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.

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.

☆

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).

QuiltCon 2022 Sashiko Workshops Announcement

07/31/202108/27/2022 atsushijp Leave a comment

It is my sincere pleasure to announce that I will be teaching again in the QuiltCon as a faculty. QuiltCon 2022 Sashiko Workshops will be offered as a part of QuiltCon 2022 in Pheonix, Arizona between February 16th to 20th (https://www.quiltcon.com/).

Thanks to many positive feedbacks that we had received in 2020, I can offer 2 kinds of Workshops in Quiltcon 2022. In this blog, I explain what is the contents of these 2 choices in QuiltCon 2022 Sashiko Workshops – Sashiko: Core & Essence and Sashiko: Application & Practice.

*The Registration for the Quilcton 2022 will open for MQG members on August 4, 2021, at 10 a.m. EDT. For General Registration, it will be available on August 19, 2021 at 10 a.m. EDT. 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.

Sashiko: 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 do sashiko together” workshop. Therefore, participants may go through some challenging phase 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, but please be advised that the contents will be very similar. If you would like to have the refresh of the workshop, please contact Atsushi with the email address you have taken the first class. I can offer some support.

Sashiko: Application and Practice

*Prerequisite: Sashiko Workshop (Core & Essence). Online & Other full-length in-person workshop can be used as the prerequisite as well as the “Sashiko Mastery Class” from QuiltCon 2020. It is perfectly fine to take the Sashiko: Core & Essence Workshop in QuiltCon 2022

I believe the Sashiko Workshop (Core & Essence) conclude my Sashiko teaching. Therefore, I do not offer the “advanced” Sashiko Workshop anymore. The workshop Core & Essence Is the ending of my teaching about Sashiko’s Core, and it is the beginning of your Sashiko. However, I receive many request to organize the workshop to encourage & inspire the continous Sashiko stitching with the core they learned.

This workshop, Sashiko: Application & Practice, is the workshop where I will walk you through how we can apply the Sashiko stitching to what you may enjoy more. I will teach some non-Sashiko related contents to enrich your Sashiko journey as welll.

As I wrote above, “Sashiko: Core & Essence” is the prerequisite for this class. I will only briefly review the Unshin in this class. Therefore, without taking those 6 hours of practicing, this workshop (Application and Practice) may be extremely uncomfortable. Please, please consider taking the Sashiko: Core & Essence before taking this workshop even if you have more than 30 years of experience in Sashiko. This workshop is NOT “advanced” – more like a “Let’s have fun together” with the core & essence I have shared – which is going to be fun because it is the first step to make the Jacket below in future (We will NOT make the Jacket like below in the workshop. However, I will be able to share how we make it with the core you have learned).

Some participants work on their Denim with Sashiko Stitching. This Application & Practice Workshop will be a great opportunity to learn that as well.

I will see you there in Phoenix

I have workshop from morning to the evening everyday. After the workshop, each day, I plan to enjoy the Quilt Exhibition in the main area. You may be surprized… but I am pretty shy. So if you see me walking, please say “Hi” to me. Unless I am running to the workshop, I will be happy to share our Sashiko with you there.

Japan Tour visiting Sashiko actually exist.

07/03/202107/03/2021 atsushijp Leave a comment

In an ordinary village in Japan, Sashiko (or something similar) existed. It is about the past. Many Sashiko Stories seem to be buried in history without names. Various kinds of Sashiko we can enjoy today are mostly “revived” versions of the Sashiko based on their local voice & stories. Most of the Japanese who had to practice Sashiko discontinued stitching for survival when they became wealthy enough to choose not to stitch. Their choice is a form of culture. The other people’s choice where they decided to revive is also another form of culture (*1).

You may wonder. Is there such a thing as “real Sashiko” in Japan now? Although I say most of the Sashiko we can find today are “revived” versions, Sashiko isn’t the history yet. As long as there are people stitching with living in Japan practicing Japanese culture as their ordinary, that is one real Sashiko I can define.

Well… It is very difficult to define what “real” is in Sashiko. Is it about the pattern or design? Is it about what to make for what purpose? Or the technique and how to? Although all of them can be a part of the definition of the “real Sashiko”, one very important essence of defining the real Sashiko is a sense of “community” – where people can belong. This is also my long-hoping dream to make it true – to make a place where people can feel as a community. (If you read Japanese, you can probably find me saying “居場所を作りたい（I want to make ‘the’ place)” all over the posts & videos.

For this essence, Otsuchi Sashiko is probably the closest to the “real” Sashiko. They get together to do Sashiko, and they stitch not only for their leisure, but also for making their ends meet. This is the Sashiko community where we have not introduced ourselves in English well.

*You can visit Otsuchi Sashiko with us in May 2022 by joining our Sashiko Japan Tour.

Sashiko isn’t in history

Although most of the Sashiko in English are discussed based on the documents left, Sashiko is still an ongoing culture. I agree with the fact that the culture changes over time. It is changing now by those who practice Sashiko for their community. It will never be a whole picture of Sashiko when one ignores the on-going change in Japan.

Otsuchi Sashiko Project (previously, it was called Otsuchi Sashiko Recovery Project) started as a welfare project to support the Tsunami survivors from the NorthEast Great Earthquake in 2011. It has been 10 years, and they have worked with so many local people there throughout sharing the Sashiko on-going practice. Sashiko isn’t in history yet.

*Please read the full description here:

Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project

It is my sincere privilege to be able to join the Otsuchi Sashiko project. In my stay there (2011 Nov to 2012 Feb), regardless of my position as “teacher” or “advisor”, I received a lot of learning from them. To be honest, “learning” is not a sufficient word for what I have received. It is something more important than “learning” – like enlightenment. I would like to share what I learned there because it is what I indeed received from the Sashiko practice.

Japan Tour Visiting where Sashiko Exists

The main theme of the Japan Tour we organize is to share the “On-Going practice” of Sashiko. There are a lot more I can share with actual people & their stitching. For example, some say it is impossible to make “authentic Boro”. It is a true statement because it requires a few hundreds years to create one. However, we can make the “future authentic Boro” by stitching as the Japanese would have done so many years ago. I would like to take you there to stitch together, enjoy together, and share the “place” created by Sashiko.

The town of Otsuchi is very far from major cities in Japan. The transportation isn’t so convenient to visit. Therefore, I will not plan a visit (unless I specifically design the tour to visit) Otsuchi Sashiko Project in my own Japan Tour. For the Tour in May 2022, thanks to a great organizer Koshiki-san, we will visit them and spend some time together – in the place Sashiko would connect us regardless of where we are from.

Of course, throughout the tour, I will be there with you and for you to learn what Sashiko/Boro for us. I have spent more than 400 hours to share more than 750 stories about Sashiko on Instagram & Facebook. I feel that I still have only shared 10% of the whole stories I would like to share. Yes, the core & essence of Sashiko can be mastered by taking my Online Sashiko Class or In-person workshop. Yes, there are many information available online to learn from. I just think, however, that the time I would spend with you in Japan focusing Sashiko would be incredible memories for us. I would like you to find your own “Place” – which you may have already so you can add to your life.

We offer Japan Tour visiting where Sashiko exists.

More information about Sashiko Japan Tour with Tanpopo Journey
Japan Sashiko Tour planned in 2022

*1: There may(should) be a form of Sashiko in which the Japanese did not choose to discontinue. In Koginzashi & Hishizashi, there are another pile of many Sashiko Stories that I am not qualified to talk about. When my stories are completed, I will work on introducing their voices as well.

Sashiko Tour Japan Spring 2022 | with Tanpopo Journey

05/29/202105/29/2021 atsushijp Leave a comment

Are you interested in Sashiko & sightseeing in Japan? If so, the Sashiko Tour Japan Spring 2022 with Tampopo Journey is the all-in-one package tour for you. Sashiko – a form of hand-stitching developed in Japan – has been introduced in English very widely. With some keywords such as “slow-stitching” and “visible mending”, Sashiko has became a trend in crafting & textile field. However, Sashiko is more than just a trend with slow stitching or visible mending. It is a part of Japanese ordinary days, and traveling Japan to visit Sashiko artisans with an active Sashiko artisan (Atsushi) right next to you, will provide the comprehensive expereince of the Sashiko we have been practicing.

With collaborating to Tanpopo Journey, an experienced tour agency, it will be a very unique & comfortable Sashiko Tour Japan to satisfy your expectation & preferneces. I will travel with you to share the Sashiko we have been praciticing. In addition to the Sashiko experience, you will enjoy “tourists” part of Japan. I am happy to share the Sashiko we practice in Japan with visiting many beautiful places & enjoying the delicious Japanese meals.

Two Sashiko Highlights of this Tour

This is very unique tour because Atsushi, a Sashiko artisan & Storyteller, will travel with you in most of the itenary (Atsushi will not visit Kanazawa to prepare the workshop in Takayama). On top of that, we will offer the very special Sashiko Workshops collaborating with our family & friends – Keiko Futatsuya & Otsuchi Sashiko Project. There are many Sashiko Tours to Japan available. However, I can say out-loud, these 2 workshops with Atsushi’s translation & explanation will be available only in this tour.

Reserve your seat in Sashiko Tour Japan with Tanpopo Journey

Visiting Otsuchi Sashiko Project

If you are interested in Japanese Sashiko, and have not yet heard about Otsuchi Sashiko Project, then your understanding of Sashiko in Japan may be filtered (biased). Otsuchi Sashiko Project is one of the “community business” where people apply Sashiko to maintain their economical sustainability. Sashiko has become a form of hobby. Not many people can make ends meet by just doing Sashiko. I respect those who have been trying to revive the Sashiko from history & trying to pass it down to the next generation as a lifework (like me & Upcycle Stitches).

The essnece of Sashiko exists in the ordinary of Japanese culture. For that, Otsuchi Sashiko with trying to keep the economy moving within their project (a form of community business) is the on-going phenomina of Sashiko in Japan.

I will share everything I know about the Otsuchi Sashiko.

Learn about Otsuchi Sashiko Project via Upcycle Stitches

Article in 2018 when it was still Otsuchi “Recovery” Sashiko Project
10th year of Otsuchi Sashiko Project (in writing).

Meet Keiko & Learn from her artistry

I say Sashiko isn’t (Fine) Art because the essene of Sashiko existed in the ordinary. The definition of “Art” may bring Sashiko to the extraordinary side, and therefore I have not still yet considered Sashiko as the Art. However, what Keiko makes me think that Sashiko can be an Art. Her Sashiko isn’t traditional (which I will explain why in the tour), yet following the essence & core of Sashiko very much.

With visiting Keiko, we will have a day with Keiko’s workshop – making “Authentic Boro to be” pieces in playing with the fabrics (Both vintage & authentic Japanese fabric).

*We no longer offer the Sashiko Workshop by Keiko. A workshop may be arranged for those who took Atsushi’s Online Class and/or in-person workshop. Even that, due to Covid-19 & her condition, it will most likely “impossible” to offer her workshop. In this Sashiko Tour, I will make sure to be there with her and support her workshops. This is the opportunity to meet Keiko & learn from her (She doesn’t talk English, but I will be there to translate.)

Other Highlights of this tour

Please visit the official page for Sashiko Tour Japan Spring 2022 with Tanpopo journey for the details of itenary. The tour is focused on Sashiko, but it includes many other sightseeing & expereience opportunities as follows.

Welcome dinner & sashiko workshop
Take a tour of the Tsukiji Fish Market and have fresh sushi for lunch
Visit Tsutaya Edomoji Studio
Guided arts and crafts tour of Iwate prefecture
Visit stencil dye and homespun studios
Take a cooking class from a local women’s group
Workshop with Otsuchi Sashiko Recovery Project
Kanazawa sightseeing
Kutani Pottery Studio Visit
Feather & needle art workshop (optional)
Gold leaf application workshop (optional)
All-day sashiko workshop in Takayama
Day-trip to Shirakawago, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Fabric Shopping in Textile Town
Farewell Dinner

Travel Details – Sashiko Tour Japan Spring 2022

Date: May 8 – May 19, 2022
price: $5,999 per person, single occupancy*

what’s included:
– Hotels & local transportation
– Workshops & demonstrations
– Some meals
– Guide/interpreter
– Transportation to/from hotel on the first/last day of tour
– $100 charitable donation to Otsuchi Sashiko Recovery Project (NPO)

what’s not included:
– Travel or medical insurance
– Flight to/from Japan
– Personal spending including:
– Shopping, alcohol, laundry, some meals
– Online-sashiko workshop / In-person Sashiko Workshop prior to the tour (Prerequisite)

Reserve Your Seat for Sashiko Tour Japan with Tanpopo Journey

Why is Sashiko Class prerequisite?

Please imagine that we will go to a Cycling Tour to Japan with planning to visit mahy cycling courses. You would need to learn how to ride a bycicle before the Cycling tour. This Sashiko Tour is operated with the similar idea. We will enjoy a lot of Sashiko stitching in 11 days tour. In those experience, the core technique of “Unshin (Needle Movement)” is a necessary skill to have. The participants do not need to “master” the technique or posture. However, they have to be aware of the idea & technique so that we can practice in the tour.

Some may think that they are experienced in Sashiko. However, unfortunately, I have not met anyone who practice Unshin like we do without taking our Sashiko Class. Therefore, in order to be fair with everyone, the Sashiko Class by Atsushi is prerequisite for this Sashiko Tour Japan.

If you have taken Atsushi’s Workshop (more than 3 hours length), please contact us with the email you took the workshop with. We should have you in the system, and we are happy to welcome you with some follow-ups.

Visit a Special Website for Sashiko Tour Japan & Workshops

Sashiko Japan Tour in 2022 with Atsushi

05/20/202105/26/2021 atsushijp Leave a comment

It is my sincere pleasure to share the plan of Sashiko Japan Tour in 2022. I cannot believe I have not been back to Japan for more than 7 years. Last year, in October 2020, I had planned to visit Japan with my Sashiko friends as Sashiko Japan Tour 2020. However, due to the pandemic, I had to cancel the whole trip. Although the global pandemic is not over yet, with proper vaccination, I sincerely hope that we can travel internationally again. In 2022, we have one Sashiko Japan Tour already planned throughly, and another Sashiko Japan Tour which is still in a stage of brain-storming (asking for preferences). In order to avoid confusion, I would like to explain the difference here.

Focuses on Sashiko Japan Tour

The focus & theme of Sashiko Japan Tour is, of course, Sashiko and its related topics such as Boro, Kofu (vintage fabrics) and other hand-stitching culture in Japan. The 2 tours planned for 2022 has different itenary to fulfill everyone’s preference. I hope this article will be helpful to decide.

Sashiko Tour with Tanpopo Journey (May 8th to May 19th)
Sashiko Tour with Upcycle Stitches (Sometimes in Sep/Oct in 2022 / About 10 days / No Link Yet)

*I receive many request to arrange the workshop in Japan. We are very limited to do so currently. Joining the tour is the best way to get the workshop by Both Keiko & Atsushi. (Article about Sashiko Workshops in Japan).

If you are interested, please fill out the Google Form so that I can follow-up with your preferences.

Sashiko Tour with Tanpopo Journey

This will be a very well-organized tour to Japan with focusing on Sashiko & other textiles. Koshiki Smith, the organizer & travel guilde is very well experienced in the travel in Japan, and everything will be arranged by her. I will be in charge of the workshops related to Sashiko and Boro, and some other small lectures & small-talks in the trip.

The Sashiko Tour I had planned in 2020 was very “Sashiko & textile-Focused” tour. Since the idea was to bring my Sashiko friends to Japan, there wouldn’t be any “sight-seeing” opportunities (unless the participants plan it for themselves before or after the tour). This Sashiko Tour with Tanpopo Journey includes many sight-seeing opportunities on top of the core Sashiko experience. Please check their website for the details.

The highlight of this tour would be:

Several Sashiko/Boro Workshops in the Trip, including one with Keiko
Visiting Otsuchi to meet Sashiko artisans there, where they changed Atsushi completely.
Comprehensive understanding of the Sashiko Atsushi has been practicing.
Many other Sight-seeing opportunities
Other craft workshops availability
Well orgnized trip with 2 translator (Koshiki & Atsushi).
Good amount of time for shopping

Date: may 8 – may 19, 2022
Price: $5,999 per person, single occupancy

Reserve your Spot for Sashiko Tour in May 2022

Sashiko Tour with Upcycle Stitches

To be honest, I cannot promise that I will make this tour happen in the Fall 2022. Depends on the pandemic situation, I may need to postpone it again. However, I am determined to make it happen. If not Fall 2022, then Spring 2023. If not Spring 2023, then Fall 2023. (Winter & Summer are not the ideal time to travel for Sashiko – too snowy or too humid).

The concept is very simple: To “Go Back” to Japan where Atsushi like(d) & live(d). I will be solo-organizer for this trip, and I do not plan to hire a travel agency for this trip. For that matter, a “tour” may not be the best description. However, I will make the itenary and will prepare all of the necessary reservations. The participants will not need to do anything but keep stitching. It will be very “experienced-focus” workshop with Sashiko, Boro, Kofu and Dyeing (the Sashiko thread/fabrics). Therefore, there will not be any sightseeing opportunity.

It also requires the participants to know me first. If this is the first time for you to meet me, I will arrange several Online Meeting opportunities & ask to complete some reading materials. I may not be able to help everyone for their translation as they needed. Therefore, if you are traveling to Japan for the first time, I strongly recommend joining the Sashiko Tour with Tanpopo Journey above. If you are comfortable to be alone at some point of the tour in Japan and not interested in sightseeing so much, this is the tour for you (You can, of course, arrange the sightseeing option before & after the workshop. I will help you as much as I can).

The highlight of this tour would be:

A few days Sashiko & Boro workshop with Keiko in Takayama.
A possible Natural Dye Workshop (Not confirmed & still negotiating).
A lot of time in stitching & experiencing.
A longer time to stay in one place – the feeling of living there (less traveling)

Date: About 10 days in September or October in 2022
Price: $5,499 per person, single occupancy (Estimate / We may stay in a house together such as AirBnB).

*If you have signed up for the Sashiko Japan Tour 2020 that I had planned, please expect the same itenary & contents. The price may go up due to the steep inflation, but I will be honest to what we can do.

*If you have trusted me & supported me by letting me to keep the deposit for Sashiko Japan Tour 2020, the deposit can be applied to either tour. Please contact me for the details.

Google Form for me to follow up.

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Sashiko Customer Support | Thank you for your support

04/23/202104/23/2021 atsushijp Leave a comment

It is my sincere hope to support our customers who purchase Sashiko supplies & tools from us. This is a website for Sashiko Customer Support. Since I am a “one-man business”, the support may be a bit slow. However, I will not just ignore your reasonable request. Meanwhile, a lot of questions you may have is already answered. Please check the answers & videos as our Sashiko Customer Support.

Thank you very much for your support. Your feedback is greatly & always Appreciated. (Your review is the best support I can ask for. Please refer the article for “How to Leave a Review” on our website).

(Last Edit: 4/23/2021 – I will continue editing)

FAQ as the initial Sashiko Customer Support

Please check the Q&A for the initial Sashiko Customer Support. Your question is/was someone’s question. There may be a good information available there.

Sashiko Frequently Asked Questions

How to keep Sashiko Thread in a good shape

Our Sashiko Thread is very unique. Please watch a video for “how to keep it in a good shape”. The article is also available here (with captions).

How to keep the stitches even

It is probably the most frequent questions I receive – “How can you keep the stitches so even”. It is challeneing to answer the question in one sentence. However, in order to share the beauty of this technique, I share it in our Sashiko Class (Online / In-person). Please consider taking it. I will make sure that you can stitch in the rhythm – and in the rhythmical stitching, your stitches will be even (automatically & eventually).

If you have already sign-up the class, please check your email box. You should have received the official welcome email with various follow-up & video links. Also, please check this website for the detail information.

How to prepare/handle the fabric I purchase?

The fabric we sell in our store usually do not require the pre-wash to align the fabric before you start stitching. The exception would be when you would use the “very” edge of the fabric for your project. If you would woul to have a great Sashiko stitching within 0.5-inch from the edge, then please soak the fabric into the water & try to align the fabric. (The fabric may be a bit twisted in a process of cutting into pieces).

For the color of the Indigo Fabric, the Indigo Color may come out for the first few times. After stitching, please hand-wash for the first few times without other fabrics to avoid the color transfer. After you confirm no color comes out, you may wash with other clothes. When the thread we offer is used, the Indigo color in the washing water will not change the color of thread.

*The Indigo Fabric I talked here is this one. Some swatches may not breach the color out in washing.

How to wash & dry the fabric

Since they are quite valuable fabric, hand-wash is always recommended. Drying on the table laying down the fabric instead of handging would be better to be kind to the fabric. However, since the fabric is strong, after confirming the color not coming out of the fabric, putting them into the washing machine will not damage the fabric significantly. It isn’t recommended so much, but even a tumble dry with high heat is okay. (I have a Samue – craftman jakect that I made from the Indigo fabric above – I have been washing it in the washing machine & drying it in the dryer… for more than 5 years, and it is still in a good shape).

I want you to care for the fabric. At the same time, Sashiko is the wisdom to make the fabric more durable in these harsh condition. So… “after several hand-wash“, it is okay to mix with other cloth.

*If you purchase the vintage fabric and/or a Jacket made with vintage fabric and Natural Dye Thread, please do not use the washing machine & dryer. It will add the “artificial” damage, and it can end up with destroying the fabric & color.

How to handle the Natural Dye Items?

We carefully hand-dye our Sashiko thread with some Natural Ingredience. The Natural Dye items are very beautiful. However, it isn’t so “strong” as the other mass-produced thread. For example, a spoon of breach “can” white out all of the colors. In order to avoid the unfortunate color change, please read the article below.

The Color Changes in Natural Dye by using it over time. We find it the beauty of Natural Dye. I hope you enjoy it as well.

How to handle Natural Dye Thread & fabric