Sashiko (and Boro) became a trendy word in unfortunate lack of resources, and more scary, in ignorance & indifference. My heart aches when I see a person damaging the fabric with a file or sandpaper, and they call it Sashiko/Boro without proper understanding/explanation. The Japanese felt the opposite, I believe. They stitched to avoid those “damages”. When one ignores the fact & voices from origin, then, it becomes the issue of Cultural Appropriation, I understand.
☆
I am NOT, however, limiting anyone’s creativity. If they want to “distress” their denim, and say it “inspired by Sashiko (Boro)”, I am fine as long as one condition is agreed: The willingness to introduce the stories on the other side. When one explains (shares) as many stories as possible to respect the culture, the outcome (here distressed garment itself) will not cause the pain. When one expresses their willingness to learn, I am here to share. Only thing I despise is the “ignorant” and “indifference” as if I am over-reacting.
☆
If anyone wants to be creative with distressed denim, I respect it. That’s an important evolution in “Fashion”. It is perfectly fine to say “inspired by Sashiko”, but I want them to specify what they are inspired by. If that doesn’t include the stories: if they are just inspired by how it looks, then I need to keep speaking up loudly (More than 99% cases, they just don’t know and they are willing to learn. Unfortunately, 1% of the people block what I share). The word “inspired” cannot be the excuse for ignorance, yet anything can be inspired by Sashiko.
We live in a world of “Choices”. The personal choice is more precious & respected than anything. I agree with that. I am grateful to have a choice to “choose”. It is a great achievement of our ancestors who worked so hard to make choices available for us. Therefore, we shouldn’t ignore their effort while they didn’t have their “choices”.
☆
I really appreciate your choice of listening to my voice & liking them. At the same time, I understand their choice of not liking what I share. I am nowhere to convince them. It is arrogant if I were to think that I can change them in this “choice” society. Therefore, no matter how many hateful messages I receive, I will keep sharing the stories. My goal is NOT to be liked: It is to share the story so that the other groups of people can “choose” what they want to have in their future. (Of course, I want to be liked, but that’s another story).
☆
Don’t be so worried about someone’s choice. They are just unhappy (or faking that they are happy). One of the best things about Sashiko is that you can find your “own” definition of what you do (who you are). You can “feel” happiness instead of fighting to win over. We worry when we know the cause. When we know the cause, we can help each other. When we fear, we don’t know the exact cause. Therefore, I share stories to ease the fear. Happiness is behind the worry. The more you worry, the more caring you are: I keep sharing “Don’t worry too much”, right? I share Sashiko’s story in fear of those who do not worry about anything, and your voice will help me to understand what is behind the fear.
Ever since I opened up our Sashiko Online Store, it has been my strong wishes to offer something for returning customers as a token of gratitude. However, under covid-19 & more costly shipping expenses from Japan, I had to focus on keeping the business alive. After 16 month of difficulties, in Fall 2021, I have a good news for our Return Sashiko Customers. Due to a steep shift in USD/JPY rate (more than 5%), I can offer some discount without hurting the business activity. As a thank you note for your previous purchase, I decided to offer 10% off coupon for our “Sashiko Thread” available on our store.
Anyone who had made a purchase on our website is qualified for this offer. In order to get the coupon, please fill out this form to get the 10% OFF coupon. I know I could make the step more simple by sending the mass emails to the customers who had made a purchase in our store. However, it is another strong wish of mine to get know of you as a returning customer, who are continuously supporting our Sashiko. Without you (them), I cannot continue this activity. Thank you very much.
Starting October 2022, you will find a password to the renewed Customer Follow-up Website below on your invoice. You can get the same coupon without waiting for me to reply to you. Please check your reciept included in the order package for the password. Thank you!
Our “One of a Kind” Indigo Dye Sashiko Thread is also available with this Coupon.
As I keep sharing, Sashiko thread is one of the most important element in Sashiko Stitching. Sashiko Thread Does Matter. I am, of course, aware of the pricing. It is more expensive than the other embroidery thread, or even other “Sashiko Thread” manufactured by bigger suppliers. There are reasons for this pricing: we do not have any scale merit since the manufacture we depend on is quite small. However, or “Therefore”, I would like to protect this thread for me to keep stitching in pleasure, for my mother to keep making beautiful Sashiko items, and for you & everyone else who are willing to learn & maximize their enjoyment in Sashiko.
We used to “prepare” the Sashiko thread with twisting the thinner cotton thread, such as basting thread. We found the best balance, and now we call it “Sashiko thread”. It is simply the best thread for the Sashiko stitching we do. I do not go back to the time we needed to prepare the thread before stitching. I do not want you to go through that extra step neither. Therefore, I keep speaking up the importance of the thread & promoting them. In this time, with this coupon, I am happy that I can reduce a bit of financial burden from the back of returning & supportive customers. I thank you for returning & supporting.
The coupon is pretty simple. 10% Off for the thread we have on our store. Please read a simple “terms & condition” to avoid any unfortunate misunderstanding.
Please help us out by writing reviews on the product page (Thank you so much if you have done that already). Please learn how to leave a review here if you need a help (https://upcyclestitches.com/sashiko-review/). It would be helpful if you could leave the review with the same email address you write here. It is not a requirement, but your review is the greatest asset for our business. Thank you very much for your time & support.
The coupon is only available on our store limited to the Sashiko Thread. If you have made a purchase on other platform or in-person with Atsushi, please leave the message on the Google Form. http://upcyclestitches.com/store/Sashiko-Thread-c22185099
The coupon will be issued periodically based on the responses on the Google Form. Please email me if you would like to get the coupon right away. Thank you.
One coupon is available for one previous order. The coupon cannot be combined with other coupons. (For example, I cannot offer 20% off with using 2 coupons or combining the “Patreon’s thank you 10% Off” Coupon.
This promotion may end when the exchange rate shift back without further notification. I will do my best, of course, to communicate the situation. The Coupon will be expired within 30 days of issue date (and I won’t be able to re-issue it), so please get the coupon when you are ready.
Thank you very much for your understanding & support. I hope we can keep supporting your Sashiko journey.
I has been so long since we had to jump into the new normal of Covid-19. With our “new normal”, I am now accepting the request to arrange the Sashiko Class toward the end of 2021 and throughout the year of 2022. My schedule for an In-person Workshop opportunity is quite packed until the summer of 2022. However, it is possible to arrange a day or so to arrange the nearby in-person workshop and virtual Sashiko Class. Since I starts receiving several requests, here is a summary of what I can do for Sashiko Class Arrangement.
In-Person Sashiko Class Arrangement
The possibility of arranging the In-person workshop in long distance from the state of Pennsylvania is, unfortunately, limited. My schedule is occupied until the summer of 2022, including two Sashiko In-Person Workshop in Aya Fiber Studio (FL) and QuiltCon 2022 (AZ). If you are neaby FL and AZ, please contact them if there is any availablity. If you are an organizer for the possible In-person Sashiko Class, please contact me after reading the Fee Estimate Structure Article.
I limitedly offer the In-person Sashiko Class Arrangement for those who live in nearby/within Pennsylvania (Zip Code 17837). If you woud like to have me for the In-person workshop, please consider having me for the Private Workshop. You may gather your friends and split (divide) the cost to make it happen. I am happy to consider traveling about 200 miles radious from 17837 Zip code. Alternatively, you can plan a visit to the town of Lewisburg to take the private Sashiko Class. For the Sashiko Class Arrangement in Lewisburg, please consider staying in a hotel or Airbnb so that I can offer the Sashiko Class at where you stay. I used to offer the Sashiko workshop in my small house as a classroom. However, under Covid-19 with 6 years old daughter, it is more comfortable for everyone to have your own space to have the Sashiko Class.
If you are interested in a Private & In-Person Sashiko Class Arrangement in Lewisburg and surrounding area, please check the In-Person Workshop Registration page.
*Additional Transportation Fee may apply if I need to travel more than 15 miles from Lewisburg, PA.
Scroll Down to the Links to In-Person Workshop Availability.
Online & Virtual Sashiko Class Arrangement
I can offer a group Online/Virtual Sashiko Class on Zoom if you are an organizer of the textile organization, schools, and other Sashiko interested groups. I will adjust the contents & pricing based on your needs. For the estimate & benchmark, please read below with possible 2 options.
Online Sashiko Class with Recorded Videos & Specialized Follow-up.
Virtual Sashiko Online Workshop.
Online Sashiko Class with Recorded Videos
with recorded videos & follow-up lecture & semi-private session
I have developed an Online Sashiko Class to offer Sashiko in this Pandemic. I have been receiving a lot of good feedback.
If you are an individual, please consider taking the Online Sashiko Class above. I receive many positive reviews, and I am sure you will find it eye-opening. I will support you until you can enjoy Sashiko running Stitch. Archives of Sashiko Webinars are also available (complementary to the Online Sashiko Class).
If you are an organizer in a group, I am happy to consider the special Sashiko Class Arrangement.
In this offer, I send you a link & password for the 3 sections of the Online Sashiko Class (3 Recorded Videos). Your students/participants will work on their own first with watching the recorded materials. After completing the 3 sections & practicing the Sashiko Stitching, I will arrange the Online Webinar about Sashiko’s history and philosophy (1~3 hours: it depends on your request & I will customize it as you wish).
Then, I will set up several Follow-Up Live sessions (1~2 hours each) so that I can meet each student in a smaller group setting (like 4~6 students). The purpose of this live session is to confirm their learning & practice. It is not a form of lecture or workshop.
To be honest, this is the best way of Sashiko Class Arrangement even for a large group of people since each individual needs unique hours of time to practice the core & essence of Sashiko. Some people get it easily within a few hours (but it will take at least a few hours or so). Some need more hours and struggle to get it comfortable. At this point, I have met no one who had claimed “Oh, I knew what you taught today”, so everyone needs to go through some practice & challenges.
When I offer In-person workshop, I can physically help them to get it comfortable. However, in a virtual setting with many participants, allowing them to have extra time at their own pace would be be more beneficial.
The cost for Online Sashiko Class is the same for the organization Sashiko Class Arrangement as well: $330.00 per student including the supply package. The semi-private session & follow-up lecture are complementary when you choose with this option. The discount for the group may be available based on the numbers of students you have & if you allow me to connect to the students directly to send a follow-up email with recommendation for Sashiko supplies and tools.
*If you are organizing it for academic purpose (like collage students), please contact me for possible discount. Passing down Sashiko is my personal mission, and sharing with students can be my life-time work.
Please Contact Atsushi from Contact Form for the specific arrangement.
Virtual Live Sashiko Class
If you prefer Live-Style Sashiko Class, I can offer a set of 2 Sashiko Workshops on Zoom. In the First session, I will talk about the history of Sashiko & what Sashiko is for us. Then, I move to a class teaching the core & essence of Sashiko (Unshin). The esimate duration for the 1st session is 3~4 hours, but it depends on the numbers of students in the Live Class.
In between the 1st and 2nd section, I would ask a day to a week of time so that the students can practice the core & essence of Sashiko Class while watching the recording of 1st section. For this purpose, I will NOT offer the set of 2 Sashiko Sessions within the same day (The 2nd Session has to be later than the next day of the the 1st session).
The 2nd session is about “how to apply the core & essence of Sashiko” to actual Sashiko practice. The esimate duration for the 2nd session is about 3 hours to 5 hours, which is also depend on the numbers of students & the request for the contents.
I will prepare the materials package, and every participants are required to purchase it (or an organization can purchase the package for them). Without the package, I cannot operate the efficient Sashiko Class.
In this option, there will be no additional Webinar or follow-up Session (the recordings of the set of 2 workshops will be available after the virtual class for a month). The semi-private follow-up Session may be available with extra fees, if the participant would like to have a personal attention.
Instructor Fee: $900.00 (estimating 3 hours per section, 6 hours total / $150.00 per hour).
Materials Fee: $70.00 per student. US Domestic Shipping is included. Extra Fee will apply for the International Shipping.
As an estimate, if your organization has 10 participants & Virtual Lecture is 6 hours length of 2 sessions, the total fee will be $1,650.00 USD ($900.00 Lecture Fee + $700.00 materials fee + single set up fee).
*Single Set up fee applies only for the first time. If you decide to offer it repeatedly, this fee will be waived.
*If you allow me to send emails to individual participants to recommend Sashiko supplies & tools to purchase after that workshop, I am happy to consider some discount (up to $120.00 per hour).
*If you are organizing it for academic purpose (like collage students), I am happy to waive the set-up fee of $50.
I will do my best to make it happen.
Before the pandemic, I used to travel to NYC every few weeks to offer the workshops. I enjoyed meeting the passionate Sashiko students as much as they were happy to take the in-person class. Also, it was a big help for us to keep on going in our Sashiko journey. Making Sashiko pieces is what we do. However, teaching will help us significantly financially to stablize what we do.
With adjusting the new normal, after offering so many Online Sashiko Class & Virtual Sashiko Workshops, I am confident that I can offer the great experience to those who are interested in Sashiko. It isn’t only my subjective confidence without reasoning: it is based on the reviews & feedbacks I have received.
I will do my best to make it happen with your Sashiko Class Arrangement needs. It will help us to keep sharing the Sashiko we have been practicing as well. Thank you for your interest.
*If you would like to support us keep sharing the Sashiko Story, please consider the Patreon to support artisans & story-telling of Sashiko Story.
In 2+ years of sharing Sashiko stories, I learned the importance of “delivering the message”, which is repeating the same phrase over and over to “deliver” it. There are many methods to deliver the message. Ex). A big advertisement budget and customizing the messages toward “comfortableness (easy to listen)”. I do not plan to do either. No Paid Advertisement. I will be honest rather than “comfortable”. If I need to twist my message, then there is no meaning to what I do. Therefore I haven’t had any investors in my business. Therefore, I haven’t met a publisher who is happy to publish what I want to share. Therefore, your words to your family & friends are the best support I can think of. The more people listen to the actual voice, open up their mind, acknowledge the filtered comfort, the more I can support Sashiko both in JP/EN and many other languages. I may meet a publisher and patrons who carefully understand what I am doing. Please share my voice on Here, Youtube, and Sashiko Class (Feel free to translate to your language). Your caring voice will be the future of Sashiko.
☆
Some say I am causing conflict in Sashiko. Well, all I am saying is “The Sashiko available in English is insufficient (not wrong)”. I do not want to make an enemy, or attack anyone specifically. I am just saying, the Sashiko without learning the Japanese (culture & language) can be NOT enough. If they think my voice is creating conflict & confusion, then it is their personal issue that my voice is inconvenient to them. I want “everyone” to enjoy Sashiko regardless of who they are: therefore, I need your help to spread the words. The Sashiko you can read/watch in English is NOT wrong but limited (filtered/insufficient). I am here to share the story & deliver the message.
My mother, Keiko, and I lost everything 8 years ago. With arranging what we had, and what we wanted to have, we started our Sashiko from Zero: We had nothing but ourselves. Keiko decided to live with Sashiko again, and I am determined to support her no matter what.
☆
“What is Sashiko (for Keiko)?” → A way of living. “Does Keiko like Sashiko” → It isn’t a matter of like or not. I do not have a specific teacher in Sashiko. All of the artisans I grew up with are the teachers. However, Keiko, as the one who was always here with Sashiko, is the fundamental of our story.
☆
We shouted out in gratitude when a customer purchased a skein of thread when we restarted our Sashiko. The feeling hasn’t changed at all. We appreciate everyone who supports us in various ways. Therefore, we order packages with our own hands, wishing to meet them & share Sashiko with them, one day, together. This is a series of Sashiko Stories of a mother & son, who happened to live with Sashiko as their fate.
Since May 2019, I have been sharing many Sashiko Stories on this account. Since my goal was sharing, not so much “delivering the message”, I tried to write a new story everyday. I tried one story per day for a long time.
☆
I will keep sharing the stories. I won’t change my life. At the same time, I am realizing the importance/significance of “Delivering the Message”: Unfortunately, it is too late for me to just “share” the stories. There is so much “filtered information”, which causes several critical misunderstandings, and I need to re-repaint the “common sense” in today’s Sashiko. Otherwise, we may not be able to “raise” Sashiko artisans who can stitch this type of Sashiko Jackets & Pants. I do my best to pass them down in my class, yet the speed of trend is much faster & stronger than one individual can do.
☆
If you are new to this account, please enjoy each Sashiko Story here. Each day, I have something new for you to read, and then make you think. If you are a long time follower, could you please share the post which you remember the most? Or the Sashiko Story I wrote that most influenced you? It would be great if you remember which post (specific date), but the contents of the posts are good as well. Or even, just memories will help me to go through the ideas. I will try to repeat the stories in different way to describe the Sashiko Story. Thank you for your time, in advance.
As Sashiko became more popular, I started receiving more requests in more diversified ways. The ordinary request is to either offer Sashiko Class to them, or to stitch Sashiko for them as commission work. One day in September 2021, I received an interesting email. This is a off-stage story of Sashiko & Illumination
The title say, “Ask for Sashiko Consultation”, and it continued:
“I would like to have your consultation in a large-scale, artful display: Illumination.”
This request was based on the major misunderstanding of Sashiko introduced in English, that Sashiko indicate some specific geometric pattern. As I always state on my SNS, Sashiko is NOT the word for any specific pattern. If I have to define what Sashiko is, I would say it is a form of (hand) stitching developed in Japan. Each geometric pattern has its own name and stories. We just use the respected pattern for Sashiko stitching.
Unfortunately, this is a very common misunderstanding because there are not enough resources in English and many use Sashiko as the marketing term. In order to fulfill the missing resource, I share a story per day for the last 2 years. However, it isn’t strong enough to be an advocate in this strong & huge trend of Sashiko.
The request to my email box was interesting. However, I often receive similar comments on SNS, which often end up with them minimising my voice, or even ignoring my story. I was tired of the possible reaction saying “oh, just be happy. Sashiko is just the word”. So I was a bit scared of the possible consequences.
I replied to them as nicely as possible to share the Sashiko Stories I carry. Usually, in many cases, since I do NOT offer what they are expecting to hear, the request will not be proceeded. They often just fade away even without saying “Thank you for the reply”. I thought this request was one of those: just not on SNS, to my email box. I was expecting the same: Another waste of my time, but it is necessary in order to accomplish my mission.
The reply was unexpecting one to me, in a good positive way.
They said that they want to learn Sashiko as “Japanese stitching culture”, and then they wanted to use any inspiration they learn from me to create an artful display with illumination.
Well… if they are willing to learn Sashiko, there is no way to deny their request. All I am asking is their willingness to learn the Sashiko which is NOT yet translated into English. I replied to them that I may not be a good fit and may say something extremely uncomfortable, but I am willing to give it a shot for the first initial meeting.
My worry wasn’t necessary. After the delightful first meeting with feeling so much respect, I start thinking more deeply with greater confusion. Well, more accurately describing, I asked myself the most difficult question: What is Sashiko anyway?
[Sashiko is a form of hand-stitching to make stitches on the fabric (developed in Japan).]
This is a true statement. I believe no one can argue if it is true or not. Since this is a true statement, in contrast, we can possibly say it is NOT Sashiko if it isn’t stitching. I share my insight that the cloth with a Sashiko-like pattern printed and called Sashiko blanket is NOT Sashiko. However, I thought, isn’t it a form of dualism that I would like to get out?
Then, I start feeling why I feel so “content” after the meeting although their goal is to have an artful “display” with illumination, not stitching. I strongly felt that I would like to be their help if they get inspired by Sashiko. Their willingness to learn & humble to respect the Japanese culture was more Sashiko-like to me than those who hand-stitch pattern pre-printed fabric with caring how “perfect” the stitches have to be (and since they cannot, they immediately start embracing the imperfection) while blocking our voice.
When we look at the outcome, one is Sashiko (even without respecting the Japanese culture behind it), and one is NOT Sashiko because it is illumination (no matter how much they learn from Sashiko Artisans).
Is this my personal preference because I got good respect instead of indifference? Or… I needed to look into what is the feeling wiggling within me.
After many nights of deep thinking, I came to one tentative conclusion. Sashiko is a form of “praying” developed in Japan, and then formed as hand-stitching in their ordinary. It is TRUE and there is no doubt that Sashiko is a “Stitching” Culture. However, that “stitching” must have included the “praying” in their ordinary days. If they understand the significance of this Japanese culture, as long as they say “Sashiko inspired” by Sashiko Artisans story, I believe it carries the spirit of Sashiko more than just simple stitching which looks like Sashiko.
Sashiko and Illumination
Sashiko has to be a form of Stitching.
However, anything besides stitching also can be inspired by Sashiko, even if it is a form of art display. Lighting candles manually (by hands) one by one is a great form of praying similar to stitching one-stitch by one stitch. A similar process of stitching with praying, as if we are stitching to the ground, making the ground of the park stronger, and mend (heal) earth together with praying.
Outcome is important. How it looks defines the value in many cases. However, in today’s society, the willingness to learn from each other can overcome the issue within diversity: Unfairness and Struggle.
I believe I could contribute to them to somewhat connect their art display and spirit of Sashiko. I hope many people enjoy the art, that Erin came up with great design with her best willingness to learn about Sashiko.
*For the Article and the detail about the Sashiko and Illumination Event, please visit their website below.
*I introduce how to stitch the same pattern, Seigaiha, as a follow-up materials of Online Sashiko Class. Please consider taking it to fully understand the Sashiko I have been sharing.
I received a comment summarizing my situation well. It is an unfortunate misunderstanding based on cultural differences. Since I often receive similar criticism (usually not nicely summarized like this, but with more anger), here is clarification.
☆
The Comment is: ““If I were to practice Sashiko techniques as a non-Japanese, my efforts are inauthentic by default. At best inspired imitation. I cannot therefore “seek authenticity” in my own work, and certainly not with importation of materials.””
☆
I don’t think so, and I never said so. As any non-Japanese can enjoy Sashiko, anyone can be “authentic” if they try to. I don’t even see the need of distinguishing what is authentic or not. If one wants to be authentic, then they just try to learn more. This may not make sense in dualism culture because the value is “Authentic” or “Imitation”. Many get angry with me because of what they think I say. In reality, all I am asking is to “acknowledge” and “care to learn” more so that we can avoid the Cultural Filtration.
☆
I know it is difficult to feel natural about it. Therefore, I ask them to take my Sashiko Class. I believe many graduates understand what I mean above by practicing Sashiko as we do. When one thinks Sashiko is (just) a technique, it is probably difficult to understand fully. “Sashiko Thread” isn’t only a vehicle to be authentic. It’s not that complicated. I simply need the thread for our Sashiko, and I would like to protect the small manufacturers. I believe, none of my Sashiko friends woud say “whatever thread is fine” because they know the threads change their experience. Needle, thimble, fabric… everything we use is key to enjoy Sashiko: I want to protect them from those who do not know anything about Sashiko but trying to make money out of “just words, not practice”.
☆
Please don’t label your stitching so easily. Authentic, Traditional, Inspired, Imitated…Sashiko can exist without labeling. Therefore, I say no “right or wrong”. Your Sashiko can be authentic when you learn. My Sashiko can be fake when I stop caring. Sashiko exists outside of dualism, and therefore I speak up.
When I talk about “Sustainability (& our thread)”, there is a disagreement saying “It is about you. I do not have to spend any dime by using the thread I purchased a long time ago”. Yes, this statement is true. If one has a pile of thread, I wouldn’t want them to throw threads away. I want them to use it for other purposes like mending. If they decide to use it for Sashiko, then I want them to understand the difference in threads, and explain it when they call it Sashiko. If they insist on using the word Sashiko shouting the importance of sustainability, then I want them to think about Cultural Sustainability as well. Is it too much to ask?
☆
I am one of the few who write/speak in both JP/EN language & being with Sashiko for more than decades. Most of the information you can find is edited/translated either by non-Japanese or Japanese who started Sashiko recently. Their explanations are NOT wrong, but not “a whole”. I dare not say my Sashiko is the whole, but I have so many stories. Therefore I can write 1K of stories here on SNS and 130+ long articles on Patreon. Sashiko is more than what is explained in English. If your situation allows, please consider supporting my stories & our Sashiko on Patreon. You can make a significant difference by as low as $5.00 per month. I will answer most of your questions there, too. Your support goes directly to our days & Sashiko. I am not interested in luxury items… if you find me wearing a Richard Mille watch, I will refund all of the money I receive. Ever since I accepted my fate in Sashiko, I decided to use all of the surplus to Sashiko & related fields. Your choice (support & purchase) directly helps the Sashiko I have been with since I was born.
