Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project Cover

Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project

It has been almost 7 years since I had encountered this beautiful project: Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko  Project. I sometimes refer this project as “Otsuchi Sashiko”. The official name for the project is  Otsuchi Recovery (Fukko) Sashiko Project (大槌復興刺し子プロジェクト).

After the earthquake followed by Tsunami on March 11th, 2011, the five volunteers established the project to support the people in Otsuchi, especially those who had nothing to do but sitting in the evacuation shelter. The men had a lot of things to require the muscle power after the disaster. The young generation also had many tasks to revive the infrastructure such as distributing the support goods and clean. However, those who wouldn’t be able to move, mostly elderly women, did not have things to do and had to wait for nothing in the non-private shelter.

Not only the fish (support goods such as food and blankets) but also a fishing rod (a method to make a living).

The project tries to create jobs for those who couldn’t do hard labor outside.

They have been trying to create the community where anyone can gather for the purpose of stitching.

We all then hope that the stitching can be a part of the purposes of their new life after the earthquake.

I, Atsushi, first join the project in June 2011.

Then, visited Otsuchi for an advice on creating a business (creating jobs) in November, then two months in February and March in 2012. Ever since the first day I met the project, I have been thinking what I and Sashiko can do for them.

I had written many articles and reports regarding the Otsuchi Sashiko in English, but I had to give them up when my father passed away and the stakeholders decided to shut down the website. Well, even after the sad reality of me leaving Sashiko behind for while, my mother, Keiko Futatsuya, kept in touch with them. Now, she is the advisor of Sashiko technique and designing in Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project.

I do not find many articles about Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project online in English.

It is my mission to write it down what this amazing and remarkable recovery project is. This is a story of Otsuchi Sashiko throughout my eyes and emotions. The story may be biased a bit, but I believe I am introducing the fact as sincerely and accurately as I can.

Brief History of Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project (OSP)

Otsuchi town was badly damaged by the earthquake followed by Tsunami, including the loss of town hall and the mayor and more than 1,280 of people’s life. The survivors how needed an evacuation shelter by losing their house were more than 9,000 people.

Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project Story 1 Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project Story 2

A role for “mothers” and “grandmothers”

In the evacuation shelter, mothers and grandmothers, who were very much hard worker in their own house as a house-maker, didn’t have anything to do. There were no kitchen to cook, no living room to clean, no dishes to wash. Men and young generation could work for the cleaning debris, but the job required a lot of muscle power. Mothers and Grandmothers couldn’t help them even if they wanted to.

No car to commute. No place to work when a big part of the town is damaged by the Tsunami. The days of ladies in Otsuchi, well known for the hard-workers, had changed drastically.

The answers they had come up with was Sashiko, in which requires only a needle, thread, and piece of fabric. The Sashiko was doable in a limited space of the evacuation shelter. The mothers and grandmothers wanted to do “something” instead of just waiting.

One stitch by one stitch with hopes

An elder woman who lied down all the day in the evacuation shelter. A hard-working mother who lost her house-making job. A young woman who lost their job opportunity. Everyone in Otsuchi moved the needle with hoping the recovery of Otsuchi.
Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko project is their first step to the recovery by women in Otsuchi since June 2011.
The Earthquake destroyed the houses and jobs and took away our previous people. We, as Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project, would like to re-establish the town of Otsuch throughout Sashiko by strengthening, mending, and making it more beautiful.
*Sashiko is a needlework to reinforce, to repair, to mend, and to decorate the fabric. 

A vision of OSP

*Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project = OSP

Toward high-spirited Otsuchi

OSP strives to cheer up people in Otsuchi and related to Otcushi throughout the Sashiko Project.

When a mother, who enjoy Sashiko, is happy, the household will be filled with smiles. If the household is filled with smiles, the town of Otsuchi will be energetic. When the town of Otsuchi become energetic, everyone in the town and related to the town will be happy.

Our goal is to contribute to the recovery of the town of Otsuchi.

Tell the value of Hand-made culture

We strongly respect the value of hand-made craft culture with spending so much time and putting the good-heart in it in the era of “speed” and “efficiency (productivity)” with mass-production and mass-information. “Hand-Made Craft” provide us “Care” and “Mindfulness (Mental Wellness)” by thinking of other, and using our own hands.

We actually perform the handmade craft in every day and tell how previous they are throughout the project

Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project

We also value these 5 categories throughout the OSP activities

Locality (respect to Otsuchi)

OSP rooted the town of Otsuchi, and try out best to contribute to Otsuchi throughout the project.

Particularity about Hand-Stitching

We are particular about providing the hand-stitching items for those who respect the culture of hand-made crafting. We care of customers and try our best to tell the value of hand-made culture.

Encourage the Self Esteem of artisans

We encourage our artisans (Sashiko-san) to build self-esteem of what they do by providing the opportunity to improve their skill and understandings. We also respect each other who enjoy the hand-made crafting (Sashiko)

Aiming the best continuously

We continuously try our best to improve our technique and product, and we strive to provide the best Sashiko product.

Place & Community

We respect the concept of “community”, the place everyone can gather and socialize. We provide the place where Sashiko-san (the artisans) can gagther, even without any purposes, and then the customer would like to visit to meet them.

OSP Facts

Coming soon. (Confirming the lastest numbers with Otsuchi Sashiko for their 10th anniversary)

Purchase / Support the OSP

Purchase Sashiko Items from OSP

You may purchase Sashiko items, such as workman jacket and bags, that OSP provides at the Sashiko Exhibition including the one in the major department stores. You may contact me (Atsushi) if you have a specific item (or an idea of what you would like to purchase) for the detail. I am happy to provide as much information as possible. Not many products are listed online, but I believe I can provide the good amount of information for an online order.

For example, the bag below is about $350.00 in Total. ($300.00 for the bag plus shipping and handling of $50)

You will receive a card signed by the artisan (Sashiko san) who made the bag. Since everything is hand-made by the individual artisans, each item is completely one-of-a-kind.

Support by Donation to Non-Profit Organization

The OSP is managed by the certified Non-Profit Organization, Terra Renaissance.

If you wish to make a donation to the Otsuchi Sashiko, please contact me (Atsushi) for more detail. I will try to translate and connect you to the appropriate individual in the certified NPO Terra Renaissance. 

Support by purchasing the thread for OSP

Keiko and Atsushi Futatsuya have been supporting the Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project by providing the thread (initially free then specially discounted price for the continuously).

Needless to say, Sashiko thread is the key material to make Sashiko products. We have the campaign to ask the general public to purchase the thread for OSP naming “supporting thread” to connect Otsuchi and Takayama (where Keiko is located). If you are interested in this campaign, please contact Atsushi for the detail. (Working on the page for this now.)

Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project Support Thread

More Photos from OSP

Otsuchi Recovery Sashiko Project Title
Photo by t.koshiba
Sashiko Exhibition Report

Sashiko Exhibition Report | May 8th to 12th in 2018

We have been enjoying to have many visitors to our very first Sashiko Exhibition in Tokyo 2018. Keiko, the Sashiko artist, stayed in the gallery on May 8th. She is very happy to meet many people with a passion for Sashiko. The Sashiko Exhibition continues until the Saturday, May 12th, 2018. With many photos which I received from my friends who visited, here is the Sashiko Exhibition Report.

 

So many “One of a Kind” Sashiko

 

One of a factor that makes us an artist is the speed of Sashiko stitching we can make. Every Sashiko is hand-stitched, of course. Every item is One of a kind, and we will not be able to create the exactly the same one. (We will try our best to create the similar one if a customer requested custom order items based on the sold item.)

 

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report 3 Bags
Patchworked Sashiko and Vintage Fabric into one unique and beautiful bags. It is breathtaking to look at so much Sashiko stitching at once.

 

Traditional, Contemporary Sashiko and even Boro.

 

We also displayed some of Keiko’s latest Jackets, from traditional Sashiko, Contemporary Design with Sashiko, and even Boro pieces. We believe some of them are museum quality, but they are all purchasable by a customer. It is because we believe that a Sashiko item will look more beautiful when it is used in the ordinary life. It is very honored to be displayed in a museum, but at the same time, we would like to see our Sashiko items in our human’s life.

Visitors to the Sashiko Exhibition can, of course, touch, feel, and try them on to feel the stitching and its warmth.

 

 

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report Traditional Sashiko
Keiko combines many japanese traditional geometric patterns into one unique pattern. This is very traditional Sashiko jacket with keiko’s design.

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report Core of Sashiko
When we get a good quality and size of Japanese vintage fabric, we always appreciate the people who kept these fabrics. The fabric wasn’t strong enough and had holes to make it one Jacket, but we performed Sashiko and patches to be another Jacket. This is core of Sashiko Stitching
Sashiko Exhibition Report Boro
Boro is the ultimate result of Sashiko stitching. Keiko collected all torn and worn fabrics from the past, and made it one beautiful Jacket. Boro tend to be dirty and smelly, but we try to “recreating the Boro” with following the process that the Japanese a hundred year ago did.

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report Sashiko Jacket
Every Sashiko Jacket, one stitch by one stitch. We are proud of each Sashiko items. They are simply awesome 🙂

 

 

Otsuchi Sashiko Stunning Works

 

The Sashiko Exhibition was co-hosted with Otsuchi Sashiko Project.

It is a recovery project from Northeastern Earthquake in 2011 to support the Tsunami victims throughout Sashiko. Keiko and Atushi has been supporting the project since June 2011. I am planning to write an article about the Otsuchi Sashiko Project with more detail, so please wait for an update.

 

Over the last 6~7 years, the Sashiko skill in Otsuchi Sashiko Project imroved significantly. We are so happy to share their beautiful Sashiko works with our Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya Sashiko works.

 

 

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report Otsuchi Jacket
The Sashiko Jacket that Otsuchi Sashiko made with Keiko’s advise. This became a representable Sashiko art of Otsuchi Sashiko

 

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report Otsuchi Sashiko Bag
Each person (Artisans) in Otsuchi is in charge of completing one drawstring bag. It means, every bags has different stitching size, space, and therefore they are all unique. Knowing who makes the bag is something we would like to pass down

 

 

 

Share this Sashiko Exhibition Report

I am honored to receive many comments that they wish they could visit the show. An international travel isn’t easy to make. However, our goal is to share our Sashiko with as many people as possible. We may be able to visit your country, city, town if someone there could invite us to have Sashiko Exhibition there (also, Sashiko workshop is an option, too)

 

Please share this Sashiko Exhibition Report, and let’s hope that someday we can visit your place. We sincerely would like to share these beautiful works in person. We want you to touch, feel, and enjoy what we create & what we are proud of.

 

Sashiko Exhibition Report Keiko Greeting
Thank you for your time to read this Sashiko Exhibition Report. Keiko and Atsushi are looking forward to meeting you one day.

 

*We keep all the copyrights for the photos and text on this website. Please contact me if you would like to use a photo of Sashiko items on your website, SNS, and printing materials. We are happy to provide with better quality. 

*I plan to update the Sashiko Exhibition Report as needed. This is version as of May 10th 2018.

 

 

 

Judging Your Sashiko

No more Judging Your Sashiko | Atsushi’s Message

I believe you have come to our website to look for the Sashiko Information. The Sashiko information you would like can be an advice on how to do Sashiko appropriately or what is the “right” way to do Sashiko Stitching. I have been receiving many questions regarding “How to do Sashiko”, and I am happy that I have been sharing what I do on Youtube, on this website, and SNS such as Instagram. The comment I made on Youtube Live Streaming on 5/2 was somewhat memorable, and here is my writing about what I truly would like to share throughout Sashiko. No more Judging your Sashiko, and No More Judging what you do.

 

Answers are Important, but no Judging Your Sashiko

I understand that the comprehensive direction (Answers to your questions) in crafting are very important information. Most of the questions start with either “Should I…” or “Is that okay…” for my answers. I try my best to explain what I share is merely an advise but not the answers. However, I also understand that the audience prefers the solid answers than freedom such as “you can do whatever you want.”

 

The website and Youtube videos are for you to find the answers to your questions instead of me giving you the solid answer full of my preferences. Once you get the solid answer, you will start judging your Sashiko with saying “This isn’t beautiful enough….” and “What am I doing wrong….”. The judging yourself is a very critical process to get better in most of the art and crafting. However, I sincerely would like to share that the Sashiko is a process of needlework with caring others, not the process of judging your Sashiko Stitching.

 

A machine does the perfect job. We are human, though

If I only would like to have the perfect Sashiko Stitchings, I may use a machine to make the completely even stitches. Some of the sewing machines have a computer programing built in it, so the result will be perfectly accurate. However, many people enjoy the hand-stitching Sashiko. Why? It is because that the people enjoy not only the result with human-like imperfection but also the process itself.

 

Since we enjoy the actual stitching, I would like you to focus on the caring part than the judging part. I understand that you cannot stop doing it, but I would like you to try that. Instead of judging how uneven the stitches are, I want you to just observe the stitching and move the next line or next project. The result will be great if you keep doing it with appreciating the process.

 

The process of Judging is based on the problem-solving society. It is very important to have a critical-thinking-skill to be “successful” in this society. The successful business person will analyze the situation, find the problem to be improved, then solve it. It is the necessary skill to have in business, but not in Sashiko.

Instead of trying to “fix” the problem, I want you to try “observe” it. In fact, I want you to “keep” observing it. One day, you find that not only your stitching but your mind are pretty well-ordered. This is the mindfulness of “Sashiko” and the “Slow-stitching” I call. The stitching itself doesn’t have to be slow. It is silly to just try to be slow on everything. I just want your right brain (very critical skill) to be slow a bit. At least, when you enjoy Sashiko.

 

When you seek answers, then you will not be mindful.

There isn’t much information you need in Sashiko. Most of them, I already provided in Youtube videos and here. You will find your own answers by being mindful, and that is the Sashiko I would like to develop from the history of Japanese and share in this world.

 

Grey in the middle of Black and White

Sashiko is(was) a very ordinary needlework for Japanese for the ordinary Japanese people. Therefore, culture of Sashiko is strongly related to the Japanese culture and philosophy. I would like to share many similarities of Sashiko and the Japanese culture.

The people in the 21st century, including myself, would like to categorize the “color” either black or white. After categorizing the difference, we tend to label them. In most cases, these categorization ends in dualism, pretty much “Right (Correct)” or “Wrong (Inaccurate)”.

The Japanese didn’t have the strong influence from the dualism. We believe in something in-between, so like “Grey”, to blur the conclusion. Although it isn’t the best attribute in terms of business, I find it very interesting in Sashiko stitching. Most of the questions regarding “Right Sashiko and Wrong Sashiko” comes from Western culture, not from the Japanese.

 

I am not saying you have to follow the Japanese philosophy. What I am trying to say here is that Sashiko is not only about stitching, but also the culture behind it. By introducing the Sashiko’s concept, I believe I can contribute to the Japanese culture, and it is the best thing I can do as a Japanese.

 

*I can think of many other interesting story of Sashiko & Japanese philosophy relationship. I will keep updating this entry. It will be a long one 😀

 

Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018

Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018 | In Kugayama, Japan

We are happy to announce the Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018 with Keiko Futatsuya (Sashi.Co) and Otsuchi Sashiko Project. This is their 2nd Sashiko Exhibition in 2018, followed by the exhibition in Gifu. They will have numbers of Sashiko Jackets, Sashiko Bags, and Natural Dye Sashiko Thread for purchase. If you happen to be in Japan near Tokyo Area, please enjoy our authentic Sashiko works!

 

This is our first year to offer Sashiko exhibition. Following after the Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018, Keiko and I sincerely hope that we can visit other cities to have our Sashiko exhibition to share what we love, what we are proud of, and what we would like to share.

 

The Detail of Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018

 

Date: May 8th to May 12th in 2018

[5/8 (Tuesday) to 5/12 (Saturday) in 2018]

 

Location: GALLERY AI in Kugayama, Tokyo.

Please contact me if you would be able to visit the gallery. I am happy to share the exact location. Everything displayed in the exhibition is subject to purchase. We want a customer to use (wear, carry, display in any daily usage) the Sashiko items, and Sashiko items become more beautiful by being used in the daily life.

 

Some Photos of Sashiko Items

These are only a few samples of what Keiko & Otsuchi Sashiko will display. You may be able to touch the most of our Sashiko Items. For the jacket, you should try it on if you are interested. Again, Sashiko is a form of very “ordinary” stitching developed in Japan. We do not want to make it so fancy, we just would like to enjoy the power of authentic Sashiko.

 

Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018 Jacket.
This is one of the most popular Sashiko Jackets/Ponchos in Keiko’s Collection. We, Keiko, myself, and Otsuchi Sashiko, are the group of Sashiko Professionals. I hope visiters can have a chance to enjoy the master pieces.

 

Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018 Jacket 2
Not only the traditional Sashiko, Keiko will display some of her modern Sashiko Jacket. This jacket is the collaboration of Katazome vintage Fabric with her “free-style” Sashiko Stitching.

 

 

 

Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018 Keiko's Jacket
Keiko will be in Tokyo on 5/7, with wearing something very contemporary & Sashiko Stitches. This best is with Denim fabric and some Sashiko Stitching. Pretty Fashionable, I think.

 

 

I will write a report of two beautiful Sashiko Exhibitions in 2018 1st half. The Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018 will be something we will be something very remarkable. Keiko is very nervous to show up as Sashiko artist in front of visitors since this is her first time! (She was not allowed to mention her name before 2014.) Exciting!!

 

 

 

 

Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop Happy

Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop | May 3rd

May 3rd, 2018. This day became another great milestone on our Sashiko Journey, to learn what we can provide throughout our Sashiko experience. We had a group of Stitchers from Thailand to have Keiko’s Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork workshop in her private space.

I started a Sashiko workshop in late 2016 in the USA. Ever since I started introducing the Sashiko Workshops in English, many people asked me if they can take the Sashiko Workshop when they travel to Japan. Some inquires got fade out, some couldn’t fit their schedule, and some could make it happen with their passion & luck. Some people even travel for 5 hours only to take Keiko’s workshop.

It is our surprise, hand big honor to be respected this amount.

 

Regardless of my belief in Keiko’s ability and talent, I always worried (and still worry) about the language barrier. However, every time Keiko has a workshop, the happy faces surprised me that my worry regarding language isn’t the big obstacle in sharing Sashiko stitching.

 

Here, with participants’ permission, let me share happy faces with their brilliant result of a day-long workshop for Boro-Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop.

 

Happy Faces with their Beautiful Sashiko

Thank you very much for sharing these beautiful photos. The Boro inspired fabric is done by each participant. They are all unique and so beautiful.

 

 

Boro Sashiko Workshop in Japan _2

Boro Sashiko Workshop in Japan _3

Boro Sashiko Workshop in Japan _4

Boro Sashiko Workshop in Japan _5

Boro Sashiko Workshop in Japan _6

Boro Sashiko Workshop in Japan _1

 

 

The detail of Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop

 

In Japan, we do not offer the Boro & Sashiko workshop regularly. The workshops are only available by privately arranged and appointed. Please read the article about “Customize Sashiko Workshop in Japan” and contact me for setting up the workshop to meet your preference & expectation.

 

This workshop was a whole day workshop, starting at 9 until the dinner time. The participants will finish their projects to make it a Tote-bag. We provide enough materials to do so. The result is simply amazing, and we are so glad to have many happy faces. The contents of Sashiko related workshops are independently different. It means that I will modify the content of workshop by hearing your preferences and experience.

When you are serious, please feel free to contact Atsushi for the arrangement.

 

Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop All

 

 

Please be advised for maximizing the workshop experience here.

Keiko will show you how to use thimble, needle, and do Sashiko workshop. However, there is a slight possibility that the language barrier causes the frustration. I will do everything I can do to follow up, but please consider to take Atsushi’s Sashiko Workshops in advance, if possible. You do not need to know how to use a needle and thimble in our Sashiko method. However, we strongly recommend you having the basic needlework skill.

 

Boro and Sashiko. Share the fun and beauty

 

This Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop taught me, again, how beautiful the Sashiko and Boro piece can be. 7 participants made 7 completely unique Boro-inspired patchworks. All of them are so beautiful and precious.

It is all about preferences. Not being right or wrong.

When we stop judging others, and most importantly ourselves, we can enjoy our life more and more.

 

This is the Boro and Sashiko we love.

 

Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop 33

Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop 22

 

 

*The Japanese article can be found https://sashico.com/

 

Shop Sashiko Thread

Shop Sashiko Thread | Get the best for Sashiko

Are you looking for Sashiko Thread? You got to the perfect place to Shop Sashiko Thread. We offer a variety of Sashiko thread including variegated colored and natural dyed.

 

All of the thread is made in Japan, from cotton 100%, with some unique twist for the best result of Sashiko Stitching. These are the best Sashiko stitching, and we can say out loud based on our 30+ years of experience in Sashiko field. We use these thread for our Sashiko practice.

 

Check All of the thread on Storefront

 

Coron Manufacture & Sashi.Co (Keiko Futatsuya)

 

Shop Sashiko Thread Indigo

 

Coron is a long-established company specialized in thread manufacture in Japan. We have been enjoying their thread more than 30 years. We are in love with their thread, and we strive to contribute to their thread manufacturing. Introducing their thread is one of my activities to “pass down” Sashiko to the next generation. Without good Sashiko thread, the Sashiko cannot be as beautiful as it is right now.

 

We also try natural colors from Botanical Dyes.

Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya has been successfully producing many natural colors with Madders, Logwood, and other botanical dye materials. It has the same quality of materials and the same great twist for the Sashiko stitching.

 

Please give a shot to use these Sashiko threads.

I guarantee that you will be in love with these threads. They will make your Sashiko stitching more beautiful, more rewarding.

 

 

Shop Sashiko Thread wisely

 

Since Sashiko is getting popular, you can find many Sashiko threads available in the market. Make sure to be a smart customer there. You can shop Sashiko thread wisely in two perspectives.

 

1. Choose the best quality and purpose

The core concept of Sashiko is to mend, repair, and repurpose the fabric. Therefore, if you have a thread already, you do not need to buy the new one. However, if you are ready to purchase the new skein of thread, make sure that you get “Sashiko” thread. The Sashiko thread with the best quality will make your stitching last longer and will improve your stitching. Some of the thread is cheap, and some are the other sides. For example, our thread price range is from $12.00 to $30.00. Sounds a bit expensive? Some of the threads are expensive because of Natural Dye such as Indigo or Kakishibu.

However, the thread length is 145 meter. Yes. 145 meter.

I didn’t use up the whole skein even after stitching the entire denim jeans pants. It is how big of an amount for the skein of thread,

 

2. Know who you are buying from

 

Since Sashiko is getting popular, many dealers are jumping into the market regardless of its small size.

Let’s say, if you purchase a skein of Sashiko thread from a non-Sashiko related dealer, you may save a few quarters. There are many markets places that the many kinds of dealers are competing for the attention. However, these non-Sashiko related dealers will not provide you the advice or information regarding Sashiko. They are merely moving a product from left to right.

 

If this is a market in mass production and mass consumption, then I would understand that the principal of capitalism and fair business rules: the cheaper the better.

I would say, for Sashiko, it is more like “how to preserve culture” aspect instead of making the profit for the capitalists.

 

Please be part of the upcycling movement by choosing the good products from a seller who sells not only the product but also the culture behind it.

 

 

Related Articles regarding Sashiko Thread

 

Sashiko Thread is the VERY important factor to make the beautiful Sashiko stitching.

I had had some inquiries about my tutorials that it didn’t work out. The problem can be solved by getting the thread I introduce. Sometimes, the non-Sashiko thread will not do what I share like Kasane or running stitching.

 

I will keep writing about the benefit of using Sashiko Thread.

Meanwhile, please let me know if you have any questions in Shop Sashiko Thread here.

 

A Sashiko Thread Secret | Reward your time

Why you want to Buy Sashiko Thread from us

Sashiko Thread Difference | What is so different

Correct Sashiko Wrong Sashiko

Correct Sashiko Wrong Sashiko

Are you seeking for “Correct” Sashiko? It is one of the most popular questions on this website. Is my Sashiko correct or wrong? Here is my answer to the long-discussed topic: Correct Sashiko Wrong Sashiko.

 

About Rules and regulation in Sashiko

I wrote an article about rules and regulations in Sashiko.

There isn’t such a thing as Rules and Regulations in Sashiko. 

 

I am sorry for saying it, but there isn’t because Sashiko was (is)  too ordinary to Japanese. I understand the human prefer the solid answer than unregulated information. It is always easier to follow rules and manuals than starting from scratch.

 

The key of Sashiko is to enjoy hand-stitching and appreciate the fabric.

As long as you are following those concepts, I respect you as a Sashiko practitioner. There are techniques, advice, and hints to make Sashiko beautiful and efficient. However, it is not a form of rules telling you “What to do and what not to do.”

 

An Analogy to Correct Sashiko Wrong Sashiko discussion

 

Again. I understand that you prefer to have sort of rules to clarify your question of Correct Sashiko Wrong Sashiko. “Do whatever you want” is not a great approach in a process of learning something new. Therefore, I have many tutorials to share how “I” enjoy Sashiko and creates so many Sashiko items in a limited time. I would like to, however, avoid mentioning what is Correct and what is wrong. There is Sashiko I like and Sashiko I do not like. Would it make sense a bit more?

 

Pizza in American culture would be a good analogy for my understanding of Sashiko.

 

There are many kinds of Pizza in the United States, and in the world.

There is a Italian style Pizza, Chicago Style Pizza, New York Style Pizza, Frozen Pizza to Delivery Pizza. More and more.

Can you define which is “Correct Pizza” and “Wrong Pizza”? Please do not say that a Frozen Pizza is not a Pizza. I understand that people have the preference. Some people prefer deep dish Chicago pizza, and the other people may like cheap junky taste pizza.

 

Pizza is too ordinary for us to categorize what is Pizza and NOT.

Sashiko is(was) like this Pizza for the Japanese in the past. The ordinary Japanese, especially those who were in the poor region, performed Sashiko and each village, each family in the village, each family member in the family, had their original Sashiko.

 

Sashiko is merely a form of stitching

Sashiko Art items are so beautiful. I agree with that.

The people found the beauty in the repetitive stitching and its simplicity. They found the value in the concept behind Sashiko and its products such as Boro.

 

However, Sashiko is merely a form of stitching.

It is free to collaborate with any other textile culture, Art, and anything you can think of. For that matter, the reader of this article has more possibility than I do because my imagination in Sashiko is very limited to the traditional (and sometimes referred authentic) Sashiko.

 

I sincerely believe that Keiko (Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya) is a genius in Sashiko field.

Regardless of her 30+ years of experience in Sashiko field, she can create something new with the concept of Sashiko & its technique. If you are wondering what Sashiko is… and concerened with the discussion of Correct Sashiko Wrong Sashiko, please visit Keiko for her Sashiko items. They will clear all of the questions and motivate you to enjoy Sashiko more and more.

 

 

Correct Sashiko Wrong Sashiko
Indigo Sashiko Stitching + Kakishibu (Persimmon Tannnin) Dye Fabric.

 

The previous article about Sashiko Rules.

Sashiko Rules | Right & Wrong in Sashiko Stitching?

Spring Sashiko Sale 2018

Spring Sashiko Sale 2018 | Only a few days!

Here is a great deal as Spring Sashiko Sale 2018.

As you may have noticed, we do not offer much sales discount in a year. I am offering this Spring Sashiko Sale 2018 because I will not be able to make a package for the weekend of 4/20 ~ 4/22. All the orders I receive after the noon of 4/19 will be shipped on either 4/23 or 4/24. Instead of saying just “Thank you for your understanding!”, I decided to offer the discount.

 

Deal of Spring Sashiko Sale 2018

It is already started. The qualified items are already discounted. The deal will end on Monday 4/23. There is no requirement to participate in this sales as long as a customer understand these conditions.

  • The order, which is placed after the noon of 4/19, will be shipped on 4/23 or 4/24.
  • I have a plenty of inventory. However, in case of running short in inventory, I may ask you to wait for extra time or cancel the order.

This is my first time to offer the deal on this website.

I believe that the result will not be significant to the other “Big Sales” we get used to. However, just in case, I would like to mention that I will process the order in “first come first serve” based.

 

Several Events while I am in NYC

The reason I will not be able to process the order over the weekend of 4/20 ~ 4/22 is that I am traveling to NYC & Brooklyn. The regular Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic) is already full, but there are more events I will be joining.

 

Friday, April 20th | Tinted by Nature & Sashiko Items.

Some of our Sashiko items will be exhibited for purchase in the gallery, GGrippo art+design in Brooklyn.

The opening reception is opened to the public, and I will be there at 6 pm as well. It is a great opportunity to meet many artists who are passionate about Natural Dye. I hope to see you there. Let me know if you come to the reception by reading this article!

Address: 174 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY.

 

 

Tinted by Nature

 

Saturday, April 21st

GGrippo art+design hosts my Sashiko Workshop (with Zen & Mindfulness topics) in their exclusive studio.

It starts at 4 pm. It will be pretty similar to the regular Sashiko stitching workshop. Check out the information!

Spring Sashiko Sale 2018 Workshop

Sunday, April 22nd

This is an offer for those who graduated our Sashiko Stitching Workshop.

We have a Sashiko Gathering, where the participants can get together and share their Sashiko work, and stitch together. A lot of items will be included to motivate & encourage them to keep enjoying Sashiko. Please consider to join us on Sunday morning, starting at 9:45 in Tribeca.

Sashiko Gathering!

 

 

More to come. Now, enjoy the Spring Sashiko Sale 2018.

I have more updates coming up such as Online Sashiko Workshop and so on. Since I am doing this by myself, it takes a bit of time to catch up everything going on around me. While I sort things nicely and neat, please enjoy a discount on Sashiko Thread & some of our Sashiko supplies.

 

Thank you for your loyalty & Enjoy Sashiko!

 

Why loops in Sashiko Running Stitching

Why loops in Sashiko Running Stitching

I have received many questions in my Youtube Videos when I make loops at the corners I change the direction in stitching. I understand the question, and this is my answer to “Why loops in Sashiko Running Stitching”.

A sample video with loops in Sashiko Running Stitching is:

Archive From Live Streeaming

[Updated – Shorter Version of the Explanation of Why Loop]

Why loops in Sashiko Running Stitching?

The answer is kind of simple. “Just in Case.

Sashiko is not only about stitching as a movement of the needle using a thimble. It is about making beautiful stitches with the purpose of strengthening the fabric. In order to have beautiful stitches, you need to perform “Itokoki” everytime you pull the needle through the fabric.

Itokoki is a movement of smoothing the stitches by pulling the fabric and pressuring the stitches (thread) using fingers. I may say, “you need to smooth the fabric” in the video, but I realize that it may not be 100% accurate translation. I will start using the word “Itokoki”

A Sample of Itokoki

First, you will make stitching like this. If you do not perform running stitch, there is no need for both Itokoki and loops.

Sashiko Itokoki

After pulling the needle out, the stitches will look like this. In order to smooth this bumpy stitches, we need to pressure the fabric and stitches together. The movement of smoothing the fabric and stitches are called “Itokoki.”

Sashiko Itokoki 2

When we do not perform enough Itokoki, then the stitches on the front side will look tensed. As much as we try our best to avoid it, we sometimes make mistake. The loop is for those “just in case”. When we have a loop at the corner, this kind of error can be fixed easily.

Sashiko Itokoki 3

Regardless of the importance of Itokoki, it is very difficult to perform the perfect work.

Since it is “outside of the Sashiko stitching rhythm,” we tend to move to the next stitching without performing it perfectly. In order to avoid re-doing a lot of work, I tend to leave the extra thread on the fabric. It happens to be a shape of the loop, but it is just a thread leftover for “just in case”.

When I make loops

Here are the cases I often make loops. It can be a good project example for “Why loops in Sashiko Running Stitching”

1. A project which has the lining/back fabric.

Sashiko is originally developed as a needlework (technique) to use single layer fabric, both front and back, as the finished side. Therefore, we do not make knots when starting and ending the stitching. However, when we have a plan to put the linning or back fabric on the back side of the single layer of fabric, it is perfectly fine to make the side messy. In these cases, I actually recommend having some loops so we can fix the errors.

2. denim or thick fabric.

Even when you do not plan to put the linning or back fabric, if you plan to not to show the side, I also recommend leaving some loops, just in case.

Especially when I work on the denim, I try to leave small loops so the denim fabric can either stretch or shrink. The small loop will not affect the feeling. However, do not leave the big loops that the toes may stuck at the back side of Denim.

As I mentioned above, some Sashiko projects require both sides to be beautiful.

When I do not differentiate front and back, making loops (leaving extra thread) will not be appropriate.

Do I need a loop in Sashiko, then?

The answer is “No”.

If you prefer to avoid making loops, I have no objection to that. The idea of making loops is merely a wisdom in Sashiko stitching. If I were very careful and attentive, I would not want to make loops. However, I would rather keep some loops than fixing the errors by re-doing everything.

This was my answer to the question of “Why loops in Sashiko Running Stitching?”

Sashiko is as free (&creative) as you can imagine.

Enjoy the process, and be proud of the result. The loops are okay in between fabrics, or back side of denim (hidden).

Tinted by Nature

Tinted by Nature | Joining an exhibition in Brooklyn

We are honored to be part of the exhibition “Tinted by Nature” curation of naturally dyed Sashiko thread and Sashiko items. The exhibition is curated by GGrippo art+studio.


On show from
April 20 – June 10.
Brooklyn, New York
GGrippo gallery, 174 Grand st, Brooklyn.

Atsushi will be joining the opening ceremony on 4/20 at 6 pm. Exciting to meet you & see you all.
.

Tinted by Nature

 

The first exhibition for us | Tinted by Nature

This is our very first participation in the curated exhibition in the USA. We are so happy that GGrippo found us, and being a part of this great exhibition. The colors from Nature (natural dye) are something beyond the words. I always try to express how stunning the colors are, but looking at them with your eyes will make a big difference. I hope to see you & meet you at the opening ceremony on 4/20.

 

Sashiko Workshop in GGrippo art+studio

 

On 4/21, I have a plan to offer the Sashiko Workshop in GGrippo art+studio in Brooklyn.

The content of the workshop is very similar to what I usually offer as “Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic)”. In addition to share the Sashiko technique how to use a thimble and a needle, I will talk about the beauty of Natural Colors in Sashiko. I will also talk about how Sashiko can affect the way of thinking throughout “mindfulness.” The stitching and color from Nature can be very mind-soothing activity. 

 

Please find the details here and purchase your seat.

Registration Page for Sashiko Stitching Workshop in GGrippo on 4/21 at 4 pm. 

 

 

Touch, feel, and enjoy our Sashiko items

Some of our Sashiko items with Natural Dyed thread and vintage fabric will be displayed in the exhibition. They are also available for purchase. Sashiko Bags and Sashiko Cushion Covers will be welcoming you to touch, feel and enjoy the actual Sashiko stitching. Everything is done by hand, and every item is “one of a kind” Sashiko items.

 

Tinted by Nature Sashiko Bag