I realize that “Sharing Stories” itself won’t be enough. It is sad that some do not care for the stories from origin when they use their “foreign word/culture”, yet it is probably what it is in today’s society. To preserve the culture, the one in the original culture has to do the labor to deliver the message.
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It is my privilege that I have so many friends from my workshop. They were (were) my students once, but now I sincerely appreciate the friendship we have. Ty is one of the young friends I have – and I occasionally & casually asked his opinion while we stitching. A series of small talks encouraged us to start the series of “Sashiko Dialogue”.
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I am well aware that what I am sharing is very difficult to “comfortably understand”. It is natural as I am sharing something outside of “Western’s Value”. As one left a comment here, “To understand your story, I have to realize that I won’t be understanding it by just reading it once or twice. I need to think & re-think while knowing I may not understand it at all.” Sashiko Dialogue is one example of the process of “Think & Re-Think” to understand what I share here (for you), and to see how I can deliver the message (for me).
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All work credit goes to Ty. Without his help, I wouldn’t be doing this. As we were a bit busy in the beginning of 2024, I thought we may need to pause it for a while. Well, I was wrong. We will restart this Dialogue, and I am happy to share this dialogue with good confidence.
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定期的に、「淳は何を伝えたいのかわからない」という英語でのコメントを頂くことがあります。そういう方は「定義は？正解は？何が間違いで何が正しいの？」という、「知りたいことは提供して貰える前提」でこの私の場所に辿り着くため、輪郭だけ紹介して中身は想像してもらうような私の文章では意味不明になるのは当たり前なのです。そして、残念ながら、そういう人は「定義や正解」が与えられる所ではしゃぎます。その定義や正解がどれだけ薄っぺらいものだとしても。
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この「定義や正解が必ず存在する」ことが当たり前の中で、如何に「その土俵では話ができない」ことを伝える必要があるか。嬉しいコメントに「淳の言いたいことを理解する為には、まず”私にはわからない可能性がある”ことを理解しなきゃね」というものがありました。文化が違えば考え方も伝え方も違います。それを吹っ飛ばしての「理解できん」は「理解したくない」と同義です。でも…伝え方を考えるのも私の仕事なんだろうと思います。
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#Sashiko #刺し子
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Shopping Sashiko Supplies in Japan
I occasionally receive a quesiton whether we have a place (store-front) offering our Sashiko Supplies in Japan from those who are traveling to Japan. This Blog Article explain how we can arrange a Shopping of our Sashiko Supplies in Japan.
We do not have a StoreFront & We do not do wholesale
As we do not have a storefront where anyone can access, it requires a bit of preparation when you would like to purchase some supplies from us. Unfortunately, due to a very limited production, we do not do wholesale business at this point. As a result, there are no craft stores carrying our Sashiko Thread, needles, thimble, and ever fabrics.
Arrange a Special Package for you
The realistic way to purchase our Sashiko Supplies in Japan would be by arranging a package from my mother so that you can receive the items while you are staying in Japan. If you are interested in this way, we are happy to offer up to 35% Off from the listing price of the items on our webstore.
Please contact Atsushi first to get this discount. The actual amount of the discount will be determined what you plan to order, where the package to be shipped, and when does it need to be delivered. Once I confirm the availability with Keiko, I will generate the One-Time Coupon for you so that you can get a package of our Sashiko Supplies in Japan.
Please include the information below when you contact us. Without information, I may consider the inquiry as a spam, and you may not receive the reply. It is safe to write [I am interested in the order arrangement in Japan] or something like that when you send the Contact Form.
- Your name & what you would like to purchase form the Webstore above.
- The name of the Hotel or a shipping address of the house/room you are staying
- Your preference when it to be delivered.
If you do not hear from me within 3 days or so, please contact me via SNS like Instagram.
Keiko’s House & Sashiko Supplies in Japan
Keiko Futatsuya lives in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. She carries some of her threads & her pieces. If it is your strong preference to actually see the supply & purchase, visiting her house for the purchase is one option. However, to reduce a risk, we have some restriction to who can visit to Keiko’s house.
If you are a graduate of Atsushi’s Workshop (Core & Essence), you are always welcome to visit Keiko. Please simply email me with the email address you registered the workshop. I will follow-up with arrangement with Keiko.
If you are new to our Sashiko, please read the article below to arrange the appointment. Please be advised that the appointment is not guranteed as Keiko can be quite busy. It is safe to arrange the appointment at least a few month in advance. If the visit is within a few days, the appointment will not be available in many cases. To start the arrangment, please contact Atsushi after reading the article below very carefully.
Other Recommendation about Sashiko Supplies in Japan
I also receive a numbers of inquiry asking for my recommendation about Sashiko Supplies in Japan. My recommendation is what we sell, and unfortunately, there are no storefront where you can get. There are many kinds of good Sashiko Supplies in Japan, and they are available in many stories – yet they are’t my recommendation.
I understand that it is a bit troublesome process to get the Sashiko Supplies. Once we regain the structure of supply production, we may be able to restart the wholesale business. In that case, a visitor to Japan can enjoy the Sashiko Suppiles that we recommend fully.
Our Sashiko Store is located in the United States, and we make a shipment to many countries internationally. If you are interested, please check what we have… and more importantly, “Why” we keep offering these specific threads, needle, thimble and fabric.
March 21, 2024 at 08:25PM
I started seeing so many photos of Sashiko with Unshin – from those who learned Sashiko in our Workshop. You may wonder how I can tell the difference between Sashiko with or without our teaching. It is interesting that the stitches themselves start communicating once they learn how to ride on the rhythm. Sashiko introduced today is so focused on the “result” and how it looks – as the results, some teach Sashiko with ridiculous “correct answers” or tell students to embrace the imperfection. It is perfectly fine to embrace the imperfection – yet when a teacher/author teaches the students to celebrate their lack of skill, then they aren’t teaching Sashiko itself. I do not want Sashiko to be used as an excuse to not to work hard with respect to the ancestor. I want everyone to enjoy Sashiko with proper understanding & skills, too.
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I question myself how I can preserve the Sashiko we practice. The trend over someone’s profit is so strong & fast that the “definition” itself starts having its form. I don’t know the answer, yet, but I know what I can do – to keep sharing & teaching the Sashiko we practice. It isn’t the majority, yet people find us, try to learn from us, and help us to preserve it by enjoying Sashiko.
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I am feeling a bit better, so I try to be on Youtube for Live Streaming. I have nothing to hide. Please learn Sashiko from someone who actually likes stitching.
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なんとか体調は持ち直したので、これからの英語の配信と、日本時間の今日の夜の配信、頑張ろうと思っています。季節の変わり目の体調不良だったとは思うのですが、同時にここ数ヶ月のストレスも尋常じゃなくて。流行とはこれほどまでにも暴力的になりうるのかと、これまでのほほんと構えていたのが信じられないほどです。怖いです。私自身、これまでも流行に乗って誰かを傷つけていたのかもしれないと思うと、怖い。ただ、この「怖いと思うこと」自体が想像力となり、想像力さえあれば流行は暴力的にはならないので…想像力の大切さを言葉にし続けたいと思うのです。
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変化を続ける刺し子の中でどうしたら私達の刺し子を残すことができるのか。流行とは違う場所に存在する刺し子を、どう守っていけるのか。今も、そしてこれからも考え続けていかなければいけない大きな課題ではありますが、一つだけ明確になっていることがあります。それは、「私達にしかできない刺し子が存在する」ということです。運針をしない刺し子も、しっかりとした刺し子です。ただ、運針をしていないと作れない刺し子があることも事実です。無理に合わせにいくのではなく、どれだけ流行から離れていても、どれだけ真似されて無視されても、愚直に続けることこそが答えの土台になるんだろうと思っています。
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見てくれている人はいます。そして増えています。想像力がある方の中には、物語を伴わない流行の中の「答え」に疑問を持つ方もいらっしゃいます。一緒に刺し子を楽しんでくださる方もいます。一緒に作ることで形にできる作品もできるようになりました。刹那に作られる流行（60秒の映像）には、何をどうしても速さでは勝てません。勝つ必要すらない。愚直に。そして馬鹿にされることがあったらしっかり怒りつつ。楽しんで刺し子してりゃ、きっといつかは報われると信じて。
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#Sashiko #刺し子
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March 20, 2024 at 07:04PM
“Relax”. “Get Over It.” “Stop OverReacting”… Some try to sooth me when they see the word “Cultural Appropriation”. I am not angry at those who use the word Sashiko so much. My anger goes to those who “minimize” a voice based on their value (what they think it is spoken here instead of what is actually spoken).
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One of the biggest pains in life is “Not being understood”. I have been there. I have done that. Therefore, I try my best to NOT minimize someone’s voice. I may not help them directly – but I try to listen to what they say, instead of what I think they are saying.
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I see so many “giving up”. They define “Agner” as a bad emotion, and they minimize others who speak up. The anger has to be managed & used for the correct direction, yet I am never going to “Get Over It” when someone is “changing” the culture I find my identity within. So many Stories & Wisdom are ignored by those who think they know better – or worse, to simplify the culture to maximize their profit.
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One example. The Sashiko Needles we use have very small eyes in contrast to the thickness/twist of our thread. Some easily say that Sashiko Needles require “big eyes” ignoring their lack of skill & experience. I wonder if they have thought of stories why the manufacturer made the eye so small when the goal is to “sell” it and the customers prefer to go the easy way? It is because there are reasons to keep it the way it is. I respect those manufactures & I never give up in speaking up to something so big that our voices are so easily minimized. My voice may be so quiet yet, but I am no longer silent.
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生きる上で一番辛いことって何だろう…って考えたことはありますか？私は「理解されないこと」が一番辛いことだろうと思っています。どれだけ沢山の人に囲まれていても、「理解されていないんだ」と感じると孤独が成立します。逆にずっと独りでも、「理解して貰っているんだ」と感じていれば孤独感はなくなります。
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では「理解されること」とはどういうことかも考えなきゃです。それは「ありのままを尊重すること」なのかもしれません。英語圏での刺し子は、先人の声を「Minimize – 最小に見積もること」をしています。キツイ言い方に帰ると、「みくびる」、あるいは「軽視する」。日本語ができないのに、日本の文化を、日本人が当たり前にしてきた文化を「それはちっぽけなことだよ」なんて言うことが、私の英語圏での孤独に繋がります。あぁ理解されてないんだろうなと。あるいは、理解するつもりもないんだろうなと。
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勿論私は英語圏でも独りではありません。でも決して楽じゃない。だから日本の心地良い場所に逃げたいのですが、でも、やっぱり無理に変化をしていく今の英語圏の刺し子はキツイんですよね。怒りはコントロールすべきですが、でも怒りそのものはは持った方がいいとすら思うようになりました。だから、怒り続けます。馬鹿にすんなって。
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#Sashiko #刺し子
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