Category: Sashiko

Sashiko is a form of hand- stitching the Japanese had developed hundreds of years ago. I strive to leave this culture to the next generation by sharing the stitching technique and stories behind its history.

I believe the Sashiko is the process of mending, repairing, strengthening the fabric with putting thoughts of the family. Also, it was the Fashion the Japanese tried to enjoy in the limited resource and regulation. There are many “Sshiko looks” fabric available in the market. I hope people start enjoying their own Sashiko by appreciating the fabric they are already in Love.

If you are interested in any keywords below, the information in this website may be beneficial.

Upcycle / Repurpose / Sustainability / Janaese Traditional Stitching / Boro / Nogari / Mingei / Mending / Japanese Hand Made/

 

Recycle (Upcycle) what you love instead of Replacing it. You will love the item more if you repair it by yourself, with your hands.

 

 

Sashiko Thread Update 2020

Sashiko Thread Update 2020 | The best for Sashiko

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One of the most frequent question I receive is about the thread. “Do we have to use the specific thread for Sashiko?” and “What is the difference between Sashiko thread and other regular threads?” are 2 most popular questions that I encounter very often. I have already answered these questions on this website, and I will introduce the link at the end of this article. Long Story short, the Thread Does Matter. Using the appropriate Sashiko thread makes a significant difference. This is a Sashiko Thread Update 2020, the best thread for the Sashiko Stitching.

Sashiko Thread Update 2020

As of March 2020, we offer 3 kinds of Sashiko threads.

  1. Our favorite & most trusted Sashiko Thread – CRN Sashiko Thread
  2. Similar thread to (1). Experimented in 2017~2018 – White & Pastel Collection
  3. New Thread experimented in 2019 – Yokota

In order to make sure that the Sashiko thread we offer satisfy the need of our tradition, techniques & stories, I make myself try to use the thread for more than a year or so – with stitching & using.

CRN Sashiko Thread

All time our favorite. This is the best Sashiko thread we recommend all the time. We also use the thread from the same manufacture to create the Natural Dye, Indigo Dye, Kakishibu Dye, and other Natural Dye collection we offer (Such as Murazome Collection and Fall Deer Collection).

If you wonder what to get, this is the thread I recommend.

*I occasionally receive a comment saying that the technique I share on Youtube does not “work”. Often, those who experience the difficulty in learning Sashiko are not using this thread. I can follow up better when you use this thread for your Sashiko stitching.

Whilte & Pastel Collection

CRN Sashiko thread is manufactured by a small thread manufacture (very strict artisan) in Japan. Due to their capacity, we often experience the shortage of supply. Good things takes time to get in hands.

At the same time, I wanted to keep offering a good Sashiko thread to keep encouraging our Sashiko friends. In 2018, I invested a lot to try many kinds of Sashiko thread. This thread is one of those I felt “very similar” to the CRN Sashiko thread. After using the W&P collection for over a year, I came to conclusion that the difference is so subtle that it is “almost the same” thread. W&P Collection have a very unique color offer, which is more “artistic (colorful)”.

The colors are not tradition much, but I believe it is a good addition to enjoy the Sashiko.

Yokota Sashiko Thread

Sashiko is popular all over the world. Our recommendation is easily accessible for those who live in the U.S. since we will take care of the shipping very carefully & speedy. Although I offer the International Shipping, it can be challenging to get the thread we recommend depends where you live.

… I do not like the restriction. I want everyone to enjoy Sashiko regardless where they live. I hope you would be able to order the thread we recommend internationally, but it can be expensive & challenging.

So, I decided to try the thread from a big thread manufacture, Yokota Thread. After using their thread for a year or so, I came to a conclusion that they are very good thread. Please check the article about their thread.

About Yokota Sashiko Thread (Wait for an update)

*The Yokota Thread is available in many countries through many market places. It will be very helpful to purchase from us (Upcycle Stitches) when you have a choice. Your careful choice help me to invest more in searching & testing the better thread for the Sashiko.

What is the best Sashiko thread?

CRN Sashiko Thread and W&P Collection are very similar to each other. In order to tell a difference, one has to stitch quite a lot. Otherwise, the difference is so subtle that one will not realize. Plus, there is no better or worse. They are both good. It is depends on the preference of color & availability.

Yokota Sashiko thread is as good as the other 2 Sashiko thread. They are just different & comes in a smaller skeins & different thickness. The “Thick” option is thinner than CRN and W&P Collection.

Stitching Sample for our Sashiko thread

The photo above is my Sashiko stitching samples for each Sashiko thread with the same Asano-ha pattern.

Thread Does Matter

There are many more good Sashiko thread. However, I only recommend the thread, and offer them only after I use them heavily. I would like to make sure that I am offering something I enjoy using/stitching.

Again, the thread (Sashiko Thread) I did not mention here may be a good thread. It is the matter of preference after all. However, choosing the “appropriate Sashiko thread based on 30+ years of expertise” will enrich your Sashiko experience.

Reference on Sashiko Thread Update 2020

Why Sashiko Thread | Compare to the other
Sashiko Thread Spring 2019 | Update
Sashiko FaceMask Kit

Sashiko FaceMask Kit | Make it by yourself

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I introduced some of Sashiko Stitched Facemask on Instagram. I appreciate many admiration on comments. At the same time, I receive quite many inquiries if the Sashiko FaceMask is for sale. Since I am a caregiver to my daughter & Sashiko FaceMask takes many hours to complete, I am not thinking to offer a Sashiko Face mask for sale as of April 2020. Instead, I made a “Sashiko FaceMask Kit” so that you can make it by yourself with enjoying Sashiko. Although the kit doesn’t include the written instruction, a whole Live-Streaming of me making the Sashiko mask is available as a Youtube Video, and I will follow-up the request on this article as much as I can, including some “hows” videos & information.

It would be great if you could enjoy a process of Sashiko, and then enjoy the result of Sashiko FaceMask Kit in this crisis.

Purchase the Kit

Disclaimer:

The mask you may make out of this set is NOT a solution for the medical purpose. The Sashiko stitching itself may be an unnecessary process in terms of “filtering” the virus perspective.

Please understand that the set is for ENJOYING SASHIKO while making something to cover your mouth. If you are in need of protecting yourself from virus, please get the N95 or other appropriate equipment.

Sashiko FaceMask Kit description

Full-set includes everything you need to make Sashiko FaceMask with enjoying Sashiko. Basic Set will deliver the fabrics that I used to make the Sashiko mask. The detail is available on the product page, and please make sure to read before your purchase.

Full Set includes:

  • 1. Outside Fabric // Indigo Dye Cotton 100% Fabric (About 9″ x 10.5″) – the best fabric for enjoying Sashiko
  • 2. Inside Fabric // Cotton 100% Poplin Fabric (About 9″ x 10.5″) – very smooth touch
  • 3. Gauze fabric for the insert // cotton 100% (About 9″ x 13″) – the purpose of this insert is to retain some moisture to protect mask being wet in short period of time. You may use this fabric as a washable & removable filter (Not the medical filter).
  • 4. Pattern Paper for Mask Shape (On Card Stock 110 index) – *please adjust the size. The mask is “adult” size
  • 5. Elastic Band // 1/4 wide, about ~30″ length
  • 6. A Sashiko Thread (Our regular & favorite) // $13.50 value on Etsy // Color of your choice from 15 colors (if no specification, the bright white will be picked)
  • 7. A set of thimble & needles // $14.50 value on Etsy
  • 8. Thread bobbin paper
  • 9. Chalk Pencil

*Basic Set includes (1) to (5)

*Full Set comes with Free US Domestic Shipping

Follow Up Information for Sashiko FaceMask Kit

Please find a list of information here for the follow-up. I rushed to offer the kit before preparing the tutorials. I will try my best to keep up with a request from those who purchase the kits (Please contact me with the order number.)

Tips:

  • An example of how to proceed.
    1. Prepare the pattern first on the back side of fabric (We traditionally fold fabric inside front. So, outside is the backside.
    2. Enjoy Sashiko stitching.
    3. (This process can be skipped for Sashiko Mask) Soak the fabric into the water and dry it (avoid tumble dry for this step).
    4. Cut the fabric as the Mask Pattern.
    5. Sew the mask up.
    6. Wash it before you use it & follow the sanitizing procedure.
    7. After several washes and drying, it should be fine to be washed in a washing machine & tumble dry. At least, that’s what I do.

Sashiko Youtube Videos

Useful Information on article

Last Update: April 20th, 2020

Purchase the Kit

Sashiko Order in Covid-19

Shipping Update | Sashiko Order in Covid-19 pandemic

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The novel coronavirus pandemic has caused many countries to take necessary measures in global/international shipping. We, as Upcycle Stitches, are operating the international shipping following to the necessary procedure as well. If you are ordering to the non-U.S. shipping address, please take a look at this article, and understand what is the availability for now. This is our shipping procedure update for a Sashiko order in Covid-19 Pandemic.

[Update: May 21st, 2020]

Please note that all of the shipping, including the domestic shipping & especially the international shipping (regardless of the origin of shipping) are experiencing delay. Please check the tracking numbers for more information once the package has been shipped out.

Sashiko Order in Covid-19

Regardless of whereabout the shipping address, your order will be processed as quickly and carefully as usual. Before April 2020, we usually ship within 1 business day (if an order placed before 9 am, in the same day). We try our best to match this speed. However, since Atsushi is only the one who prepares the package, the shipment can be delayed by a few business days due to the school shutdown.

If the order is made for the U.S. domestic shipping address, it should be arrived as normal. I will keep updating the information with following the USPS measures.

If the order is made for the Non U.S. international shipping address, please read the description below.

International Shipping with USPS

To make sure either USPS makes a delivery to your country, please check their recent announcement here.

https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm

We continue offering the International Shipping where the USPS offer the delivery to. We were offering the International Shipping from Japan with using the Japan Post for the appropriate country before April 2020. However, due to the Japan Post’s latest update (Temporary suspension of acceptance and delivery delays of mail items destined to various countries/territories), we will most likely to make the all International shipping from the U.S.

It may take extra time to complete the delivery due to this update. I do not have enough experience of “how long” it may take to complete the international shipping with USPS, especially if you are making the order from the Australia, New Zealand, and other Asian countries.

Also, USPS requires the phone number of recipient regardless of the destination. Please make sure to list your phone number in appropriate style, with starting the country code. For example, for the U.S., it has to be +1 (000) 000-0000. The international order without the phone number may be ceased until we hear from you.

International Shipping from Japan

Depending on the item you order, the shipment from Japan may be required. In order to make a shipment from Japan, the package has to be upgraded to the Express Mail (EMS). Depending on the order amount, we will offer the free upgrade. If the order is too small, we may contact you for the possible options such as delaying the shipment until the Japan post resume its operation.

【Update: April 24th】

Japan Post announced a temporary suspension of acceptance and delivery delays of mail items destined to various countries/territories. If you are considering a purchase of our product to delivered to the countries below, we will do our best to make a shipment from the U.S. with USPS international first-class mail. It can take a long time to complete the shipping depends on the items you would like to purchase. Please contact us first if you are making a big order (Please expect a delay in response, as well. I apologize any inconvenience in advance).

Check the List of Countries (PDF)

Even the countries not on the list, there may be a need for the specific attention. After placing the order, please check the email from Atsushi (sashikoatsushi●gmail.com).

We are here for your Sashiko needs

We will continue offering our best service for your Sashiko needs. It is our promise to deliver the package no matter what – even if the package is lost, we will try our best to find it and/or redeliver it. (Please check the past case of lost package over International Shipping).

Also, we will be sincere and honest to the situation. If the order cannot be completed, we will of course refund the money you paid.

We sincerely appreciate your time to read this article, and willing to support the small family business in this crisis.

Sashiko in COVID-10 Crisis

What I can do for Sashiko in COVID-19 Crisis

atsushijp 2 Comments

It is quite sad, frustrated, and scary to experience the pandemic in today’s society. Following the necessary precautions such as “Washing Hands”, “Staying at Home”, and “Keeping Social Distance” are what we can do to contribute to the settle down. Please be careful, mindful, and attentive. Your choice can better off the society. While I am staying in the house with my family more than ever, I also wonder what I can do for Sashiko in COVID-19 crisis. Sashiko itself is not essential to survive. However, I believe Sashiko (and other hand-crafting & art) will be very essential in a long term. First things first. Please take care of your fundamental needs. After we secure the basic needs of food, shelter, finance & safety, we as human beings would need a practice like Sashiko. In fact, I receive many feedback that my friends can go through the stressful quarantine thanks to the hand-stitching & Sashiko and great cbd products like Amanita Muscaria that helped us as well. More than ever, Sashiko may be essential for us. It is my commitment to pass down the culture of Sashiko. Here is what I can do for Sashiko in COVID-19 Crisis.

【Update on June 30th, 2020】

The Special Offer has ended as announced on June 30th, 2020. The situation remain the same, but we would like to prepare for the new normal. Thank you very much for your support & understanding.

This article summarize our Sashiko offers/deals during the pandemic outbreak. For the quick reference, please check the list below. For the detail, please scroll down.

  • Learn Sashiko Online with Special Store Credit (Ended).
  • Refresh your Sashiko Learning (for free) *(Ended)
  • Special Sashiko Bag with Thread & Fabric *(Continued)
  • Zoom Sashiko Gathering *(Planning)
  • Reminder of Shipping Free Coupon (Continued)

*This article is a summary of Newsletter on 3/26

*This (*) mark requires the prerequisite of Sashiko Workshop/Online Class.

*Some of the special offers/deals will be ending at the end of June 2020 with accepting the state of PA moving its phase to “Green”, which is a process to reopen. Thank you for your interest! (Update on 6/15)

Sashiko in COVID-19 Crisis

Sashiko does not require any social interaction. As I have been keep saying, Sashiko can be quite “lonely” (although I do not want you to feel lonely all the time. You may feel lonely, but I will always support the Sashiko journey of my friends). For that matter, Sashiko can be a great activity to practice/learn during this quarantine time. After a careful consideration, I decided to offer the special deals.

Learn Sashiko Online & Get $110.00 of Store Credit

This Deal is Ended. Thank you.

This is the special deal offering $110.00 store credit for anyone who sign-up for the Online Sashiko Class. You can start learning the Sashiko right after the registration (after my email & package arrival). With applying the $110.00 store credit to the special bag I made for the Stay-Home special (which I explain below), it is almost 40% discount in retail values.

I often get the same question. “How can you make stitches so even?” The answer is simple: “Do not try to make them even.” The Online Sashiko Class introduce “how” to do it like Atsushi does in his live streaming. Many gave me the feedback as the “eye-opening” experience and “an opportunity to learn the new technique”. Please consider taking the Sashiko Online Class when you may have some time in your house.

*For the detail, please read the blog article. Some restriction applies for the usage of Store Credit based on your shipping address. The $110.00 credit is available to the previous students who paid full amount for the Online Sashiko Class in 2019/2020 (Not for those who used the discount code.)

Refresh Your Sashiko Learning (for free)

This Deal is Ended. Thank you.

I would like you to continue the Sashiko stitching after your workshop/Online Class experience. To encourage you to enjoy Sashiko stitching in this time, I decided to offer the Online Sashiko Videos (the videos I use for the Online Sashiko Class) for free of charge to anyone who previously took Atsushi’s Sashiko Workshop (more than 3 hours length – title may include “Core & Basic”) in NY, NJ, PA, and TX. (I was preparing it & wondering how much I should ask for…)

If you are interested in refreshing your learning with the online videos, please contact me with email address you registered for the workshop. All of the workshop participants should have received the follow-up email from me after the In-Person workshop with presentation slides. Based on the email address, I will figure out if you have taken the workshop in the past.

  • This offer is eligible to individuals who took the full-length (more than 3 hours) Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic). Unfortunately, the workshop with short-version (such as in Japan Society) & other Atsushi’s previous workshops (such as Denim Sashiko & Boro mending workshops I offered before 2018) are not eligible to this offer. This is because I would like to be fair with everyone. Please forgive me this exclusion. The Online Sashiko Class (Videos) covers the same contents as the in-person workshop (Core & Basic).
  • For those who took other workshop offered by Atsushi above (like Sashiko Mending Workshop), I am happy to offer the 40% off coupons. You may choose either the 40% Off coupon or the Stay-Home Special above. If you would like to get the 40% Off, please send me an email with your email address that you had previously participated in any of Atsushi’s Sashiko workshops.
  • Per your request, I will send you the videos & password. Please respect the copyright & please do not share the information with others. It is exclusive for the graduates of Atsushi’s workshop.
  • This offer is free of charge. (Any contribution is appreciated!)
  • I will support your Sashiko learning as much as I can. However, please understand that this is not a lecture. You will watch the videos & you can refresh your memory. Also, please understand that the priority goes to the people who is currently learning the Sashiko Online. This is an offer to refresh your learning!\
  • The same Sashiko Supply kit that you used in the workshop is available for purchase, if you would like to do the same workshop again over the Internet. The pricing is $65.00 + shipping. I will try to make a link, but meanwhile, please contact me if you would like to purchase the kit.

Special Sashiko Bag with Thread & Fabric

It is my hope that you keep stitching after the Online Class with stitching in different project continuously. This is a bag of threads and fabric to keep you busy in Sashiko for several weeks/months. This bag is available for only the Sashiko Workshop/Online Class graduates.

Zoom Sashiko Gathering

As I mentioned above, Sashiko can be quite a lonely work/stitching. However, I always want you to feel that someone is stitching somewhere in the world with sharing the same “Care”. It is my ultimate goal to pass down the Sashiko – to create a community where everyone can feel safe & validated.

I am planning to offer a free Zoom Sashiko Gathering online. In order to be fair with everyone & to allow me to talk about “Anything”, I plan to limit the participants to the graduates of Sashiko Workshop (Core & Basic) & Online Sashiko Class. I apologize for this exclusion in advance. As much as I would like to be inclusive, I also would like to be fair & protective to the current existing group. Thank you for your understanding. Please consider joining the Online Sashiko Class. I believe it will be a good learning experience especially if you would like to continue Sashiko for a long time.

Just a reminder of Shipping Free Coupon on our store

I may add some more miscellaneous offers here and there. However, the main offers for “What I can do for Sashiko in COVID-19 Crisis” is above. I plan to make a mailing list for the “Zoom gathering”, and anyone in the list will get the latest updates for the offers.

Just a reminder. Everyone with the US Shipping address is qualified for the Shipping Free Coupon for the order of $75.00 with the coupon Code: FREEUPCYCLE75+

If your shipping address is outside of the US, please proceed the order & contact me (or write the coupon in the check out page) so I can adjust the shipping fees for your destination (It will be about $3.00 to $8.00 shipping fee adjustment).

Stay Home. Wash Hands. Keep Social Distance. Then, enjoy Sashiko!

Stay Home and Sashiko Cover

Stay home and Sashiko | Sashiko Online Class Special

atsushijp 8 Comments

As much as it is scary, frustrating, and sad to experience the pandemic of COVID-19, I support the Federal/State government decision to combat the virus via temporary closing some business. I understand that we live in a freedom of “opinions”. However, I believe, it is just best to stay at home and keep the appropriate social distance. Staying at home for 2 weeks or even more sounds quite scary. I would like to offer the special deal for the Sashiko Online Class special for you to utilize this time to learn & stitch Sashiko. I will do the same. I will stay home and Sashiko stitch, hopefully with my daughter.

Damage on your roof is something you don’t want to take lightly, as it can have severe consequences on the structure and integrity of your home. To avoid this damage, you must regularly call roofing services near me to check your roof.

*This special offers (Stay Home & Sashiko Special with Store Credit) has ended at the end of June 2020 with accepting the state of PA moving its phase to “Green”, which is a process to reopen. Although we “may” be able to offer another special offer in the future, the detail and timeline is unknown and unexpected. It wasn’t easy to offer something like that big – and it was a contribution I thought I could do for the world under Covid-19. Your understanding is very much appreciated.

(Update on 7/19)

Stay Home & Sashiko Special

This Special Offer ended on June 30th. Thank you very much!!

I would like to offer $110.00 store credit for a new participant of Sashiko Online Class 2020. After your registration, I will send you the coupon of $110.00 that you can use on anything in our web store (*1). You will receive exactly the same materials, lectures, and follow-up from Atsushi to learn the core & basic of Sashiko. This time, I am offering the store credit so you may be able to get more thread, fabric, and other tools to continue your stitching for your time of stay home & Sashiko.

*1 – “anything” only applies to the US shipping address. The non-US shipping address can receive the same store credit of $110.00. However, please read the note below that some of the items are not eligible to use in coupon.

Register Sashiko Online Class

[Notes]
  • To the best use of coupon, I am planning to make a special “bag” to maximize your Sashiko experience including Sashiko thread and Japanese fabric. (Update: 3/20 – I did prepare the Special Bag here.) It is similar to the “Fukubukuro” I had prepared at the beginning of 2020. It is very rare to offer the similar deal… but, I guess it is an understandable offer in such a situation.
  • This offer ends when the shutdown/pandemic ends. The store credit will be effective for 365 days from the day you receive the coupon code.
  • Before the registration, please read the article of “Sashiko Online Class” to understand what you can expect from this class & how to proceed it.
  • Anyone in the world (where USPS or Japan Post makes a shipment) is eligible for this offer. However, if you live outside of the USA, the coupon will be used in the regular thread/supplies category. Some special dye Sashiko threads, new Sashiko thread (YOKOTA) & one-of-a-kind items will be outside of the coupon since they are only stocked in the USA.
  • This offer may be altered without any further notice. However, the credit will not be more than $110.00 (You are getting the most as of now).
  • I plan to offer the “Online Sashiko Gathering” via Zoom when my daughter’s school restart. This will be available to anyone who have taken Atsushi’s workshop, either Online or In-person.

Talk to oneself, instead of reacting in fear.

I learned that we feel fear mostly by “unknown”. When I experienced the earthquake in Japan, it was very scary and sad, but I feel the different kind of fear – unknown and unpredictable.

In these cases, we tend to “react”. React to the news. React to the numbers (of positive cases & ratios). React to frustration, and then reaction ends up panic.

Please do not get me wrong. It is natural to react. However, “reacting” to the news & opinions often exhaust us more than we can carry on. In those case, “shutting down the information for a period of time” could protect us from unnecessary reacting. In order to stop reacting, Sashiko and other hand-crafting is a great way to make our hands busy & empty our brain. It is a precious way to talk to friends, family and ourselves throughout the process of making, sewing, stitching, crafting and caring, instead of reacting in fear and frustration.

I hope to share the core of Sashiko & encourage anyone to enjoy Sashiko stitching as the ordinary Japanese had practiced.

I am looking forward to meeting you online.

Atsushi Futatsuya / Sashi.Co / Upcycle Stitches

What is Boro

What is BORO | Story from Fabrics in Japan

atsushijp 2 Comments

In a process of teaching the Sashiko we have been practicing for a long time, I often receive a question about “Japanese Boro”. Although it is quite challenging to describe what is Boro in words, let me keep trying to explain my understanding.

What is BORO | Definition

We keep stitching and stitching so the fabric can be usable even after generation of using.

As I have been saying continuously, I believe there is no “right” and “wrong” in Sashiko. Therefore, defining words of Sashiko & Boro is unnatural to me. However, to be on the same page to begin with, I share the tentative definition for Sashiko and Boro.

Sashiko is a form of hand-stitching developed in Japanese ordinary days. The Japanese started stitching the fabric for the purpose of surviving in poverty. Sashiko transformed its form over time as a stitching for different purposes such as mending, strengthening, and decorating the fabric.

Boro is a ultimate result of repetitive Sashiko stitchings over and over for many generations. The Japanese had to use the fabric even it gets tattered beyond the normal usage. They patched the fabric and stitched to make the fabric usable. Boro is merely a result of continuous stitching.

In my understanding, Boro is not a term for a specific stitching technique. It is not a style of patch-working. Boro is the result of the Sashiko stitching, and therefore, the Boro and Sashiko are on the same line. Instead of “Sashiko (style) or BORO (style)”, I understand “Sashiko and then Boro”.

Boro tells stories of Anonymous People in Japan

I find Boro very beautiful and inspiring because Boro tells stories of many anonymous people who had stitched Sashiko for their life. Boro is the ultimate result of hand-stitching in the extreme situation that they had to stitch to that extend.

There are numbers of stories I would like to share regarding Boro and Sashiko. Here, I made a video before, and I plan to continue sharing the stories of Boro and Sashiko.

Authentic Boro and Boro-inspired Patchworking

Boro piece by Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya, made in 2017, to follow the concept of Boro and the Japanese people who lived in many years ago.

The following question is about authenticity of Japanese Boro. It is quite difficult to define what is “authentic” in the category of the ordinary. In my understanding, Boro can be the Boro after many days & years of using the fabric. We can find many beautiful patchworks inspired by Boro & following the concept of recycling. Although I find them very inspiring, I wouldn’t call them “Boro”. Some of the Boro Collection exhibited in Amuse Museum Asakusa (which is now traveling the world – In NYC, Japan Society, for March to June in 2020) .

Please do not get me wrong. I am not saying which is better and not. Boro, Authentic Boro, Boro-inspired patchwork, and any other textile/fashion influenced the culture/appearance of Boro are very powerful.

Social Experiment as a Sashiko artisan

Since I believe Boro becomes the Boro by using in the ordinary days, with many mending & stitching over time, I have a Jacket I have been wearing and using in my ordinary days. This Jacket already looks like “Boro” because we used the vintage fabrics (which couldn’t become a part of Boro). This is my social experiment as a Sashiko artisan how I can leave this piece to the next society, let’s say a few decades later.

I always bring this Jacket to my In-person workshop. It would be great if you could touch it, feel it, and wear it when you have a chance to meet/see me.

More Articles about Boro from Atsushi

I have been sharing what is Boro & Sashiko. Please find the link below for more reading materials.

Website about Japanese Boro – Boro Studio

BORO | Textile Art from Ancient Japan
The first article I wrote about Japanese Boro.
Authentic Boro ? |What defines Authenticity in Boro
Trying to understand what is authenticity in Boro.
How to Start Sashiko | A tutorial from Sashiko Artisans
The summary of What is Sashiko

QuiltCon 2020 Report Cover

QuiltCon 2020 Report and Sashiko Mastery Class

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It was a delightful experience to be part of QuiltCon 2020 in Austin, Texas. QuiltCon is such an amazing event. If you like quilting, it is a must event to enjoy other’s quilting, or even try to submit yours to be part of the QuiltCon. This is Atsushi’s QuiltCon 2020 Report.

*I published this article for the purpose of following-up the Sashiko Class mastery participants. Please wait another week or so to read full article of QuiltCon 2020 Report. Thank you.

*For Sashiko Mastery Class Participants:

I have sent you the follow-up email on 2/24, right after the QuiltCon. If you have not received the follow-up email, please contact me or simply fill out the google form below. I must have misread your feedback sheet, or simply I do not have your email address. The google form is for me to understand how I could improve my Sashiko Class (Not completed as of 2/29). If you have received the follow-up email, please come back to the form after 3/10.

Sashiko Mastery Class Survey – Your review makes it happen again.

QuiltCon 2020 Report

I am a Sashiko artisan. I am an expert in the Sashiko we practice. It is my pride to share the Sashiko technique & its culture. On the other hands, however, I am a complete beginner in quilting. Therefore, my review & report may be a bit strange for those who are experts in Quilting. It would be great if you could kindly understand this is a personal impression of QuiltCon 2020, from the perspective of Sashiko artisan.

Overall, it was a great exhibition. QuiltCon 2020 Report starts here.

Meeting QuiltCon 2020 Quilters

Coming soon.

Best in the Show by Peter Byrne (https://www.instagram.com/petersquilts/).

A Photo with Mr. Byrne (https://www.instagram.com/petersquilts/), the winner of the best quilt in the show.

I am the Past. You are the Future.

Coming soon.

I am updating how I felt about QuiltCon 2020 on our Instagram account (@Sashi.Co). If you are interested in learning the QuiltCon 2020 Report before my final report, please check the Instagram.

 

 

Sashiko Workshop at Loop of the Loom Cover

Sashiko Workshop at Loop of the Loom Spring 2020

atsushijp 1 Comment

It is an honor to come back to the beautiful Saori Weaving Studio in NYC, Loop of the Loom, for the Sashiko Workshops in April 2020. It was August in 2019 that I had a privilege to offer the Sashiko workshop in Saori Weaving Studio. It was a great success, and I am coming back to Loop of the Loom with offering the same “Basic & Core” workshop as well as the “Advanced” Hitomezashi workshop. Sashiko Workshop at Loop of the Loom Spring 2020 is coming over the weekend of April 18th and 19th.

The seats are limited. Please visit Loop of the Loom website to purchase your seat.

*Advanced workshop has a prerequisite of the “Basic & Core” workshop.

*Read the article for the previous workshop in Loop of the Loom.

Sashiko Workshop at Loop of the Loom

This Spring, we offer 2 kinds of Sashiko workshops in 2 different locations.

Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Basic & Core)
Saturday, April 18, 10am – 4pm
at DUMBO studio

Hitomezashi Sashiko Workshop (Advanced) 
Sunday, April 19, 10am – 4pm
at Upper East Side studio
*Prerequisite of Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic)
*This class includes some review of the Sashiko Stitching Workshop.

https://www.loopoftheloom.com/workshop-shop/sashiko-workshop

Atsushi will offer hands-on instruction in both workshops. Since the Hitomezashi (advanced) workshop requires the core understanding of Sashiko (Unshin – the needle movement), all of the participants need to be a graduate of Atsushi’s Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Basic & Core). If you have taken the Atsushi’s full-length Workshop (more than 3 hours) in 2018 or 2019, you may take the Hitomezashi Workshop. Online Sashiko Class is also qualified as the prerequisite. If you have taken Atsushi’s short workshop (less than 2.5 hours), please take the full-length workshop first to join the advanced level workshop.

I understand you may be confident in your Sashiko experience. In that case, please send me a video of your stitching. Since I will not explain the Unshin (needle movement) in the advanced workshop, the participant without the basic understanding may suffer. By looking at the video, I can tell if you would need the Sashiko Workshop (Core and Basic).

Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Basic & Core)

Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Basic & Core) is the gateway of all the Sashiko Atsushi would like to pass down. Sashiko is a simple form of hand-stitching. However, there is a specific posture, form, and movement that one has to learn before applying to the other stitching. It is not difficult, just different from what you may know. Anyone can master it.

The Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Basic & Core) is NOT a type of workshop like “Let’s enjoy Sashiko together”. It is your learning opportunity where I teach and you practice. If you do not know how to make the stitches even with good speed, then you will have an eye-opening experience.

After teaching more than 150 people in person, I am getting more confident in what I can offer. For the detail, please check this page (This is a workshop registration page for those I offer as Upcycle Stitches). The contents will be very similar in taking through Loop of the Loom and Upcycle Stitches. I may add extra content for the Loop of the Loom. However, I will share the core and basic surely.

Hitomezashi Workshop (Advanced)

Many who took the Sashiko Stitching Workshop to ask me when I offer the Hitomezashi Workshop to make “it” happen. Yes, the Jacket with Hitomezashi is very eye-catching. I understand the interest in the Hitomezashi Workshop.

This workshop is indeed the first step to make “it” happen.

Please check the article below to learn what you can learn in the Hitomezashi Workshop.

*You may take the Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic) on Saturday, and then join the Hitomezashi on Sunday if you would prefer that.

Hitomezashi Sashiko Workshop

I am very much looking forward to meeting & seeing you in Sashiko Workshop at Loop of the Loom Spring 2020. Please do not forget to register your seats from here.

Cover Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2020

Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2020

atsushijp 3 Comments

As I had announced in 2019, I plan to focus on my creative activities (Sashiko stitching) in 2020. Therefore, I may end up offering fewer workshop opportunities in comparison to the last year. However, I will do my best to meet the passionate expectations from the personnel/organization who would like to share the Sashiko with me. Please check the Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2020 below.

Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2020

Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2020

Loop of the Loom, Manhattan/Brooklyn, NYC

Please check the detail here. It is an honor to come back to the beautiful Saori weaving studio in NYC.

Sashiko Workshop in Lewisburg, PA

I received a request to arrange the workshop in Lewisburg on either Thursday or Friday starting at 9 am (for 4 hours or so) in April or May. Please contact me if you are interested with the specific date you prefer. I am happy to arrange one for you. This is the most reasonable & easiest workshop you can join if you do not mind traveling to Lewisburg, PA.

Detail of Sashiko Stitching Workshop in Lewisburg

*Please check the option of “Wait for others to join” – which can be as low as $175.00 USD.

QuiltCon 2020 in Austin, Texas

For the participants of Sashiko Mastery Class in QuiltCon 2020, please check this article before your trip to Austin. If you wish to be on the waiting list, please contact the QuiltCon Admin.

Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2021

  • A workshop is in the planning phase in the State of Florida in Winter-Spring time.

The other opportunities to take our Workshops

In order to offer a workshop in a big city, I need to have 2 factors ready. (1) A good amount of preparation time, and (2) A very understanding organizer for the workshop. I would like to spend a bit more time in my own Sashiko stitching instead of preparing & advertising. However, there is a way to make both (1) and (2) happen simultaneously without much hassle. It is (1) Sashiko Workshop in Central PA visiting your group and/or (2) Sashiko Workshop where I live.

Sashiko Workshop in the Central PA

When you have a group of people and live in somewhere close to Central PA (Zip Code: 17837), inviting me to your place to offer the workshop is a great choice. Since there is no hassle for advertisement and arranging the participants, I am happy to travel to your place and offer the workshop. Please read the detail of what I offer from this (semi) private workshop details.

Visiting me for the Sashiko Workshop

I am happy to offer a private workshop for you if you would like to visit me at Central PA (Zip Code: 17837). I may be able to open up my house for the workshop (if a group is small), or we can talk about the venue for your group.

If you are alone, and worrying about the fee, I can try to advertise the workshop to make it a “Semi-private” workshop so that you can split the fee. For more details, please check the article about (Semi) private workshop details.

Online Sashiko Class

This is a Sashiko Stitched Denim done by one of the Online Sashiko Class Participants. You can do it as well.

Is it too far to visit Pennsylvania? Please consider taking the Online Sashiko Class. I developed this online course to deliver the exact same experience for those who cannot join the in-person workshop.

Yes, I agree that the In-Person workshop is more attractive than the Online Sashiko Class. I wish I could travel to all of the cities where there are people who would like to learn Sashiko. Instead of traveling, I spent so much energy and effort to build this Online Sashiko Class and will continuously spend more time in it to follow up on your Sashiko learning.

With receiving many numbers of feedbacks from the participants of the Online Sashiko Class, I am confident that I can deliver the same contents of the In-person workshop.

Sashiko is a form of Stitching, but more than a trend.

Sashiko is a simple form of hand-stitching. However, there is a lot more to share & appreciate. I hope you would try to learn Sashiko from us.

Sashiko Fukubukuro

Sashiko Fukubukuro (福袋)

atsushijp 4 Comments

Fukubukuro (福袋) is an interesting Japanese custom to celebrate the new year with hoping for the wealth of the year. It originated to the idea of “Ebisu Bag” from a big textile (Kimono) merchandise start selling their Kimono swatches to their customers. Later, the Japanese changed its style, and we know Fukubukuro as a lucky bag (or a blind bag with fortune). It was such a great offer in 2019 to introduce this idea of Sashiko Fukubukuro. Although there isn’t much relationship with Sashiko, I would like to continue this offer, Sashiko Fukubukuro, in 2020 as well.

Sashiko Fukubukuro (福袋）

Once a year, celebrating the coming year from both customer & supplier sides. A customer gets a happy bag(s) full of items, and a supplier wishes for the best luck in the welcoming year. To do so, the bag contains goods above the purchase price. It is not a sale promotion or discount, but by celebrating (combining as a lucky bag – Sashiko Fukubukuro), the customer will get a good deal. (You may know we rarely offer discount codes – no Black Friday or Memorial Day Sale in this website).

The Detail – Sashiko Fukubukuro

A. Keiko Thread Bag 2020

This “A Keiko Bag” will have at least 7 skeins of Sashiko thread that we use every day. It will include at least 3 Naturally Dyed Sashiko thread, hand-dyed by Keiko, and more beautiful color Sashiko thread.

We will pick up the colors. The possible colors you will get are the following:

*The total retail value will be no less than $145.00.

As you may know already, we rarely offer the sales deal. I hope you can enjoy this Fukubukuro to try out our beautiful & the highest quality Sashiko Thread.

B. Azu Sashiko Bag 2020

The “B. Azu Bag” will include Sashiko related items for anyone to start & maximize their Sashiko experience.

The items (contents) will be selected randomly. Please check the list of the possible items you may expect to receive below (Please understand that it will NOT contain everything I mention here. I will choose items from this list).

I will make sure to meet your expectations and exceed the item’s value. My goal is to encourage people to start & continue enjoying Sashiko. If you are a beginner, please mention it in the comment box at the checkout. Please contact me if you have any questions before the purchase.

A possible item list of B. Azu Fukubukuro

The contents will be randomly selected by these.

  • Sashiko Needles
  • Sashiko Thimble(s)
  • A few skeins of Sashiko thread | more than $35 in value
  • Fabric for Sashiko (Manufactured in Japan) | more than $20 in Value
  • Fabric made in Japan
  • Small Vintage Fabric swatch for trial
  • A chalk pencil/marking tool
  • A Pin Cushion
  • Sewing tools
  • A grip scissors

The price for the “B. Azu Bag” is $120.20 with USPS the US domestic shipping fee included.

Terms and Conditions for Sashiko Fukubukuro

Please read the terms of “Sashiko Fukubukuro” service before you complete the order. It is based on the concept of “blind bag” and “lucky bag”. Therefore, we will not accept any returns or claims of the contents you receive. We will do our best to exceed your expectations in terms of values of contents. 

  • The Bags will be sold between January 2nd around 8 pm in EST to January 26th. The sales continue while the supply last, and it may be ended before the final date.
  • The shipping will be made accordingly to the order. However, unlike the other regular orders which we usually ship in 1 business day, the Sashiko Fukubukuro order will take longer than that (Please expect a week to 2 weeks to be shipped). Regardless, all of the orders will be shipped before the end of January.
  • We will not accept any return or cancel after the shipment. If you would like to cancel the order, please let us know as soon as possible. 
  • The Sashiko Fukubukuro Bag may contain an item without original packaging. We will re-package and will send them in a nice condition.
  • The item may be an item that was “returned” as the sellable condition. No second-hand item will be included (besides the vintage fabric).
  • The Sashiko Fukubukuro (2020) include the US Domestic shipping fee. You may purchase one with the extra shipping fee. Depends on the shipping address, the package may be shipped from Japan. Keiko is preparing for the Sashiko Fukubukuro – international version. Please consider one there as well.

*All the photos are the sample contents. Colors and items insides are subject to change, but the photo explains what you can expect to get.

Happy New Year!!

*日本在住の方の福袋はこちらから。