Sashiko Workshop Graduate Achievements all

Sashiko Workshop Graduate Achievements Part.1

Since I started Sashiko Workshop in 2016, I have shared my Sashiko expertise with more than 50 people. Thanks to good friends of mine, I can keep continuing this journey. One of the graduates shared her Sashiko works after the workshops. These are the photos of “Sashiko Workshop Graduate Achievements”! You can expect to learn enough skills to do the similar work after taking our Sashiko workshops.

 

We still have a few seats available in coming-up workshops next weekend in NYC. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to start the beautiful upcycling work, Sashiko.

 

Sashiko Stitching Workshop:

Still Available on

  • Saturday 11/11, 10 am to 1 pm.
  • Sunday 11/12, 2 pm to 5 pm

You can learn how to make good Sashiko stitches with appropriate tools and techniques. This is a basic, yet fundamental and core, workshop to get better in stitching. Even if you have some experience in Sashiko stitching, this may be beneficial workshop if you aren’t 100 % comfortable in using the unique Sashiko tools such as long needles and a round shape Sashiko thimble. The appropriate understanding of “how to use tools” will increase your productivity of your Sashiko, and result in the better Sashiko stitching.

 

Sashiko Mending Gathering:

Still Available on

  • Sunday 11/12, 10 am to 1 pm

This is another rare opportunity to have “EVERYTHING” you ever need to enjoy hand-made Sashiko Mending to your own garment.

Atsushi will provide the necessary informative presentation and his collection of Sashiko fabric, thread, tools, and ideas. Bring your own garment and enjoy the 3 hours of intensive Sashiko Mending.

 

I want your “Sashiko Workshop Graduate Achievements”

 

Take a look at the beautiful and unique pieces he accomplished.

Boro-ish and vintage fabric patches on Jacket, Shoes, and Jeans. She is happy that her work got so productive and accurate. Join our Sashiko circle and enjoy your own project. It is all about appreciating what we have and upcycling your favorite garment and then enjoy the beautiful result.

 

Sashiko Workshop Graduate Achievements 7 Sashiko Workshop Graduate Achievements 1  Sashiko Workshop Graduate Achievements 3

 

 

 

 

Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming 12

Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming

Online Live Streaming sounded a bit overwhelming to me. I thought I would need a list of good equipment and streaming software. In fact, what I needed was a smartphone. I can film comfortable video enough for people to watch and to comment. So here we go. Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming by Atsushi & Upcycle Stitches.

 

 

Youtube Live and Archives

My free time is during the weekdays, noon to 3:30 pm. I am aware that this is not the best time for the people who are interested in Denim Mending with Sashiko.

Please enjoy the video archives on our Youtube Channel. If you have a specific question, please leave the comment on Youtube with mentioning the time in the video. I will answer the question in the following video I stream online.

 

I do not intend to form this live streaming as the “teaching” opportunity. If you would like to learn the mending techniques and the process intensively from me, please consider participating to one of my Sashiko workshops. I offer workshops/gathering opportunities focusing on Sashiko Mending besides the basic (core) Sashiko Stitching Workshops.

Regardless, I believe you can learn a lot by watching the unedited video with my mending process and reading Q&A.

 

Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming 11

 

Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming with your project

I am now a bit of confident to what I like to do.

Of course, I am proud of my professionals in Sashiko stitching. However, for the Sashiko mending with Denim Garment, I felt as if I was an amateur. Many people gave me the compliment that I should begin promoting myself as the Sashiko artist. Then, I decided to live stream with sharing my specialty.

It is a probably good time to start accepting custom orders. Here it is.

 

Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming  22

 

I will start working on this more closely after my workshops in November, the last workshop opportunity in 2017.

As you know, since everything is done by hands, there are so many projects I can do (possibly one or two per months at the most…?) Also, I set the fee lower than I usually do for the other Sashiko orders. I want to see if I can continue offering the service first. Customer Satisfaction is very important for me. Also, please allow me to use your order on Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming. Many people are interested!

 

Sashiko Stitching Live Streaming

In addition to Sashiko Denim Mending Live Streaming, I offer Sashiko Stitching Live Streaming on Instagram.

This is a simple live video with me just stitching with Sashiko thimble and needle. It is a good opportunity for you to see how actual Sashiko artist makes stitches. For this Sashiko Stitching Live, I talk mainly in Japanese. The comments there would be also mainly Japanese. However, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave it so I can switch the language to answer or to mention regarding your actions.

Viewers say it can be a good practice of Japanese 🙂

 

I also set the time frame for the live streaming. If I need to miss it, I will announce it on the Instagram account.

I will see you, every Tuesday and Thursday, starting around 9 am in Eastern Time Zone for an hour or so.

 

Sashiko Live Streaming

 

Sashiko Denim Repair Service and Fee

I am so pleased to receive many compliments to my jeans after performing the Sashiko Denim Repair. Although I started mending my jeans as my hobby, I decided to offer the Sashiko Denim Repair Service for ones who can share my understandings to Sashko Stitching and Sashiko’s concept. I am sorry that there are so many conditions to agree before the actual repairing order. However, please understand it is necessary because all of the services will be done by hands, and I would need to rely on customer’s common sense for the better service.

This is the new service I provide out of my routine days. Before launching this as the official service, I would like to have a sort of probation period for myself, to see if this is a satisfying service for the customers.

Outline of Sashiko Denim Repair Service

*This is the deal for Probation Period

This is a service Atsushi will repair your jeans with Sashiko stitching and Sashiko stitched fabric. (See samples of Sashiko stitched fabric).

If you are interested, please contact me first with photos of your favorite jeans with the hole(s) or tear(s) after reading this article and agreeing on the conditions. We will discuss the details, then I will send you the address to make a shipment to.

Here are some conditions.

  • I may decide the kinds of Sashiko fabric I use in the project. I will probably not take order-made Sashiko fabric for this service. However, please let me know what kind of color you would like or what kind of pattern you would like since your preference is important for us.
  • I will inform you how long it would take to get service done. It is NOT promised time frame. Please understand that it is just an estimate.
  • I set the flat service fee for the probation period. This fee includes one big hole OR several small holes repairment. You may refer my previous works and ask for the estimated fees if you want to have more.
  • Please send me the jeans AFTER washing it. I understand that some people do not wish to wash the jeans, but doing Sashiko on dirty jeans is very difficult.
  • If you prefer to have Sashiko stitching on the new jeans, it may be possible based on your request.
  • If you prefer to have the order-made Sashiko fabric to patch or have so many parts to “repair,” I will do so with the regular price. I will give you the estimate so please send me the photos.
  • Please allow me to use your project on Youtube/Instagram Live Streaming

The fee for the Sashiko Denim Repair Service (Promotional):

$180.00 ~ $350.00

The regular price will be about $500 and up, depending on the repair I would need.

The detail of Denim Repair Service

https://upcyclestitches.com/store/Customized-Sashiko-Mending-on-your-Favorite-Denim-p100856880

What is included in the fee

  • Sashiko fabric patch needed in the repair service
  • Labor fee for Atsushi
  • Shipping (Priority Mail with USPS) Fee to return to you | USA Domestic Only. Extra shipping fee will be applied to the International Order.

Qualification for the Service

  • Read and be aware of my understanding of Sashiko and Boro
  • Willingness to upload the “before/after” photos of the service on your blog, SNS or Instagram with referring this description page and account.
  • Permission for me to write about your order & work on your project on Live Streaming.
  • Promise that you wear the jeans I serviced continuously. I believe Sashiko shines the most in the daily usage.

A sample of my results with Sashiko Denim Repair Service

I will keep adding my results and orders from customers. It would be nice that someone in the world is wearing what I stitch & mend.

We offer the service based on my achievements. Please check the service and purchase it, or contact me for more detail.

Shop: Customized Sashiko Mending on your Denim

*Estimates is based on the jeans I worked on.

It may vary depends on your preferences. I am happy to discuss your needs.

Sashiko Mending Custom

Atsushi will custom mend your Denim or your favorite cloth.

Fee Estimate:

1 leg 1 front (part or a hole): $350.00 ~

1 leg both side or 2 legs one side: 550.00 ~

Entire Jeans: $990.00 ~

Unlimited Mending until your satisfy: $1,200.00 ~

Including materials and labor.

 

Sashiko Stitching Custom

Sashiko has another purpose of strengthening the fabric. By me stitching directly onto your jeans, the fabric will be stronger and more durable.

All stitching is done by hand.

As of now, Asano-ha & Shippou Patterns are available.

Fee Estimate: 

Asano-ha Pattern 

1 leg 1 side: $300.00 ~

1 leg both side: $550.00 ~

Entire Jeans: $990.00 ~

*With Kasane (to make both sides finished, the price will be 2.5 times as listed above.

Shippou Patten 

1 leg 1 side: $320.00 ~

1 leg both side: $570.00 ~

Entire Jeans: $990.00 ~

Sample of Sashiko Mending Custom

Sample of Sashiko Stitching Custom

Beyond Repairing | Sashiko Denim Repair Service with Japanese Vintage Fabric

Sashiko Vintage Patchwork

Using the Japanese Vintage Fabric Swatches, we make the big fabric by patchworking it, then perform Sashiko and patch it on the Jeans.

You may design where and how to patch the fabric.

We would need to make the patchwork fabrics since the Japanese Vintage Fabric is very limited in the market. We will try to make your preference happen.

Fee Estimate: $1,900.00 and up.

Including materials and labor, and necessary Shipping fees. The work may be done in Japan.

Sashiko Mending Gathering | Upcycle What you Love

The Sashiko mending workshop I had offered in past was a great success. I have received great numbers of positive reviews with satisfaction. The voices from participants encouraged me to offer it again, but this time, something a bit different. We name it “Sashiko Mending Gathering”. (Click Link to purchase the ticket). Let’s get together and learn how Sashiko Artist, Atsushi, creates one-of-a-kind denim.

 

Sashiko Mending Gathering

 

Details of Sashiko Mending Gathering

Here is a detail of Sashiko mending gathering.

We gather in a private space located in Manhattan’s Tribeca Neighborhood and enjoy mending, stitching, repairing, decorating and whatever doing to your own favorite cloth.

 

Time: Sunday November 12th | 10 am to 1 pm

Location: Tribeca in NYC | The specific address will be notified to the participants.

Fees:

  • $95 for new participants.
  • $68 for those who have taken Atsushi’s Basic Sashiko Stitching Workshop. If you plan to take it over the same weekend, you can get this ticket. Please bring the needles and thimble you have received in the previous workshop, or you could purchase them on the site.

 

Sashiko Mending Gathering 5

Easy-going, Fun-focused, yet informative Sashiko gathering

 

3 hours of mending, repairing, stitching, designing and small presentations of Sashiko tips. Some private instructions from Atsushi are also available. Learn the history of Sashiko mending Practice on denim and indigo fabric provided by Atsushi.

Please bring your own materials to work on, patch on, or mend with.If you prefer working on just stitching, I will have some materials to work on for purchase.

 

The gathering comes with:

  • Approximately $20 value of authentic Sashiko stitched fabric. You will choose the appropriate size of patching (7-inch x 6 inches) in the workshop so you can start mending before preparing the Sashiko fabrics. If you prefer a blank fabric with a pattern on, it is possible to get them, too.
  • A small presentation to “how to prepare the Sashiko fabric” with tools and materials included.
    • The other small presentations will be about:
      • transfer the patterns
      • use needles and thimble
      • practice the Sashiko running stitch
      • choose the right sashiko fabric for the mending
  • A set of small swatches of Indigo dye fabric and Japanese denim fabric.
  • An opportunity to choose and use special Sashiko thread from Atsushi’s collection.
  • Boro, Sashiko, and other mended samples are available to inspire you. Some of them are available for purchase, too.
  • Threads, needles, thimbles, and other Sashiko related materials are for sale at a special price.
  • Follow up with you by email on your project if you don’t finish during the class
  • A selection of free Sashiko patterns

 

Sashiko Mending Gathering 6

 

*Minimum of 4 participants and maximum of 10 participants.

*Refund Policy: Attendees can receive refunds up to 14 days before your event start date. The ticket is transferable to someone for the purchase date and time, but not transferable to the other date and time after the refunds policy ends.

 

What to expect to the gathering:

Sashiko Mending Gathering is a fun and enjoyable time. It isn’t as structured as the other workshop I offer and you will work on your own project after Atsushi’s brief presentation. It is like an “Independent Study.” However, it will be informative gathering since Atsushi will be available for you to get you informed. (If you have attended Atsushi’s workshop, you know that he doesn’t stop talking even if you want him to.)

(If you have attended Atsushi’s workshop, you know that he doesn’t stop talking even if you want him to.)

 

 

 

What is the difference from the other Sashiko Workshops Atsushi offers?

Basic Sashiko Stitching Workshop (SSW) is the core Sashiko workshop Atsushi offer. If you are interested in Sashiko stitching, you need to take this workshop. In 3 hours of move-your-own-hand workshop, the participants learn how to use unique equipment such as long needles and a round shaped thimble.

The SSW is so important to learn Sashiko. Therefore I need to structure the workshop strictly enough so that every participant get the core of Sashiko. Therefore, the maximum participants are always limited to 6, and the SSW is a prerequisite to many of my workshops.

 

I designed Sashiko Mending Workshop (SMW) to meet the market demand for “Sashiko Mending” and therefore it was a pretty intensive workshop. My goal through SMW was to provide all the necessary information for participants to perform the mending at home, with Sashiko Stitching and Preparing Sashiko project by yourself. Because of its volume, we needed to cover the materials without talking into depth.

In 3 hours of SMW, we covered the presentation teaching how to…

  • prepare the fabric appropriately
  • transfer the patterns
  • use needles and thimble
  • practice the Sashiko running stitch
  • choose the right sashiko fabric for the mending
  • actual mending with some hand-stitching techniques
  • Mending itself

As you can imagine, in order to make these happen in 3 hours, I only can cover these materials briefly.

I still believe that SMW is a great workshop for many people, especially who wants to learn both Sashiko and mending simultaneously. I may offer them in the future again, but this time, I would like to focus on “enjoying” the mending with hints from Sashiko technique and culture.

 

 

 

Sashiko and Contemporary cloth mending

“Do people need our strict Sashiko stitching methods in mending?”

Interestingly, the answer is No.

Yes, our Sashiko stitching methods will be beneficial to know when you prepare the Sashiko stitched fabric or perform Sashiko stitching on the cloth directly. However, when he/she repair a hole on the jeans, I sometimes do not use the technique I teach in the workshop.

 

There is another challange to make “mending” as the structured workshop.

After going through the explanation and demonstration of “how to”, it becomes a sort of “independent study” because the participants work on their own clothes. Sashiko Mending Gathering is created for those who wanted to jump on their own mending project instead of learning the mending process I do.

 

Sashiko Mending Gathering is not as organized as the Sashiko Mending Workshop. I will spend the small time to “teach” you “how to”, which I usually offer in SMW. You will have a chance to learn (&see) how to use the thimble and needle correctly, too. I just do not “teach” you how to do that.

You will also have me to answer any kinds of questions regarding Sashiko and mending.

Sashiko Mending Gathering 3

 

Let’s share the passion with new friends.

 

It is always a good surprise when I meet a group of people who share the same interest.

Repairing your own cloth is a very fun process. It will not only create the beautiful “One-of-a-kind” art piece you wear every day, but it also adds the value to the cloth with appreciation. The more I put stitching on my denim jeans, the more I love it to wear.

 

I hope you can join this opportunity to share your beautiful idea and lovely Sashiko project.

Sashiko Pattern Preprinted or Transfer Pattern Yourself

I frequently get a common question when I talk about the process of preparing the Sashiko project. “Which is better, to get Sashiko Pattern Preprinted Fabric or to transfer patterns oneself?”

My answer is always on the one with transferring pattern by yourself. Why? It is simply more fun when you have better control on your own Sashiko project. Sashiko isn’t only about stitching. It is about making your own favorite item with stitching your own preferable patterns. Therefore, I recommend learning how to transfer the Sashiko pattern onto your fabric. It isn’t difficult at all.

Step by Step tutorial in how to transfer pattern 


Easiness of Sashiko Pattern Preprinted Fabric

At the same time, however, I understand it seems like easy to just purchase the Sashiko Pattern Preprinted fabric. You can start stitching right after your package arrives.

There are many options available in the market. Especially for those with Japanese semantics patterns are very popular. When we had a shop in Japan, it was one of the best-selling items in the DIY section. Upcycle Stitches LLC carries some Sashiko Pattern Preprinted Fabric, too. Regardless of my preference or recommendation, I would like to follow the customers’ need.

Please do not ignore, however, that it is quite simple to transfer the pattern on the fabric. Although it may take a bit of practice to make it neat, the practice will be rewarding in your long journey with Sashiko.

Upcycle Stitches provide the tutorials online

Well. Yes. It may be easy for me to say it. I understand your worries.

Therefore, I uploaded a free online tutorial video how to transfer the Sashiko pattern onto the fabric. In the video, I introduce all the necessary materials to process it. Upcycle Stitches even sell the DIY kit for the practice of transferring the pattern with a reasonable budget.

Once you get used to it and keep the essential items in your box, it is completely up to your imagination to have Sashiko pattern on your Sashiko project. I want you to enjoy the freedom and the result with it.

Silk Screen the pattern for the bigger project.

The more I introduce Sashiko among my workshop participants, the more we understand the needs for Sashiko Pattern preprinted Fabric. Therefore, Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya and I start considering to invest into silk screen printing. This allows us to prepare a bulk number of pre-printed fabric for customers without adding enormous variable (labor) cost.

It is, however, going to be a big investment, and we would sincerely appreciate your support on our Patreon page. You will get the exclusive deals there, too. Also, we would like to know what kind of patterns would suit to the U.S. market. Would you prefer the traditional geometric patterns? Or something I like such as Kamon family patterns? I wouldn’t make the picture based patterns since the customers’ preferences would vary a lot.

  • A.Traditional Geometric Pattern
Sashiko Pattern Preprinted 2
  • B.Kamon Japanese Family Pattern
Sashiko Pattern Preprinted 3

Please let us know by leaving the comment. Which do you like better? Geometric or Kamon?

Sashiko Stitched Fabric Discount 3

Patreon Special Offer| Sashiko Stitched Fabric Discount

Our goal is to introduce what Sashiko is. In order to achieve the goal, we share the sashiko fabric we stitched in the market. At the same time, however, we understand the Sashiko stitched fabric are expensive materials to get for your projects. Although we believe the pricing is reasonable, I decided to offer the special Sashiko Stitched Fabric Discount in order to spread our Sashiko Fabric across the world. I hope you will have a chance to enjoy the combination of Japanese textile (Usually, we use the Japanese vintage fabric) and beautiful our Sashiko stitching (Mostly, we use our Natural Dye Sashiko Thread).

Before the discount. I want to share our situation.

In order to achieve our goal to introduce Sashiko, ideally speaking, I would like us to focus on just Sashiko.

Not only working on our Sashiko projects but also creating more Sashiko tutorials and even writing a book within a good timing manner would be critical to introduce what Sashiko is to the world. However, unfortunately, we are not able to focus on these tasks because of financial situation. Keiko sometimes gets the part-time job for some necessary expense. Atsushi works on other jobs to get some cash.

Then we found this website called Patreon.

 

I would like to offer up to 40% discount on our Sashiko Stitched Fabric Swatches for those who understand what we are trying to achieve. I will enrich the contents of the Patreon page to share our goals and dreams. You can be our supporters (patrons) with $1 per month. Please consider to support us and enjoy the big discount we ever offer.  I sincerely appreciate your consideration, and contribution, in advance.Sashiko Stitched Fabric Discount

 

Details of Sashiko Stitched Fabric Discount

*This discount offer applied to only the supporters on our Patreon Page. The detail of discount is here.

I offer up to 40% discount based on the effort you would make to introduce Sashiko to the world. Please contact me through Patreon so I will issue the coupon directly to you.

 

 

Some of the effort you could do help us is…

  1. Be a patron on our Patreon Page. If you plan to purchase threads from us, we have a great deal for you as well.
  2. Use the fabric you purchased to your project, and share the photo with us. Any kinds of the project are fine such as Denim Mending, Frame the Fabric as the art, and making a small bag or cloth. 
  3. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, & Youtube (if you haven’t done yet)

 

Thank you very very much!!

Sashiko and Animism 1

Sashiko and Animism | Power of thoughts

Well. Don’t freak out by the title of “Sashiko and Animism”. It is still the website to introduce Sashiko.

I do not want to talk about specific religions here. However, the more I try to explain what Sashiko really is in English, the more I feel in need to learn about the Japanese culture on its beliefs. The Japanese believed that Yaoyorozu no Kami (八百万の神 – Eight million deities) reside in Shinrabansho (森羅万象 – all things in nature, the whole of creation). It is a part of Shinto, and I also feel very comfortable with this belief since I was raised in this concept. This Shinto concept is pretty similar to Animism (Not the same, though), so I am writing this article about Sashiko and Animism.

 

Sashiko isn’t merely a stitching after all

I believe that “Sashiko” is not only a product with hand-stitching, but it is also the process of appreciating the fabric by mending, repairing, strengthening, and decorating. It is as simple as just lines of hand stitches. However, the people put thoughts into the stitching. In fact, it is almost impossible to NOT to put thoughts into it over several hours, sometimes several days and months of Sashiko stitching.

Have you compared the 2 individual Sashiko works done by hand and machine? They are different by look, but even more, they are completely different by something we cannot explain well. As you can imagine, a Sashiko sewing machine can make more even stitches than hand stitching. If the beauty of Sashiko is defined by the size (accuracy) of stitching, a machine would make the better Sashiko work. However, almost everyone thinks that the Sashiko works made by hands look better even before which is done by hands or by a machine.

 

Am I talking about the beauty of imperfection? Yes, somewhat, but more than that. I cannot stop thinking that there may be the better explanation that I can provide in English.

 

Therefore, I would like to link Sashiko to the concept of Animism a little bit. It is a bit challenging to relate Sashiko and Animism in my second language. However, the more I research about the relationship between Sashiko and Animism, I feel like I was supposed to write this article before investing my time to promote what Sashiko is. The concept of Sashiko and Animism can be the core of my activities, which are sharing Sashiko to the world.

Again I am not talking about the specific religion. I am talking about the power of our thoughts. 

 

Sashiko and Animism

According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, the Animism’s definition is:

the belief that all natural things, such as plants, animals, rocks, and thunder, have spirits and can influence human events 

(https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/animism) / No formal connection to Sashiko and Animism

 

This definition is very similar to Shinto the Japanese believed in a long time ago. (And some of the Japanese currently follow Shinto.)

 

Sashiko’s origin comes from the poverty and the poor infrastructure and transportation. The Japanese couldn’t get enough materials to make the new clothes, and therefore they used the same fabric over and over. In the process of repairing, however, I do not think the Japanese felt miserable about repairing their fabrics. Most of residents in a community did the same thing: Repairing and mending. The poor infrastructure means everyone in the area, except those who are exceptionally rich, had to go through the same lifestyle. They shared the same culture and the life customs.

 

Instead of feeling miserable, Sashiko stitchers thought of the family or friends who would wear the fabric and clothes, like the husband and the children. A husband working hard outside to provide the family, children keeping helping the house chores. That’s what normal it was back then.

I believe the people thought of their family’s happiness when they stitched. These thoughts and the love create the better Sashiko pieces. Boro is the ultimate sample of these thoughts. There is a spirit in a Sashiko work after repeatedly stitched, mended, repaired and patchworked.

*Although we value Boro as the art piece in the 21st century, there is a history that the Japanese felt shame on having Boros in their house because Boro & Patchworked indicated the poorness of the family. Regardless, I believed that the people thoughts of their family when they made Sashiko stitching.

 

No matter how poor the human is, the human never gives up on fashion. I believe the clothes and fashion is one of the biggest factors to differentiate human from animals.

Power of Thoughts we have

When I receive a piece of Sashiko works from my mother, Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya, I always feel nostalgia. It could be because I was born in the Sashiko family. At the same time, I feel, it is because she is making Sashiko works to surprise me. She always asks my opinion when she starts the new Sashiko project. I feel like every time she tries to complete the project, her goal is to impress me.

Thinking of someone is a strong process in the concept of Animism. If a piece of fabric has a soul in it, the warm thoughts to wish someone’s well-being can make the soul more embraced. In different religion, the thoughts would be renamed to “pray”, “grace”, “worship” and so on. (You may know about this better.)

Sashiko and Animism

Some of my workshop participants left a great comment (kind of as a testimony) after trying our Boro-Jacket on. They said that they feel someone is protecting them by wearing it. I believe it is not exaggerating description of Power of Thoughts.

 

I don’t want you to be scared of me saying Sashiko and Animism. It isn’t about religion at all. It is about the care we can put into the fabric. An appreciation for something we have already.



 

Isn’t it what we need in this world now?

On top of Sashiko and Animism, here is the reason I came to write this article. A bit of my history until today.

 

I wasn’t ready (to do Sashiko) until I experience the difficulty in my life

 

When I was a child with Sashiko around me, I simply didn’t like the idea someone would decide my life; that I had to take over the family business & traditions. I didn’t like Sashiko.

When my father asked me to join the family business for restructuring the business-model to somewhat viable for employees and stuff, I focused on numbers. Sashiko was a form of merchandise and the values of Sashiko were purely calculated by the profit margin.

After March 2011, the day of the big earthquake in Northeast Japan, I learned that Sashiko can help people throughout supporting the Sashiko project in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture. The practice of Sashiko can encourage, motivate, and even energize the people’s life. Ever since, I discovered that Sashiko becomes more than a business or a family tradition. I strongly believed that passing the culture of Sashiko down to the next generation is my life mission. I worked hard to protect the family business with believing it was the only way to acheive my mission.

 

…Until my father, unfortunately, passed away in 2013. He was a key piece to hold everyone with different opinions, together.

Once other stakeholders of company kicked us out from the company, I understood moving on to my new life without Sashiko would be my fate. I moved to the US, where my wife worked, and I became a stay at home father (homemaker). Honestly, I am very happy to be a father of beautiful child Leona. As the result, I moved away from Sashiko. I thought I would never see Sashiko.

Sashiko brings too many good and bad memories.

 

In summer 2014, my mother asked me if I would be willing to help her to start a Sashiko project. Unlike me trying to get a new life without Sashiko, my mother couldn’t live a life without Sashiko. She wanted to make Sashiko artworks, but her financial situation didn’t allow her to purchase vintage fabric or invest into Natural Dye Sashiko Thread.

I thought, as long as we ran a project a business, she could have enough money to keep making what she wants. Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya started the way to encourage Keiko to enjoy making Sashiko artworks financially and emotionally. She loves doing Sashiko for someone who she cares, and someone who she hopes to meet in future.

 

After all, the difference of our opinion was simple. The business wants to keep Sashiko alive, and they care who protect Sashiko. My mother and I don’t really care who pass down the Sashiko as long as the concept of Sashiko remains in this world. The family business believes that they have to hide the Sashiko from the public to protect Sashiko. My mother and I believe that we need to share the Sashiko to pass it down.

 

A little bit of care is what we need now, isn’t it?

I am sorry. It was a bit detour from the main topic of Sashiko and Animism. However, what I would like to share here is that Sashiko and other hand-crafting culture all over the world are based on the concept of “Care”. When a person go though many events in his/her life, he/she finds that the most important factor of life is “the care”.

And. I believe that it is what we need in this work now. A little bit of care, each other, here and there.

 

“Speed” is very important to be successful in this society. Everything goes very fast. Fast food, fast fashion, everything seems to be, supposed to be Fast. When you wear a cloth, you would not know “who” made it. You would know the brand, but you would not see who created the design with thinking what. In fast fashion, mass-produced and mass consumption world, the person who tailored your cloth wouldn’t know who would wear.

 

I just want to change it a bit. Just a bit.

 

You do not have to know who made what you wear.

However, I want you to know that the person who made your jacket cared the person who would be wearing it. They put a lot of good thoughts into it. I am not talking about us being positive all the time. We do make Sashiko when we feel grumpy. Even grumpiness is a form of thoughts. The importance here is a soul existing in the fabric and it reacts to these thoughts. Any kinds of reaction would be good because it will make us feel a lot more “being-cared”.

 

I believe the antonym of Love is not Hate. When you hate someone, you put thoughts into him/her. You still care about him/her so you hate. I believe “Ignorance” is the opposite word of Love. When you don’t care for the person, you do not love him/her at all.

 

Sashiko and Animism 3

 

We want to spread the culture to appreciate what you have and what you will have, with forming a little bit of care. And this is the reason I would like to spread Sashiko. Why don’t you spend a little time of 30 minutes to mend, repair, or decorate a fabric that your loving one may use in the future? The 30 minutes you would spend with caring the person is exactly Sashiko and the culture I would like to introduce to the world.

 

This is not a good conclusion for the topic of Sashiko and Animism. However, it is my most pleasure if you could get a sense of what we are trying to do.

 

Enjoy Sashiko.

 

 

Contemporary Boro 001_5

Contemporary Boro | By Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya

The word of “Contemporary Boro” may confuse you a bit. But let me try to explain.

Boro is a type of Japanese textile that has been mended and/or patched together over and over. The appearance of Boro implies that the textile is old and very used, like a torn rag. Therefore, I initially thought the combination of words, contemporary (current/new) and Boro, might confuse the audience. Boro is the result of repetition of stitching over time found in from the past. The Japanese, who lived in a small village surrounded by mountains, had to repair the fabric by hand-stitching because of limited resources. They didn’t have enough money or logistics to get the new fabric from the market. In other words, they had to repair instead of replacing the fabric. They patch a hole one fabric, then kept using it. When they find another hole, they patched it or mend it. The repetition of hand-stitching repairing made a great art piece, and it is called Boro.

*Boro in Japanese means a completely torn rag textile. Sometimes it means “No Use.”

 

Introducing the word of Contemporary Boro is one of our challenges to share the beauty of Sashiko. We believe that Boro artworks by Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya will wide-open the possibility of Boro Art.

 

Contemporary Boro 001_1
BORO_001US (Keiko Futatsuya)

Contemporary Boro 002_2
BORO_002US
Contemporary Boro 001_2 Contemporary Boro 002_1
Contemporary Boro 001_3 Contemporary Boro 002_5
Contemporary Boro 001_4 Contemporary Boro 004
Contemporary Boro 001_5 Contemporary Boro 002_3
Contemporary Boro 001_6 Contemporary Boro 002_6

 

 

 

Contemporary Boro For Sale

 

These are the Boro Artworks created (mended, repaired, patched and stitched) in 2017 by Keiko Futatsuya’s hands. Keiko mended holes on the big torn Boro fabric, which will not function as textile, and patched the other small swatches of Boros into the big art piece. Since Keiko performs Sashiko on the Boro in 2017, we call it Contemporary Boro. Although there are numbers of beautiful Boros in the antique markets, it is rare to have a Boro art piece repaired in 2017, by hand-stitching as the Japanese used to do in 19 century. Keiko is a Sashiko artist who can recreate the Boro. It is my pleasure to introduce Keiko and her works to the world.

 

Enjoy Clean Boro hand-stitched in 2017

 

Sometimes, a piece of Boro art can be dirty and dusty. It is no wonder because the Boro may have been kept in the storage room for many years. However, there is a problem of cleaning Boro. Since no one touched the boro for many years, some parts of Boro fabric is completely damaged and the washing process, even gentle hand wash, can destroy the Boro piece. From time to time, the dirt function as the adhesive and washing makes the boro into pieces.

 

We know that from experience

We purchased a 100+ years old rain jacket from an antique market. They used to make a rain jacket by inserting water-resistant paper in between fabrics. They made 3 layers of fabric-paper-fabric to make the water resisting cloth. This is the fact we learned after we purchased and washed it. By washing the piece we purchased, the weight become 1/3 of the original fabric. The water-resistant paper and other damaged fabric were washed away with the dirt on the fabric.

 

The Contemporary Boro we introduce is washable. We repeatedly washed the original Boro, then mended and repaired as the Japanese used to do. The fabric may be very fragile, but not dirty or dusty. In fact, we believe the true value of Boro can be found in usage in daily life. We think this boro can be a great wall-decor, but also you may use it as home-decor like a table runner or placemat for flower vase. Again, it is washable. (Please wash gently with hand).

 

We don’t know how many these Contemporary Boros we can make throughout our lives. However, we are working on collecting the boro pieces and mending them to introduce more of these beautiful artwork we are proud of.

 

 

 

 

2017 Fall Sashiko Workshop

2017 Fall Sashiko Workshop | Tribeca Area in NYC

Yes! Here is the latest information about upcoming 2017 Fall Sashiko Workshop.

We are happy to announce that we offer another Sashiko workshops in Lower Manhattan right before the holidays start.

This time, thanks to a good friend of mine, we will offer the Sashiko workshops in a private space in very convenient location, Tribeca Neighborhood. The detailed location and the exact address will be notified to the ticket holders. Please do not forget to register your seat!

 

Come to see Atsushi in 2017 Fall Sashiko Workshop

 

As of now, we have Sashiko Stitching Workshop available on Saturday and Sunday.

  • Saturday on 11th of November | 3 pm to 6 pm
  • Sunday on 12th of November | 2 pm to 5 pm

The workshop is “Basic Sashiko Stitching Workshop”. This is a basic and standard workshop Atsushi provide for people who had not tried Sashiko in our (Hida) method. Not only the basic workshop is the prerequisite to most of Atsushi’s workshop, but it is also an eye-opening workshop for stitchers who have been wondering how to use a Sashiko long needle and a round shaped thimble.

 

Atsushi will demonstrate how to do it, teach you the tricks and techniques, and will stand & sit next to you to motivate you to learn how to use them. Unless you decide to give up, Atsushi will not give up teaching our Sashiko method. Even if you do not practice Sashiko for now, we believe our method will be very beneficial for hand-stitching lovers since it will speed up the stitching speed and improve the accuracy of stitches.

 

If you are interested or have been wondering what is the “appropriate” way to use long needle and thimble, or wishing to make your Sashiko more speedy and beautiful to complete a pile of your ideas, this is a great opportunity to get close to Sashiko. I am so happy to share what I have established.

 

Beuatifu Photo of previous 2017 Fall Sashiko Workshop
A photo from the previous workshop. I will bring this Boro Master Piece Jacket to the workshop.

 

 

Workshop will be full of Sashiko contents

 

 

The workshop is for 3 hours. 30 minute of a brief explanation of what Sashiko is and rest of time of practicing the Sashiko stitching with unlimited questions regarding Sashiko. Some Sashiko artworks by Atsushi & Keiko (Sashi.Co) and Boro pieces are going to be displayed for you to touch, enjoy and wear. Everything I display there will be available for purchase. In addition, Sashiko thread and other Sashiko tools will be available for sale with the special price for the workshop participants.

 

All you need to bring is yourself.

Sashiko materials such as Sashiko thread, fabric, needles and a thimble are included to the fee. In addition to these materials you can bring back with you after the workshops, we prepare some tools such as thread clippers for you to use in the workshops (Also available for purchase). Of course, you can bring your own sewing tools, but that is not necessary.

Also, there is no requirement for any experiences in Sashiko stitching. If you don’t know what Sashiko is, don’ worry! If you already in love with Sashiko, come show your love and learn something new.

 

A list of things you can expect to receive in the workshop.

 

  • – Sashiko needles
  • – Sashiko thimble
  • – Skein of white sashiko thread (approx. 145 meters)
  • – Sashiko Thread Bobbin Paper
  • – Indigo fabric with Asano-ha patterns printed on
  • – Interfacing and Cotton Poplin fabric for tailoring the project at home
  • – PDF data of extra Japanese Traditional Sashiko Patterns
  • – Access to Atsushi by e-mail with questions regarding the workshop and follow-up

This kit has large enough fabric and material to make a tote bag, placemats, or several coasters after completing the Sashiko stitching.

*Refund Policy: Attendees can receive refunds up to 30 days before your event start date. The ticket is transferable to someone for the purchase date and time, but not transferable to the other date and time after the refunds policy ends.

*Additional sashiko tools, including hand-dyed sashiko threads, needles and skeins are available for purchase during & after the workshop.

 

Register your seat for 2017 Fall Sashiko Workshop provided by Atsushi & Upcycle Stitches LLC and enjoy Sashiko in cold winter! We believe the workshop will be inspiring opportunities for many craft lover and Sashiko fans.

 

2017 Fall Sashiko Workshop
A sample Jacket of Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya (This may not be displayed in the 2017 Fall Sashiko Workshop.)

 

Sashiko Jacket 2nd 5

Sashiko Jacket 2nd | Description of Sashiko Jackets

Sashiko artworks produced by Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya are mostly “one-of-a-kind” products. We use the vintage fabric from 1900’s (sometimes 1800’s). These vintage fabrics its own unique colors and patterns only time can create. However, we have themes for each jacket. Here, we introduce Keiko’s masterpiece collection, the Kasuri patch and hidden incredible beauty as a gift of time, as the Sashiko Jacket 2nd description.

 

 

The Sashiko Jacket 2nd Description

The number #030 will be assigned to this jacket. Sashiko Jacket #030. You can check the other jackets available online on Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya online store.

 

The Sashiko Jacket #030 is the reversible jacket. It is also one of Keiko’s representative works. Patching the vintage Japanese fabric with Sashiko Hitomezashi on. Layering with the interesting vintage fabric (this time, more than 50 years old vintage silk with marble pattern printed). The owner of the jacket will enjoy the beauty from both front and back side of the jacket. This is our third significant work. The owner of the second similar jacket (not the same because it is the one-of-the kind characteristic) got a lot of attention and comments when she enjoys wearing it in NYC/Brooklyn.

 

Price: 3,650.00 USD

Production Time: About 10 months.

 

Shoulder Bust HEM Yuki Length Sleeve Wristband
肩幅 身幅 裾幅 裄丈 着丈 袖丈 袖口回り
42 53 56 77 84 56 31

*Please refer to the sizing chart article for the sizing above.

 

This jacket doesn’t have button holes and buttons. Keiko couldn’t find the appropriate buttons.

 

If you are interested in purchasing the Sashiko Jacket #030, please contact me for the check-out process until I make the product page.

 

The Front of Jacket.

Sashiko Jacket 2nd 8 Sashiko Jacket 2nd 7 Sashiko Jacket 2nd 6 Sashiko Jacket 2nd 4 Sashiko Jacket 2nd 3 Sashiko Jacket 2nd 2 Sashiko Jacket 2nd 1

 

The back side of Jacket

Sashiko Jacket 2nd 14 Sashiko Jacket 2nd 13 Sashiko Jacket 2nd 12 Sashiko Jacket 2nd 11 Sashiko Jacket 2nd 10