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 Japan Tour 2023 – Spring

10/29/202210/29/2022 atsushijp Leave a comment

Stitching Sashiko Together in Japan, while sharing the view of my Sashiko Experience. It has been my dream to make it happen to bring my Sashiko friends to Japan with. In 2019, I started planning the one. I completed the itinerary, made reservations for everyone on the list, even paid some deposit for some events… and I had to cancel everything due to the pandemic. 2.5 years has passed since, I am very happy to announce the “Sashiko Japan Tour 2023 Spring” will come to true.

Please understand that this is NOT a commercial tour available to the general public. It is more like me taking you to Japan as my friend (since you are my friends after taking the Online Sashiko Class or In-Person Workshop). No “packaged sightseeing tour” is part of the itinerary. No “touristy stuff” may be included. However, instead, I am adding many exclusive Sashiko experience with asking my Sashiko friends in Japan. “Sashiko Japan Tour 2023 Spring” will be something very unique for those who love & wish to learn Sashiko & Boro more.

To receive more detail information & get a spot, please fill out the Google Form below.

*As of 10/29, all the spots are tentatively reserved (waiting for their confirmation for the schedule). You can be on the waiting list, and I will contact you in the order I receive the submission on Google Form.

Fill Out the Application for Sashiko Japan Tour 2023 Spring

Theme Photo of Sashiko Japan Tour 2023 Spring

Theme of Sashiko Japan Tour 2023

“Meet Peeple & Experience Sashiko” – this is the theme of this tour. Also, this is one reason you may want to join the tour I organize among many other “Japanese Textile Tour”. We do not have any “planned” sightseeing package (We will have free time for us to “choose” to go to sightseeing). Instead, we ask a local Sashiko people (including Atsushi) to show us around to experience their Sashiko & meet new people for us. Atsushi will be always there to help communication.

We plan to visit many stores for “Shopping”, but very much focused on Sashiko, textile, Boro, and Natural Dye – pretty much anything related Sashiko. Instead, we will NOT stop by a large shopping center for the souvenior in the tour. You can arrange one before or after the actual tour if you would like to do so, and I am happy to help.

HighLight of the Tour

Atsushi is actively planning many events in Japan. Please find what you can expect as the main event in this tour:

Socializing Event to meet Japanese Sashiko stitchers – Keiko & our work’s Exhibition.
Meeting & Stitching with Keiko in Takayama (Sashiko & Boro & Hitomezashi Workshops) – for days (Prerequisite of Atsushi’s Workshop “Core & Essence” – Online Sashiko Class before tour is available for those are very new to our Sashiko)
Join the Famous Takayama Festival (Spring) from Local’s View.
Traditional Meal in Takayama, in 200+ years old restraurants with Michelin starts. Atsushi personally explain the significance of this place in English.
A Whole Day in Takayama for Shopping & SightSeeing from Local Eyes.
A Whole Day in Kyoto for Shopping & possible Workshops (Store list available in the Itenary)
A Whole Day in Tokyo for visiting friends & Shopping
Kogin-Sashi Workshop with meeting a legendary Teacher in Tokyo.
A visit to Shirakawago (National Heritage) to see the houses (places) where they would be stitching for their survival.
Authentic Natural Indigo Dye Workshop in suberb of Tokyo (when one choose “Extended”)

For more information, please visit our Special Page for Sashiko Japan Tour 2023

The Detail of The Tour

Also, you can find the archive of Newsletters & Annoucnement I have done so far.

Initial Newsletter on October 24th

This is the First, but not the last.

I sincerely hop that I can continue offering this great opportunity to anyone who learn Sashiko from me. This is NOT a commercial tour to provide the Tourism Side of Japan – however, I believe that I can offer the “Real View of Current Japanese Sashiko” – which I always talk about on my SNS.

Even if you are not able to join this tour, filling out the application (there is an option to not to join this time), and letting me if you may be interested in future along with your preference will help me to look for more opportunities. Thank you & I am looking forward to spending time with you in Japan!

QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshop & Lecture Announcement

09/05/202209/05/2022 atsushijp Leave a comment

It is my sincere pleasure to announce that I will be attending again the QuiltCon as a faculty. Sashiko Workshop “Core & Essence” and Sashiko Lecture about “Cultural Sustainabiulity” will be offered as a part of QuiltCon 2023 in Atlanta, Geogia between February 23th to 26th (https://www.quiltcon.com/).

It has been my dream to offer a lecture about the Sashiko we have been practice. This will be my first time to speak in front of a big audience in a lecture format. All of the lectures I have done is in either small group (like classroom sized) or online. I am very much excited to share the Sashiko we are so passionate about.

Thanks to many positive feedbacks from the previous Quiltcons, I received the fortunate to continue offering the “Core & Essence” workshop. In this blog, I will explain what is the contents for the workshop & lecture in QuiltCon 2023. Sashiko Workshop “Application & Practice”, which I had offered in QuiltCon 2022, will not be offered in QuiltCon 2023 because of a complicated requirement to take (some prerequisite to fully enjoy the workshop). I am developing the Online Version of this workshop, so please wait for an update.

*The Registration for the Quilcton 2023 opened for MQG members on August 16, 2022. For General Registration, the registration will be opened on September 9th. To get detail information & description about the workshop on interactive catalogue, please search the class by my name “Atsushi” or “Sashiko“. I do not offer Boro workshop or lecture.

*I learned that the workshop has been SOLD OUT on the day of opening the registrartion (Thank you!!). From my previous experience in QuiltCon, many people change their plans from August to the actual QuiltCon in Feb. Please do not give up & keep your name in the Waitlist just in case it may open for you. Unfortunately, I do not have any control on the registration process. Please join the Waitlist & contact QuiltCon Administration if you have any specific questions & request.

*Lecture should be available without worrying about the case of “SOLD OUT”. However, the early registration would be very much appreciated for the estaimation.

*Please check our [Special Webpage] for those who registered the Core & Essence Workshop. You can find all the information you need to know to maximize the Sashiko Workshop.

QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshop and Lecture

Sashiko Workshop: Core and Essence

In 6 hours of the workshop, I want you to learn the Core & Essence of Sashiko Stitching. I will go over a history, terminology, and the technique of how to use unique tools with one of the core essences of Sashiko – Unshin (運針).

This is a learning opportunity rather than a “Let’s enjoy sashiko together” workshop. Therefore, participants may go through some challenging process to learn something new. In 6 hours of intensive stitching practice, you will be able to achieve the Unshin that you may have seen on Youtube.

Sashiko isn’t about making one perfect stitch. It isn’t also about embracing the inperfection. It is about communicating to the fabric by moving your needle at your own “rhythm”. This is the workshop of Sashiko’s Core & Essence.

While your practice, I will share many Sashiko Stories. Sashiko is more than just a technique (I will of course teach you techniques to make stitches even & beautiful).

With following some of my SNS Sashiko Stories and Youtube, this will be a memorable & eye-opening experience for you.

This workshop is the must workshop to continue learning from Atsushi & Upcycle Stitches. It is mostly the same contents to the other In-person Workshops (6 hours length) as well as the Online Sashiko Class. If you have taken the other In-person Workshops or Online Sashiko Class, you do NOT need to take this class again. Of course, it is your choice to repeat the same class & enjoy In-person experience, but please be advised that the contents will be very similar. If you would like to have the refresh of the workshop to take other workshops, please contact Atsushi with the email address you have taken the first class. I can offer some support.

Sashiko Lecture: Cultural Sustainablity

This is my first time to offer a Lecture in a conference room setting. I have been sharing many Sashiko Stories on Instagram. You can find my actual voice & message on Youtube. The long & private stories are availalble on Patreon. I have done several Sashiko “Webinars” online. Yes, I have many messages to share: and it is an honor to be able to present my message in the QuiltCon 2023.

The title of the Lecture is “Cultural Sustainability”. This may sounds a bit scary, or even intimidating to some of those who are actively enjoying Sashiko now. You/They may wonder if Atsushi may criticize those who are enjoying Sashiko now from cultural perspective especially because Atsushi has been saying [Sashiko introduced in English is NOT wrong, but insufficient] in 2022.

As I keep sharing the story, this “insufficient” is simply “not enough”. I do not use the word “insufficient” as “wrong” or “doing something wrong”. Since not many “Native Japanese” have shared the stories of Sashiko, it is of course not sufficiently explained. Unfortunately, when the stories are not shared from the cultural origin, the culture may be “repainted” – changed to completely different color. That is what I would like to stop. Since they are some who try to change the culture intentionally for their profit and convenience, I would like to ask the active members of Quilting Culture to help us to preserve the Sashiko Culture – by simply “acknowleding” it.

I promise I will NOT criticize the Online Sashiko Trend. I just would like to explain the situation objectively so that I can try to preserve “the Japanese Sashiko Culture” – not only my own Sashiko practice.

*I share my own Sashiko Practice in the “Core & Essence” Workshop.

I will bring some samles to share on Stage: and if time allows, you can touch them as well. I hope you can make time to visit me for the Lecture.

*The lecture will be prepared for QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshops & lectures. However, Some of the Stories may (and should) overrap the stories I share in The Core & Essence Workshop.

I will see you there in Atlanta.

I have workshops from morning to the evening on Thursday & Friday. I have a morning lecture on Saturday. After the workshop & lecture, each day, I plan to enjoy the Quilt Exhibition in the main area. You may be surprized… but I am quite shy. So if you see me walking & enjoying the quilts, please say “Hi” to me. Unless I am running to the workshop/lecture, I will be happy to share our Sashiko with you there.

QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshop Details

09/01/202210/01/2022 atsushijp Leave a comment

It is my pleasure to join the QuiltCon 2023 as a Faculty. It has been difficult years, and with all the effort of many kind & passionate people in Modern Quilt Guild (MQG), I am very happy that I can be part of this great event. This page is for those who plan to attend QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshop, “Core & Essence”. Please find the details below to see what you can expect in QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshop.

*If you do not have a registration confirmation to join the QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshop, please contact MQG for the possible waiting list. In QuiltCon 2022, there were a few last minutes cancellation, and there may be a chance for you to join this year. Also, I offer Online Sashiko Class as well as a few In-person Workshops for 2022. Please check each articles for the details. Thank you.

In QuiltCon 2023, I offer 1 Sashiko Workshop “Core & Essence” and 1 Sashiko Lecture about “Cultural Sustainability”. In this page, I explain what you can expect to join the Core & Essence Sashiko Workshop in QuiltCon. There aren’t many preparation request. However, please read this article carefully to maximize your experience there.

QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshop: Core & Essence

In our tradition, Sashiko is NOT about making perfect (or Inperfect) stitches. It is all about moving (trusting) a needle comfortably while communicating the fabric. Unfortunately, the current trend of Sashiko is missing the most important part of Sashiko. In this “Core & Essence” workshop, I will teach you the core technique of our Sashiko so that you can start focusing on communication rather than judging each stitches you make.

It is extremely important to take this workshop before jumping in to any of the workshops I & Upcycle Stitches offer. There are a few Japanese terms that the participants need to memorize (not so many & no exams or whatsoever, but knowing them is important).

On Instagram and Facebook, I often say: Sashiko is NOT ◯◯. This workshop “Core & Essence” will give you the answer what Sashiko is for you while you learning new techniques.

*This workshop is not a type of “Let’s Enjoy Sashiko Togeher” workshop. It is one-direction learning experience for you. The participants are required to stitch a lot. They may have to go through some “uncomfortable” stitching experience (due to new muscles they use). Sometimes, it may require some mindfulness in an eye-opening experience. Please do not be scared or worried, however. I will do everything to help you to “experience” and “start enjoying” the Sashiko we practice today.

*There is NO prerequisite for this workshop. No experience in Sashiko is necessary. If you have never touched the hand-stitching needle, please try to learn how to “thread” the needle, or how to use the threader (videos are available on my Youtube). On the other hands, if you think you already know about Sashiko, please try to be as open-mind as possible. What I teach in this workshop is probably different from what you already know. There is no such a thing as “Right and Wrong” in Sashiko: and I will add another perspective of Sashiko in this workshop.

Please purchase the special package for QuiltCon Sashiko: Core & Essence below.

It is extremely important that everyone has the exact same materials & tools to pass down the Core & Essence within 6~8 hours. Please purchase the special package below before the QuiltCon 2023.

What to bring to Sashiko: Core & Essence.

The Special Package above is all you need to enjoy the Sashiko: Core & Essence. If you choose to receive it to your home, please bring all of the contents inside.

The following list is something maybe helpful for you to bring & prepare:

Masking Tape or Bandage to protect the nail from scratching by needles.
It may a good idea to cut the nail on the dominant hand (the hand with the needle). One can learn Sashiko with long nails, but it may be an obstacles in the first trial.

How about another workshop, Application & Practice?

In QuiltCon 2022 (in Phoenix), I had offered the follow-up Sashiko Workshop “Application & Practice”. I believe it was a great success & I have received many positive feedback. However, in this QuiltCon, I will focus on the new challenge of offering the lecture. We do NOT offer “Application & Practice” workshop for this year.

“Application & Practice” has a prerequisite from any form of “Core & Essence” Sashiko Workshops I offer (Online & In-person). I believe it was a bit confusing to ask for “prerequisite” in such a big event. It doesn’t mean that the workshop itself wasn’t enjoyable. Due to many request, I am working on the Online Version of “Application & Practice” workshop. It still require the “Core & Essence” as prerequisite. Please consider taking the Online Version of Application & Practice when it is ready! (or you can ask QuiltCon to have me for that as well!). If you are interested, please find this webpage to learn the difference between “Core & Essence (C/E)” and “Application & Practice (A&P)”

*”A&P” is type of the workshop of “Let’s enjoy Sashiko Together” with following my specific guidance, including Hitomezashi and Mending Ideas.

*The Previous Knowlege of our Unshin (Core & Essence) is prerequisite for this Workshop. Any of Atsushi’s Full-Time (more than 3 hours) workshops graduates are qualified. If you have taken the In-person workshop with Atsushi before 2019, which was longer than 3 hours, you are most likely qualified. If you take the Sashiko Mastery Class in QuiltCon 2020 or taking the Sashiko: Core & Essence in QuiltCon 2022 & 2023, or have taken the Online Sashiko Class, you are qualified. If you aren’t sure, please contact me so that I can check the status. This prerequisite is extremely important to make this workshop enjoyable for you. I appreciate your understanding.

About Recommended Tools for our Sashiko

The Special Supply Package for the [Core & Essence] Workshop includes everything the participants need in the workshop. There is no need to prepare thread, needle, thimble or fabric for learning Sashiko in this workshop. In order to avoid unfortunate misunderstanding, I require everyone to use the exact same tools & supply.

That being said, there are a few recommended tools for Sashiko, which is NOT necessary yet very useful when you wish to continue Sashiko stitching. You can find another article here for Recommended Tools.

Thread Clipper

Threaders & Finger Cots

Bobbin Paper

Mylar Paper & Carbon Paper

A list of Sashiko Supply Recommendation

General Information for the Recommended Tools & Supplies for Sashiko Stitching

I am here to Support

If you have any questions about QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshop “Core & Essence”, please contact Atsushi. I am happy to answer any questions or worries prior to the workshop. Your question may be someone’s question, and I will share the question and answers here on this website (of course, annonymously).

I am looking forward to meeting you in Atlanta, GA.

Q&A for the QuilCon 2023 Sashiko

Q: (Sample) What is Sashiko?

A: (Sample) You will find out in the workshop!

Monthly Sashiko Gathering in English

08/29/202208/29/2022 atsushijp 1 Comment

My dream has come true! I am very happy to announce this trial of “Monthly Sashiko Gathering in English”, starting September 2022. One of my dream in sharing the Sashiko Stories is to create a “place” for anyone to feel “being belonged”: “Ibasho (居場所)” as I name it after Japanese word (which has more meaning than a place to be – but the closest one). Weekly Sashiko Live Streaming on Youtube has become a great Ibasho for me as well as many Sashiko friends across the world. However, the Live Streaming tend to be one-direction communication: I talk, the audience reply in the comment section. It is great, but the best place to make it “Place to be”. So, I tried to arrange occasional gathering here and there… but it has been very challenging to keep offering due to my financial & time restriction. After sharing our Sashiko to a Japanese who lives in San Francisco Bay Area, Maiko-san, we are finally offering this monthly Sashiko Gathering where anyone can join.

*Anyone can join for free of charge. However, there are some rules to make this place safe & comforatble. Please read the agreement carefully on the registration page.

Maiko’s Dream through Monthly Sashiko Gathering

Maiko has a dream to be a bridge of Japaneseculture and other cultures (in English). It isn’t really only about translating the voices: it is more like “sharing” the experience. In order to fully understand the Japanese culture, I believe the fluent Japanese language skill is necessary. However, it is not fair to ask everyone to be fluent in Japanese to “appreciate” the Japanese culture. So, Maiko’s dream and my dream met there. We sincerely hope that Sashiko will be a medium to encourage Japanese to learn English, and English speakers to talk to the Japanese people in sharing the same passion: Sashiko.

Maiko is in charge of the gathering. I will be just an assistant. Alghouth it has been challenging for us to set up the best comfortable time to join (especially those in Europe time-zone), I hope you can join one gathering at some point. We plan to offer 2 kinds of Sashiko Gathering. Please read the description carefully, and register it on Maiko’s website.

Monthly Sashiko Gathering (Stitch, Chat and Learn)

Register at https://prumstudio.com/group1-stitchchatlearn

This is a monthly discussion group open to anyone who is INTERESTED IN JAPANESE CULTURE AND LOVES SASHIKO. Our discussion will revolve around the topic presented by the facilitator of the meeting.

In our online meeting, we will share thoughts and deepen our understanding of Japan and its culture while individually working on our own sashiko projects.

There is no fee to attend this meeting but registration is required.

The language used in this group is ENGLISH.
This is a friendly discussion group and NOT a place to learn sashiko skills OR do show-and-tell of your projects.
Atsushi may not be present in this gathering. Maiko will be always there to facilitate the gathering.

Schedule:

Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022 at 10.30 pm (EDT)

Sashiko Idobatakai in English

Register at https://prumstudio.com/group2-idobatakaieng

This is a monthly, PRIVATE discussion group for Atsushi Futatsuya’s current and/or past students and his active Patreon supporters.

There is no fee to attend this meeting but registration is required.

It’s an online group to share thoughts and deepen our understanding of sashiko as well as Japan and its culture while doing sashiko (unshin) together.

The language used in this group is ENGLISH.
This is a friendly discussion group and NOT a place to learn sashiko skills OR do show-and-tell of your projects.
Atsushi will be there (I will do my best).
Please consider supporting Atsushi & Keiko in Patreon where we offer 150+ articles for you to read to understand what is Sashiko for us.
Please use the email address you sign-up for the Online Sashiko Class or other In-Person Sashiko Workshops. We will check the eligibility before the each session.
I you are looking for a class to learn how to do sashiko or improve your sashiko skills, please consider learning from Atsushi: A Summary of Links @sashikostory

Is really Sashiko introduced in English “insufficient”?

When I say the key phrase for 2022 regarding our Sashiko: “Sashiko introduced in English is NOT wrong, but insufficient”, I understand some feels offended. However, I do not mean to judge or criticize those who do not understand Japanese with insufficient understanding of Sashiko. In other words, how would one understand a culture fully without talking to those who lives in the culture (here, Japanese who live in Japan). I hope that this gathering will be an opportunity for anyone to feel how “Japanese Culture” is different from our (your) ordinary & expectation. It requires to read between lines, and we will try our best to facilitate as if it is happening in Japanese manner setting.

I hope to see/meet you there.

In-Person Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2022 to 2023

05/31/202204/11/2024 atsushijp 1 Comment

I am happy to announce, once again, the schedule of In-person Sashiko Workshops for the year of 2022, and the beginning of 2023. The pandemic hit our activities hugely as the other small businesses. We have been hesitant to actively arrange the In-person workshops. In 2022, with huge encouragement from our supporters, we are offering several In-Person workshops. This is Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2022 and I am looking forward to meeting you very much there.

*If you are learning from Sashiko Online Class & live near the workshop location, depends on the schedule, you can stop by the workshop & meet in person!

Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2022

Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2022 for both West Coast & East Coast of the United States.

West Coast (CA)

This is my first time to offer our Sashiko Workshops in West Coast (CA). I have been receiving many requests to offer the Sashiko Workshops in WA, OR, and CA. I am so happy that it is finally happening thanks to the Shibori Legend, Ms. Yoshiko Wada.

Slow Fiber Studio

July 23rd, 2022 – Core & Essence Sashiko Workshop Group 1 (10 am to 5 pm)
July 25th, 2022 – Core & Essence Sashiko Workshop Group 2 (10 am to 5 pm)
July 26th, 2022 – MORE (Application & Practice) Sashiko Workshop (10 am to 5 pm)

*Trunk Sale of Sashiko items, and Show-and-Tell from other various artists are available on Sunday July 24. Please check their website for the details.

*MORE (Application & Practice) Workshop has a prerequisite of Atsushi’s Full-Time workshop (3 hours). Onine Sashiko Class satisfy this requirement. “Core & Essence” on the same week is also good for the prerequisite.

East Coast (New York)

Before the pandemic, I used to have Sashiko Workshops periodically in NYC thanks to many people’s support. The workshop with Yukako-san in Loop of the Loom is the last workshop we scheduled in NYC, and end up with canceling it to follow the CDC procedure. After more than 2 years, it is my pleasure to restart the workshops in NYC with Yukako-san. You may come to see me in Trunk Sale, Sashiko Exhibition and Pop-up Store of Loop of the Loom after the workshop for each day.

Loop of The Loom

July 9th, 2022 – Core & Essence Sashiko Workshop (6 hours)
July 10th, 2022 – Application & Practice Sashiko Workshop (6 hours)

*Pop-Up Store will be available from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm for both days.

Privately Arranged Sashiko Workshop in Harrisburg Area

September 4th, 2022.

This workshop is arranged for a private group. If you are interested in arranging the workshop, please check the article below for the fee structure.

Arranging Sashiko Workshop | Bring Sashiko to your group.

Sashiko Workshop Schedule in Early 2023

We still have a lot time to go, but I am so fortunate to have plans like this. I sincerely appreciate those who trust & support our Sashiko with planning so ahead.

Aya Fiber Studio

Another Great opportunity to spend 3-full days with Sashiko we practice, from Core & Essence to many ways to apply to your own project, and practice Sashiko with them. In Stuart, FL, we will have very fun, educational, and intensive 18 ~ 21 hours of stitching together. Plan your time in beautiful beach in FL with Sashiko!

April 1 to April 3rd: 3-Day Sashiko Workshop (Core, Essence, Application and Practice)

Sashiko Online Class (22)

Sashiko Online Class is available for those who would like to start learning Sashiko right now from your place. After sharing Sashiko over the Internet for a while, I am confident that I can deliver the same message via Sashiko Online Class. I “restock” Sashiko Online Class in the 3rd week of each month, based on the numbers of participants who signed up for the specific period. If you find it available, there is no need to fulfill the waiting list. I am looking forward to meeting you online!

Suitable Fabric for Sashiko

02/09/202202/09/2022 atsushijp 2 Comments

Sashiko is getting its popularity as “Sustainable Fashion” or “Stitching for Recycling the fabric”. Sashiko is indeed for sustainability, and we reuse the fabric a lot. However, it is important to understand why we have specific tools & supply for Sashiko. The Japanese who practiced Sashiko accumurated their expertise in the tools & supply, and I would like to be mindful in “Cultural Sustainability” as well. I keep speaking up the importance of Sashiko Thread. Sashiko Threads DO Matter (Link: Youtube Video explaining why Sashiko Thread). How about Fabric? This is a brief explanation of the suitable Fabric for Sashiko.

Imagine what “would” be Suitable Fabric for Sashiko

First, I would like you to imagine what would be the suitable fabric for the Japanese people who practiced Sashiko. With imagining their situation, to be honest, fabric can vary based on our situation & preference. Threads DO Matter in Sashiko, but the choice of fabric can be based on our preference.

However, it doesn’t mean that “Any Fabric” is good. There are good/preferable fabric that the Japanese artisans have been engaging in. It is my wish for you to enjoy the communication with the fabric you have. That being said, I would like to introduce the best fabric for Sashiko Stitching.

*The fabric you would practice Sashiko in the Online Sashiko Class and/or In-Person Sashiko Workshop (Core & Essence) is the one above. It is important to start learning the Sashiko with the most appropriate fabric. We use this fabric to most of our Sashiko Production.

For Stitching & Mending

In 2021, I decided to offer another workshop after “Core & Essence”. The new one is “Application & Practice”, and we apply the Sashiko we share in Core & Essence with learning many format of Sashiko culture. It is like one learns how to use the knife, cutting board, and how to cut the ingredience in “Core & Essence”, and then I will share the [recipes] in “Application & Practice” Class. All of my teaching complete in the Core & Essence workshop (Online Sashiko Class). Therefore, the following workshop is NOT the advanced version. It is my intention to share how we can expand our understanding of Sashiko to other fun part of Sashiko.

In the New “Application & Practice” workshop, I ask participants to bring their own garments or fabric with them so that we can apply our Sashiko to their own future Sashiko practice. I would like to share what is the Suitable Fabric for Sashiko in the workshop.

Suitable Fabric for Sashiko

Cotton Fabric (Both Western woven or Japanese Woven. I will mention the difference).
Denim Fabric
Hemp or Linen Fabric

Non Suitable Fabric for Sashiko

Stretchy Fabric including Strethy Denim
Sweather or Thick Fabric for Winter such as Fleece
Socks
T-Shirt

*If you have any concerns or questions about the fabric you would bring to the “Application & Practice” Class, please contact me via the email you have received for the registration.

*I am working on the Online Version of “Application & Practice”. I appreciate your support. I will make it happen.

Communicating to the Fabric

In conclusion, choice of fabric is not as significant as the importance of choosing the right Sashiko thread. However, we have our preference such as the Cotton 100% Japanese woven fabric like above, and non-strechy fabric. You may use the fabric you have. It is one important aspect of Sashiko: to appreciate the fabric you already have. Since you will spend a lot of time in the specific garment (or fabric), please choose the right thread & Tools to compensate to your great effort & time.

When you learn how to use the thimble, and stitching in the rhythm, you will start feeling the “communication to the fabric”. The fabric itself will tell us what is the “most suitable way” to enjoy Sashiko Stitching.

It is my goal to share the method of how to communicate to the fabric better rather than how to make even stitches. Even stitches happen when we communicate well to the fabric.

Thank you Coupon for Return Sashiko Customers

10/17/202103/26/2023 atsushijp Leave a comment

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.

*If you are new to our Sashiko Thread, you can get the same discount on our “First Time Trial Special”. Please find the details on the product page.

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.

Get a Coupon by filling Google Form

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!

Renewed Customer Follow-Up Page (Oct.2022)

Notes about Coupon for Return Sashiko Customers

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.

Get a Coupon by filling Google Form

https://forms.gle/XZED8k3hnnTVKdxJ8

Sashiko Jackets Portfolio

10/05/202110/05/2021 atsushijp Leave a comment

One Sashiko Jacket. It is rather easy to talk about one Sashiko Jacket. However, each Jacket takes so many weeks & months of time in stitching, even though we stitch quite fast & efficiently. We are proud of what we can, and what we have achieved. This is our Sashiko Jackets Portfolio.

*This portfolio will be updated as we take photos of Sashiko Jackets.

The details of our items are available on the Sashiko Portfolio Website (https://sashiko.myportfolio.com/).

Sashiko Jackets Portfolio (Until 2021)

All hand-stitched by either Keiko, Atsushi, or our friends who practice Sashiko with us. There is no such a thing as “One Correct Sashiko”, and therefore we make many kind of Sashiko. This page is the archives of Sashiko Jackets which are not categorized in Hitomezashi, Boro, and other types of Sashiko.

Purchase Availability

Some of the Jackets may be available as the “One-of-a-kind” Jacket for you. Since we make them with hand-stitching & availability of fabric vary, we cannot promise that we can make the exact same jacket. However, we will do our best to follow your preference. Please contact Atsushi for more information. The pricing estimate is listed there. Please respect the estimate.

Sashiko Patchworked Jacket 2021 A

Made to Order.
Designed by Keiko Futatsuya.

Estimated Price: $3,900.00 (USD)
Estimated Lead Time: 10 months.
SS_2021_Jacket_A

SKF Sashiko Jacket 2021 A

Made to Order.

Designed by Keiko Futatsuya.
Estimated Price: $3,000.00 (USD)
Estimated Lead Time: 8 months.

SKF Sashiko Jacket A
(SSFuroshiki_2021A_Jacket)

The Sashiko Patchwork Jacket – Keiko 2019

Made to Order.

Designed by Keiko Futatsuya.
(patchworked with multiple Japanese traditional designs.)

Estimated Price: $3,900.00 (USD)
Estimated Lead Time: 10 months to 14 months.

Sashiko Coat Jacket Keiko 01

Unavailable
Designed by Keiko Futatsuya.

Estimated Price: N/A(USD)
Estimated Lead Time: N/A

SashiCo Brown Coat Jacket X18

SashiCo Denim Jacket

Made to Order
Designed by Keiko Futatsuya.

Estimated Price: Ask
Estimated Lead Time: N/A

Asanoha Workman Style Jacket (No Sleeve Samue)

Made to Order
Designed by Keiko Futatsuya.

Estimated Price: $800
Estimated Lead Time: 5~6 months

Other Sashiko Jackets Portfolio

On top of our Sashiko Jackets Portfolios, we have other items Portfolios. Please check the list below.

Sashiko Hitomezashi Jackets Portfolios.
Sashiko Bags Portfolios.
Sashiko & Boro Portfolios.
Sashiko Throw and Tapestory Portfolios.

Sashiko Webinar Series | Learn what Sashiko is for us

08/30/202108/30/2021 atsushijp Leave a comment

More than 700 SNS Posts and 140 Full-Length Sashiko Story on Patreon. I still have a lot more to share. In a trend of simplifying Sashiko, sharing Sashiko Story, both wisdom I receive and personal experience I had gone though, is the way to pass down the Sashiko we have been practicing. In August 2021, I offered a lecture about Sashiko’s essence for the first time in while. I thought it would be somewhat “boring” because all of the content was repetitive stories I had already shared. However, I had received many positive feedbacks for what I had shared. The same story, but in a different way to share: Visual and Audio. I would like to focus on “deliverying the message” besides the “Sharing Stories”. I will continue sharing the story, of course. This is just an announcement of my new way to contribute to the Sashiko Culture. I offer Sashiko Webinar Series to share what Sashiko really is for us.

Sashiko Webinar Details

Sashiko Story Webinar 101 – What is Sashiko anyway?

Date & Time: Friday, September 10th, 9 pm ~ 10 pm EDT

Please get a ticket from the link below. (*It is free of charge to get ticket. However, if you are new to what we do, please condier donation as a ticket price.)

https://givebutter.com/SashikoStoryWebinar1

Get a Ticket to the Sashiko Story Webinar 101

Sashiko Story Youtube Videos

I have been sharing “Sashiko Story” on Youtube as well. Please check this playlist to watch & lean what Sashiko is for us. This can be a great preview materials before joining Sashiko Webinar Series (Of course. it is NOT required).

Cultural Appropriation in Sashiko

I learn the word, “Cultural Appropriation”, when I was accused to be so arrogant while me sharing my personal stories. It is very unfortunate that one can be so ignorant to damage foreign culture. Cultural Appropriation is a very sensitive topic to discuss. I do NOT think “Only Japanese can/should practice Sashiko”. I believe anyone can enjoy Sashiko. However, it has to be done in a respectful manner to those who had developed & tried to pass down Sashiko to today’s society.

Sashiko is simple, very simple, therefore it carries a lot of cultural aspect. I do not want it to be filtered by/for someone’s convenience. The goal of this Sashiko Story Series is to tell them the importance of “acknowledging” it. I am not asking them to stop doing Sashiko or apologize for what they did. I just need them to “learn” what Sashiko really is.

For more details on Cultural Appropriation in Sashiko, please watch the video & read the article below.

Cultural Appropriation in Sashiko

Sashiko in Other Languages besides JP and ENG

08/29/202108/29/2021 atsushijp Leave a comment

I receive many requests and offer to tranlate our Sashiko Stories to other languages besides Japanese and English. Yes, it is my wishful goal to introduce Sashiko in other languages, many other languages. If you wish, please feel free to translate our stories into your language, enjoy it, or even share the translation on your platform. I am happy to mention your account in my Platform. Only thing I ask is a valid credit (link/tag/citation). Then, you may wonder, why can Atsushi find a translator who translates what he shares periodically if his goal is to share the Sashiko? Well… when it comes to a case of “I (Atsushi)” being in charge of the translation, including outsourcing it to a professional translater, it most likely will not happen soon as of now (Summer 2021). Here is why.

What I write in English is not a direct translation of what I would write in Japanese. With spending so much time, I try my best to encourage you to understand not only the information I share but also the Japanese culture and mindset. Therefore, I really would like to trust the person who translates what I write/say – since I cannot make sure if the translation is done properly – in the language I do not understand. Asking a professional translating firm is a simple & valid way to have the “great translation”, but as an artisan who shares the cultural matters, it seems very irresponsible to just “translate” without valid checking. I am proud of being valid because I am the first source of information. When I have a translated our Sashiko Story, I want my partner to be the first source as well instead of just my “translator”. So, please be patient a bit more. From those who learn our Sashiko, I hope I can find someone eventually.

Before 2018, I wouldn’t worry a process of translating my stories this much. However, after learning the current trend of Sashiko & insufficient information of Sashiko, I had to change my mind. Now, I am spending so much time and effort to “re-twist” the cultural filteration already done in English because the translation from Japanese to English in Sashiko filtered some core & essence of Sashiko. I wish I could just focus on “sharing”, but I also need to work on “uninstalling” some of the misunderstanding (including the sense of achievement).

Therefore, I have to be extra careful to translate our Sashiko in Other Language. To be honest, I can just translate it tomorrow with outsourcing it online, or even using free Google Translate, and make money. However, “communicating what it is” more important than “how popular I can get”. Once a word start walking by itself without proper guidance from the native, it will get almost impossible to bring them back.

Sashiko in Other Languages.

I haven’t given up. It is just very difficult to find a translater who is fluent in both language (Japanese and the language to be translated), live(d) in Japan, and have Japanese culture as their ordinary, with hopefully some hand-crafting experience. Otherwise, in this time, I may repeat the filtering that I am working so hard to fulfill.

Meanwhile, please translate what I share as your “interpretation” and “translation”. As long as it is NOT translated as my first message, it isn’t going to filter the cultural essence. In fact, it would be a great support. I would like to support you as a Sashiko practitioner in other Languages. I just cannot validate a post in another language I do not read (therefore I need the trust first).

*If you know anyone, or if you are the one who is willing to learn Sashiko from us & native in other languages, please contact me. This is a big project, and I will start a crowdfunding so that I can offer good compensation to the committment.

A Japanese Native (lived in Japan) with fluent language skill besides Japanese & English (I will share as much information as possible with the translater in Japanese over Zoom Meeting)
Anyone who is fluent in English or Japanese with other language skill, who takes Atsushi’s Class first.

Instagram Post about this translation Challenge

【Post on 11/19/2020】 https://www.instagram.com/p/CHxt2kKp2hn/

As of now, our contents are available in ENG and JPN. I receive many requests to translate my Sashiko Class & Articles to other languages. I really appreciate your interest. Please understand that translating cultural matters requires careful & time-consuming & skillful process. The result from “Machine Translation” sometimes loses its value. As I explain how ENG and JPN are different as language on my Patreon Page, the mis-translation can be critical. There are reasons I make a post in 2 languages here. It is so challenging to introduce Japanese culture in another language.

☆

In order to make “translation” happen, I have to find a person with 2 core abilities. (1) Language knowledge (fluent or native) in both JPN and the language & (2) (Willingness to) Understand the Japanese & Sashiko Culture. If you know anyone who is willing to help us out, please let us know.

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Please, Please do not get me wrong. I am very happy to have readers from all over the world. I wish I could express my message in all the language. It is perfectly fine to use Google Translate to read what I write here. I just want to remind you that you are reading a “message translated by machine – not human with the same knowledge” if it is not JPN/ENG. Once I find a partner I can trust & communicate in Japanese, I will start working on translation. Thank you very much for your interest in learning Sashiko. (Words on the photo are the languages I know the very basic).