Category: Upcycle

Cover Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2020

Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2020

atsushijp 3 Comments

As I had announced in 2019, I plan to focus on my creative activities (Sashiko stitching) in 2020. Therefore, I may end up offering fewer workshop opportunities in comparison to the last year. However, I will do my best to meet the passionate expectations from the personnel/organization who would like to share the Sashiko with me. Please check the Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2020 below.

Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2020

Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2020

Loop of the Loom, Manhattan/Brooklyn, NYC

Please check the detail here. It is an honor to come back to the beautiful Saori weaving studio in NYC.

Sashiko Workshop in Lewisburg, PA

I received a request to arrange the workshop in Lewisburg on either Thursday or Friday starting at 9 am (for 4 hours or so) in April or May. Please contact me if you are interested with the specific date you prefer. I am happy to arrange one for you. This is the most reasonable & easiest workshop you can join if you do not mind traveling to Lewisburg, PA.

Detail of Sashiko Stitching Workshop in Lewisburg

*Please check the option of “Wait for others to join” – which can be as low as $175.00 USD.

QuiltCon 2020 in Austin, Texas

For the participants of Sashiko Mastery Class in QuiltCon 2020, please check this article before your trip to Austin. If you wish to be on the waiting list, please contact the QuiltCon Admin.

Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2021

  • A workshop is in the planning phase in the State of Florida in Winter-Spring time.

The other opportunities to take our Workshops

In order to offer a workshop in a big city, I need to have 2 factors ready. (1) A good amount of preparation time, and (2) A very understanding organizer for the workshop. I would like to spend a bit more time in my own Sashiko stitching instead of preparing & advertising. However, there is a way to make both (1) and (2) happen simultaneously without much hassle. It is (1) Sashiko Workshop in Central PA visiting your group and/or (2) Sashiko Workshop where I live.

Sashiko Workshop in the Central PA

When you have a group of people and live in somewhere close to Central PA (Zip Code: 17837), inviting me to your place to offer the workshop is a great choice. Since there is no hassle for advertisement and arranging the participants, I am happy to travel to your place and offer the workshop. Please read the detail of what I offer from this (semi) private workshop details.

Visiting me for the Sashiko Workshop

I am happy to offer a private workshop for you if you would like to visit me at Central PA (Zip Code: 17837). I may be able to open up my house for the workshop (if a group is small), or we can talk about the venue for your group.

If you are alone, and worrying about the fee, I can try to advertise the workshop to make it a “Semi-private” workshop so that you can split the fee. For more details, please check the article about (Semi) private workshop details.

Online Sashiko Class

This is a Sashiko Stitched Denim done by one of the Online Sashiko Class Participants. You can do it as well.

Is it too far to visit Pennsylvania? Please consider taking the Online Sashiko Class. I developed this online course to deliver the exact same experience for those who cannot join the in-person workshop.

Yes, I agree that the In-Person workshop is more attractive than the Online Sashiko Class. I wish I could travel to all of the cities where there are people who would like to learn Sashiko. Instead of traveling, I spent so much energy and effort to build this Online Sashiko Class and will continuously spend more time in it to follow up on your Sashiko learning.

With receiving many numbers of feedbacks from the participants of the Online Sashiko Class, I am confident that I can deliver the same contents of the In-person workshop.

Sashiko is a form of Stitching, but more than a trend.

Sashiko is a simple form of hand-stitching. However, there is a lot more to share & appreciate. I hope you would try to learn Sashiko from us.

Sashiko Fukubukuro

Sashiko Fukubukuro (福袋)

atsushijp 4 Comments

Fukubukuro (福袋) is an interesting Japanese custom to celebrate the new year with hoping for the wealth of the year. It originated to the idea of “Ebisu Bag” from a big textile (Kimono) merchandise start selling their Kimono swatches to their customers. Later, the Japanese changed its style, and we know Fukubukuro as a lucky bag (or a blind bag with fortune). It was such a great offer in 2019 to introduce this idea of Sashiko Fukubukuro. Although there isn’t much relationship with Sashiko, I would like to continue this offer, Sashiko Fukubukuro, in 2020 as well.

Sashiko Fukubukuro (福袋）

Once a year, celebrating the coming year from both customer & supplier sides. A customer gets a happy bag(s) full of items, and a supplier wishes for the best luck in the welcoming year. To do so, the bag contains goods above the purchase price. It is not a sale promotion or discount, but by celebrating (combining as a lucky bag – Sashiko Fukubukuro), the customer will get a good deal. (You may know we rarely offer discount codes – no Black Friday or Memorial Day Sale in this website).

The Detail – Sashiko Fukubukuro

A. Keiko Thread Bag 2020

This “A Keiko Bag” will have at least 7 skeins of Sashiko thread that we use every day. It will include at least 3 Naturally Dyed Sashiko thread, hand-dyed by Keiko, and more beautiful color Sashiko thread.

We will pick up the colors. The possible colors you will get are the following:

*The total retail value will be no less than $145.00.

As you may know already, we rarely offer the sales deal. I hope you can enjoy this Fukubukuro to try out our beautiful & the highest quality Sashiko Thread.

B. Azu Sashiko Bag 2020

The “B. Azu Bag” will include Sashiko related items for anyone to start & maximize their Sashiko experience.

The items (contents) will be selected randomly. Please check the list of the possible items you may expect to receive below (Please understand that it will NOT contain everything I mention here. I will choose items from this list).

I will make sure to meet your expectations and exceed the item’s value. My goal is to encourage people to start & continue enjoying Sashiko. If you are a beginner, please mention it in the comment box at the checkout. Please contact me if you have any questions before the purchase.

A possible item list of B. Azu Fukubukuro

The contents will be randomly selected by these.

  • Sashiko Needles
  • Sashiko Thimble(s)
  • A few skeins of Sashiko thread | more than $35 in value
  • Fabric for Sashiko (Manufactured in Japan) | more than $20 in Value
  • Fabric made in Japan
  • Small Vintage Fabric swatch for trial
  • A chalk pencil/marking tool
  • A Pin Cushion
  • Sewing tools
  • A grip scissors

The price for the “B. Azu Bag” is $120.20 with USPS the US domestic shipping fee included.

Terms and Conditions for Sashiko Fukubukuro

Please read the terms of “Sashiko Fukubukuro” service before you complete the order. It is based on the concept of “blind bag” and “lucky bag”. Therefore, we will not accept any returns or claims of the contents you receive. We will do our best to exceed your expectations in terms of values of contents. 

  • The Bags will be sold between January 2nd around 8 pm in EST to January 26th. The sales continue while the supply last, and it may be ended before the final date.
  • The shipping will be made accordingly to the order. However, unlike the other regular orders which we usually ship in 1 business day, the Sashiko Fukubukuro order will take longer than that (Please expect a week to 2 weeks to be shipped). Regardless, all of the orders will be shipped before the end of January.
  • We will not accept any return or cancel after the shipment. If you would like to cancel the order, please let us know as soon as possible. 
  • The Sashiko Fukubukuro Bag may contain an item without original packaging. We will re-package and will send them in a nice condition.
  • The item may be an item that was “returned” as the sellable condition. No second-hand item will be included (besides the vintage fabric).
  • The Sashiko Fukubukuro (2020) include the US Domestic shipping fee. You may purchase one with the extra shipping fee. Depends on the shipping address, the package may be shipped from Japan. Keiko is preparing for the Sashiko Fukubukuro – international version. Please consider one there as well.

*All the photos are the sample contents. Colors and items insides are subject to change, but the photo explains what you can expect to get.

Happy New Year!!

*日本在住の方の福袋はこちらから。

Sashiko Store Nightmare Cover

Sashiko Store Nightmare | a missing package Log

atsushijp 2 Comments

It has been almost 3 years since we have started the Online Store. Thanks to many understanding customers, we have completed hundreds of orders in the last 3 years. However, in this fall (October), a nightmare of all online business managers (I called it Sashiko Store Nightmare) finally happened to me as well…, it is a case of “tracking says ‘delivered’ yet the package is not actually delivered to the customer”, over international shipping. This is a log of how we handle this unfortunate accident.

*We had once (only once!) had a case of a missing package with a tracking record of “delivery” over domestic USPS shipping. It was also a sad and unfortunate experience, but the domestic is simpler because there is only one carrier to file a claim to. The customer was very understanding, and therefore I forgot about how scary the “missing package” can be.

You will get what you order

First of all, we will do everything we can think of to get you what you ordered. Please take a moment to read through our shipping policy, if you haven’t yet.

Shipping Information & Policy

Although it is true in the article, “please understand that the missing & miss-delivered & stolen package after the package get into the Post Office System is out of our control”, we will not give up even if no carriers can resolve the issue. In the worst-case scenario, if the product is from the supply category (which something we can re-prepare), we will make another package for the 2nd attempt.

It is an unfortunate accident

The missing package with a tracking record of “delivered (completion of the carrier’s service)” is the worst-case scenario for the online shopper. It is the accident, or possibly a crime if the package was stolen.

Therefore, please understand that it is very important to take the proper step to file a claim, keep the records of what is going on, and how we can resolve it “together”. We are very sorry for any inconvenience due to the accident and sorry for the frustration of taking a long time to get a package. However, we as a seller are also a victim in this unfortunate accident.

If we are a big company like Amazon, then resending another package right away may be economically viable. For a big company, issuing a refund may be a much easier option to keep a customer happy. However, we cannot operate our business with the same logic as the other big company. Again, we will do our very best to resolve the issue.

How we concluded | Sashiko Store Nightmare Log

Here is a log of how we handled the unfortunate accident. We cannot expedite the process of Post Office Investigation or actual shipping. Therefore, we did our best to make a reply as soon as possible, even over the weekends. It was an international package from Japan via Japan Post with a help from Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya.

Sep.27th – Order Confirmed

Sep.28th – Package Posted via Japan Post

Oct.6th – Arrival at inward office of exchange (International)

Oct.14 – Final Delivery

Oct. 14 – Message from a customer that package “Not Delivered”.

Oct.14 – Reply from me with directions. Questions to understand the situation better.

Oct.16- File Claimed Local Post Office in Japan. (Although the person told me there is nothing they can do because their service is completed by the Final Delivery. I had asked to bring it to the upper position for the better

Oct.18 – Another update from the customer with confirming no mis-deilvery to the neighbors, no delivery person’s error (he didn’t see the package). Replied with another request to file a claim to the Local Post office for whereabout.

Oct. 22 – Second reply that there is nothing Japan Post can do.

Oct. 22 – The replacement package

Oct. 23 – The package is accepted to the Japan Post

Nov. 8 – Package arrival notification from the Japan Post System

Nov. 11 – Received confirmation from the customer.

It is not easy to deliver a package Internationally

This long process wouldn’t be necessary if this was domestic shipping, which means if the shipping address was within the USA or Japan.

Over the Internet, it became so much easier to purchase an item without visiting a store. On top of that, because of Amazon, we expect the package to be delivered within 2 days or so “no matter what”. However, with a small-sized business like us, it is a big deal to make international shipping. Please understand that international shipping can take a long time – and sometimes, it is risky to order one. We promise to deliver what you order, but we cannot promise “when” to be delivered. There is so many risk factor to guarantee the delivery date – missing package, rerouting the package, customs, and many more.

We are willing to continue the International shipping. However, please be advised that it “can” take a long time to complete the delivery. Please take your time to read our shipping policy.

We do ship Internationally.

Again, regardless of the risks (Sashiko Store Nightmare), we are willing to make a shipment to oversea address. It is our goal to share the Sashiko we practice. In order to achieve the goal, providing the materials and tools we use every day is very necessary. Since our business model doesn’t allow to have the “distributor”, the website is only one way to introduce what we use.

If you are ordering from the non-USA or Non-Japanese shipping address, please understand that there are risks of receiving packages a month or 2 months from the order day.

Alternatively, we offer an option to expedite all of the steps by upgrading the shipping method to “Express”. If your order is a time-sensitive package, please consider investing in the shipping (it will be like $40 more for only shipping). As I promised above, I will make sure & do our best that you will get the package regardless of shipping grade. However, please, please understand that it is outside of our effort, and it will take a long time to resolve it.

*Even the most expensive Express mail can be delayed due to the custom. We cannot control the custom at all, and we all should follow the law of each country.

Footnote of Sashiko Store Nightmare:

After we hear from the customer with receiving the package, we have asked them to revise the “review” on our services (it was on the product review category). Although we have not received the revisal yet, unfortunately, we wanted to inform everyone that Customer Support is very important to us and we will do everything we can think of.

I hope you can enjoy shopping with us without worrying about the shipment. Although we are not Amazon, which guarantees everything regardless of the condition, we will do everything we can think of. If you are in a hurry of receiving the order, please consider upgrading the shipping method as well.

Sashiko Creation Year　Cover

Sashiko Creation Year | Toward 2020

atsushijp 4 Comments

It has been almost 3 years since the day I had offered the first Sashiko workshop in the United States. I cannot believe how fast time fly. Here, I would like to share what I am feeling as of now toward the year 2020. It is not a plan, just my feeling. So, your feedback would be appreciated to reform what I plan to do in 2020. My hope is to make 2020 for the year of “Sashiko Creation Year”.

1. Workshop Continue, but less in NYC

I continue offering Sashiko Workshops. The Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic) is the best way to share the Sashiko we practice. I had met many Sashiko friends there, and it is the biggest activity I do throughout the year. In 2020, however, I plan to offer fewer workshops in NYC. Instead, I will be more open to an individuals/organization who can arrange the workshop on behalf of me anywhere in the U.S. 

As the year of 2019, the same workshop in Lewisburg (PA) and Online Sashiko Class will be available throughout the year of 2020. The contents are the same, just different locations and different media.

The Online Sashiko Class is one of the biggest achievements I have accomplished in 2019. I will keep improving the content in 2020. The special coupon for the Online Sashiko Class will be expired at the end of 2019, so please register your course before the end of 2019.

2. Focusing on Creation & Story-telling

Another big shift I made in 2019 (besides offering the workshop online) is the online platform where I can feel safe in sharing my honest insights. I publish fewer articles here on upcyclestitches.com as well as on SNS account. Instead, I make myself to publish at least 10 articles every month on Patreon Platform.

Sashiko is not only about the stitching techniques. There are hundreds (thousands) of stories I would like to share. I would continue this “story-telling” activities in 2020, and hopefully, I can summarize them into one book or something at the end of 2020, with more than 100 articles on Patreon. Your support there would be very much appreciated.

And, I wouldn’t want to forget about “Creation”.

I decided to take time off from “teaching & offering workshop” over the summer of 2019. (Although I end up spending time on replying over Social Media posts), it was fun to focus on creation again. As much as I love sharing Sashiko, I would like to have a certain amount of time for my personal creation. I will try to balance my work as well as actual creativity.

3. Following up the current followers rather than expanding

Many people advise me that it is time (the year) to take a risk. Sashiko is getting very popular, and many people would like to learn what I share. I could probably arrange a tour to visit cities all over the world with teaching Sashiko.

Some advise me that I should hire someone to accerate what I do. A famous proverb says: “strike while the iron is hot (Make use of an opportunity immediately)”

I agree with their advice. Their advice is very articulate and precise.

If my goal is to make a good wealth (being rich) by sharing Sashiko and expanding a community of Sashiko, then it is my time to accept any offers I would receive from anyone. Sashiko is now in the trend. While many other hand-crafting suffers from its lack of trend, I may be too fool to not to ride on this trend.

However, I would choose to focus on the “follow-up” to the current followers (friends who took my workshops) rather than expanding to the new audience. Please do not misunderstand what I am saying here though. I would LOVE to meet the new people who can share the passion for Sashiko. What I am saying here is that I would like to focus on what I can do instead of jumping high to “try” to catch something.

I will be available for the workshop in Lewisburg (PA) or Online Sashiko Class. The gate for the newcomers, who wish to come across to meet me now, is always open. It would be great if you could understand like this: that I feel a priority of supporting the people in current community. You are welcome to join there anytime you are willing to.

*My point is “willingness”. I do not want to “sell” what I am proud of for those who would like to ride “a quick trend” with less interest in the cultural perspective. By taking the risk, the priority needs to change. I probably won’t do that in 2020.

Toward the Sashiko Creation Year

Believe or not, I (Atsushi) am in charge of pretty much everything that we offer. Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya (Weblink in Japanese) is my mother’s project, and Keiko and I are the 2 main individuals to keep things moving forward with a lot of help from our friends in Japan.

Keiko and her friends in Japan are in charge of main production. What we share online with photos is mainly what they make. My job is to introduce them to rich stories as possible.

The solution would be asking someone to do part of what I do. However, Sharing Sashiko-stories is something only I can do. For the orders, I would like to make a package by myself with sincere appreciation for choosing us. I would need to train someone to the level of “caring”.

So, as a result, in order to keep the standard of what we do, we will not change the situation. Instead, I will slow-down myself to have some time for the creation time. It may be a crazy idea to slow down a project when the need is high… yet I would like to make sure the quality of what I deliver.

Money is merely a tool for us. It is very important to gain the profit to achieve what we want to do. However, if we have to change our values (mindset) to gain only money (be greedy to money more than we need), then I am putting the cart before the horse
(misplacing one’s priorities).

I will do everything I can to share the Sashiko better, wider and more mindfully. The year 2020 will be a beautiful year for me and you with many Sashiko creations. The year of Sashiko Creation Year.

Sashiko Creation Year Dag

Sashiko Class in Japan

Sashiko Class in Japan | Visiting us to Japan

atsushijp 5 Comments

We receive many inquiries about the Sashiko Class/Workshop in Japan. We only offer a Sashiko Class in Japan for those who took Atsushi’ Sashiko Workshop either In-person or Online. If you do not speak Japanese fluently and want to take a Sashiko Workshop offered by Keiko Futatsuya, please take Atsushi’s workshop first. The Online Workshop is available for anyone, anywhere in the world (wherever the Japan post deliver the package to).

If you are fluent in Japanese, or a native Japanese, please find the detail on our Japanese website. Keiko occasionally offers a Sashiko class in Japan. You may organize the workshop after taking Atsushi’s Sashiko Class in Japanese as well.

VIsiting us to Japan

As much as we enjoy offering the workshop, we understand that there is a need for just a simple visit to Keiko for the purpose of enjoying her beautiful Sashiko pieces, and probably for the purpose of purchasing her Sashiko supplies directly from her.

However, we have a storefront (physical store or studio) neither in Japan nor the US. Keiko will open up her private house to show her collection and supplies when we can make an appointment together. It requires scheduling and a lot of preparation. We used to accommodate all of the requests to make an appointment with Keiko without any fee or agreement. However, after some sad experiences, we are setting up a condition to set up a date for the appointment.

So, please check the agreement for making the appointment to visit Keiko. If you plan to have a workshop with Keiko, there is no need to worry about it.

Agreement for making an appointment

You may contact Atsushi via email for making an appointment with Keiko for sharing her Sashiko piece and/or Sashiko supplies with agreeing on the terms and condition below.

  • As a setting up fee, the applicant agrees to pay 5,900 JPY per person at the point when the appointment is confirmed by Keiko. The part of this fund of 5,900 JPY, which will be over Paypal transaction, will be applied as the store credit when the applicant purchase an item(s) or supplies from Keiko in their visit to Keiko’s place. She will deduct the 3,500 JPY from the total (please understand that the 2,400 JPY is for the setup fee for Atsushi and its transaction fee).
  • Cancellation Policy is as below
    • 30 days prior to the visit: 80% of the fee will be refunded.
    • 7 days prior to the visit: 50% of the fee will be refunded.
    • 1 day or no show: No refund available.
  • No funds will be refunded even if the visitor (an applicant who visited Keiko’s house) purchased less than 3,500 JPY amount of items or decided to not to purchase anything.
  • If you are a graduate of Atsushi’ Workshop, the 5,900 JPY of the advance payment will be waived.
  • In Keiko’s house, she strongly prefers cash as a payment option.

The location where to meet Keiko

Keiko’s Sashiko Class (or private pop-up store) in Japan will be mainly taken place in a city called Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. Although it is well-known for a great tourist destination, it is pretty far from Kyoto or Tokyo. Please make sure that your itinerary can cover the visit before contacting Atsushi. Keiko occasionally offers the workshops outside of her town. However, those workshops usually require the Japanese language skill (no translator will be available).

Please contact Atsushi when you know the specific date of your visit because Keiko’s schedule is quite packed as well. We cannot guarantee the appointment until Keiko confirms the date and time.

Where in Takayama?

Keiko lives in a house build on the “Old-Street” – San-no-machi. If you are visiting Takayama for a sight-seeing purpose, you will definately pass by the house she lives in now (It is the house I grew-up as well). Please be advised that it is NOT a storefront, so Keiko will share her works & supplies in her residential space. It is, however, a great opportunity to see & feel what she makes.

Learn what we offer

Before the visit (or even before contacting Atsushi), it is strongly recommended to read through some of the articles on this website. Some of the critical information you need to read in advance are:

Quick Update | Types of Sashiko Workshops by Atsushi
Sashiko Frequently Asked Questions

Other workshop teachers in Japan

Since we do not issue any certification to be the “Sashiko teacher” on behalf of us, there is no other teacher who can offer the same workshop. However, from the graduates of Atsusih’s Sashiko Workshop in Japanese, there are several students who are very good & willing to share the culture, technique, and wisdom of Sashiko we have been sharing.

They may not be English friendly teachers (they may speak only in Japanese). However, if you happen to visit somewhere nearby, it may be a good idea to contact them. As of 2019, please contact me first so I can pass the contact information individually.

List of Sashiko artisans who may be able to arrange the workshop.

Our main goal is to share the Sashiko we are proud of

We take customer satisfaction seriously. The happiness of customers (visitors, participants, and any people we encounter) are very important to us. However, the first priority is to continue in sharing the Sashiko we are proud of. This is one of the biggest difference between us and the other big company. The customer service does not come first.

We will do our best to make it happen. Your interest is what makes Sashiko alive in the future, and we respect your interest and passion. We just want you to respect what we do as well. I hope this change of terms and conditions are somewhat agreeable.

Keiko and I are looking forward to meeting (seeing) you.

Sashiko Workshop in Gladstone NJ

Sashiko Workshop in Gladstone NJ | October 19th, 2019

atsushijp Leave a comment

Another great opportunity to learn Sashiko Stitching from Atsushi Futatsuya. We are offering the Sashiko Workshop in Gladstone NJ. In a very calm area with beautiful scenery, we will be offering the exact same workshop contents as we do in the center of New York City. Drive up to the beautiful town, Gladstone NJ, and if weather permits, we may be able to have a stitching time outside under beautiful sunlight.

After covering the core and basic of Sashiko (for about 4 hours), I will talk about how we apply the Sashiko technique to a mending project. You may bring your own garment with damage and/or a hole so you can actually apply it while learning the Sashiko stitching from Atsushi.

Join Sashiko Workshop in Gladstone NJ

Date and Time: Saturday, October 19th 10 am to 4 pm

Location: A Maker’s Circle

1150 Pottersville Rd, Gladstone, NJ 07934

Please register your seat from the link below.

https://amakerscircle.com/shop/sashiko-stitching-workshop/

Hand-on Learning Opportunity

Atsushi will stand right next to you to teach you the core of Sashiko.

As I have been mentioning on this website and SNS, the Sashiko stitching workshop is a learning opportunity. The workshop will be intensive stitching time with Atsushi’s guidance to understand the core and basic of Sashiko stitching. Atsushi will be there prepared for your needs.

How to apply to Mending a garment

Per request from A Maker’s Circle, I will spend about an hour to talk about how I apply the Sashiko technique to the Mending, including the visible mending project. Sashiko gets its popularity over the visible mending and slow stitching, and you will have time to use the technique you learn in the workshop to your own garment in the workshop.

Sashiko Workshop in Gladstone NJ

It is a Maker’s “Circle”

When I learned about what a Maker’s Circle does to create a community for creators, I immediately open my heart to them. I made a visit to learn what they do. Creating and maintaining a place where creators, artisans, and artists can get together is our dream. It is our honor to be part of their programs as Sashiko Workshop in Gladstone NJ.

Types of Sashiko Workshops

Quick Update | Types of Sashiko Workshops by Atsushi

atsushijp 1 Comment

I received a question about types of Sashiko Workshops. With receiving so many requests, we limited the types of Sashiko Workshops by Atsushi. However, you may get confused because of the different locations and offers. Please read this article carefully, and hopefully, I can meet you in one of the Sashiko workshops in NYC.

Only One Workshop to start. Only One.

There is only one workshop for you to start enjoying the Sashiko as we practice. It is “Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core and Basic)”. We offer it in NY/NJ area and Online.

Then, you may think, why are there so many workshop choices (advertisement) sent from Atsushi? I will explain the difference here. However, the baseline is that all of the workshops I teach in NYC provide the same contents. When I do something completely different, I will clearly mention (and most likely, it will have a prerequisite of the Sashiko Stitching Workshop – Core and Basic).

Difference: One type, yet types of Sashiko workshops

One of the biggest reasons I offer the same workshops in different locations is that I do not have a physical storefront in NYC (in fact, nowhere in the world yet). Therefore, I humbly accept the offer from those “thoughtful” organizations who would like to share the Sashiko with understanding my mission and philosophy. Starting in 2018, thanks to the biggest supporter Sharon, I can offer the workshop organized by my company, Upcycle Stitches LLC.

1) – Who organizes the workshop

If the workshop is offered in TriBeCa and/or registration is on our website (https://upcyclestitches.com/), then the Sashiko stitching workshop is offered by Atsushi & Upcycle Stitches LLC. This happens a few times a year, usually in Spring and late Fall.

If the registration page for the workshop is on other organization’s website, then it is organized by the third party, which I respect enough to offer the workshop under. For 2019, I plan to work with organizations below.

Regardless of who organizes the workshop, the contents are the same. Atsushi teaches with using the exact same materials.

2) – Class Size of the workshop

Another difference is the Class Size. Generally speaking, the workshop offered by Upcycle Stitches will have a smaller class size.

  • Workshop by Upcycle Stitches – 6 Participants (Max of 8).
  • Workshop by the 3rd party – 10~14 Participants.

Since one of the important parts of the workshop is the individual attention with my hands on your hands, the bigger class size requires the longer workshop, which leads to the difference in duration below (3)

3) – Duration of the workshop

Generally speaking, the workshop offered by the 3rd party have longer workshop time.

  • Workshop by Upcycle Stitches – 3.5 hours of duration (no break)
  • Workshop by the 3rd party – 6~7 hours of duration (include a break)

The core of Sashiko will be delivered in the first hour of the workshop. Then, with stitching intensively with Atsushi’s individual attention, the participant will get a rhythm in Sashiko stitching. Since I would like to have a room in mind to spend at least 5~15 minutes on everyone, this is the least length for the workshop.

For the longer workshop, I may add some of “more stories” related to Sashiko stitching. Some organizers ask me to plan the “extra stories” in advance, like “please talk about the visible mending”. Otherwise, I will ask the participants for their interests and accommodate the “extra stories”. This will not likely to happen in the workshop organized by Upcycle Stitches because I will be talking non-stop for the 3.5 hours of the workshop.

Other Note to unconfuse you.

  • It takes a bit of time to schedule the workshop in TriBeCa offered by Upcycle Stitches LLC. The seats usually get sold out after several announcements. I recommend you fill out the form here to be on the priority email list to get the very first notification from us. We also offer the “pre-paid ticket” which can be redeemed for Sashiko Stitching Workshop offered by Upcycle Stitches LLC (not by the others). This pre-paid ticket also have the limit because of the size of Sashiko workshop (about 6 per session).
  • Occasionally, to accommodate the organizer’s request, we offer the bigger size workshop which may limit the individual attention to participants from me. Regardless of the size of the workshop, as long as the duration is more than 3 hours, I will do my best to deliver the same message and technique to the audience.

For Graduates of the Sashiko Stitching Workshop by Atsushi

We occasionally offer another workshop so-called “HitomeZashi Workshop“. This workshop is only available for those who took the Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core and Basic) with more than 3 hours length session.

The workshop description will say the prerequisite of Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core and Basic), so you will know which one is different from the others.

*I occasionally offer the preview version of Sashiko Workshop for the length of fewer than 2 hours. I sincerely believe the participant needs at least 2.5 hours of stitching with the instructor in presence to feel the core of Sashiko stitching. Please understand that those who took the preview workshop will not satisfy the prerequisite for the other advanced workshops.

Also, I started a project of Sashiko subscription throughout the platform Patreon. As the same as the Sashiko workshop, I won’t disappoint you for this journey as well. Please check the Patreon Page and look for “Sashiko Continous Learning” option.

Other Types of Sashiko Workshops by Atsushi (in Past)

  • Sashiko Mending Workshop
  • Sashiko Denim Workshop

We have done quite a variety of types of Sashiko workshops (in related) in the past. It was fun and a pleasure to share my knowledge and expertise. As of 2019, I only offer the Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core and Basic) and occasional Hitomezashi Sashiko Workshop to share the core of the Sashiko we practice.

Sashiko Workshop Purl Soho Cover

Purl Soho Sashiko Workshop Fall 2019

atsushijp 2 Comments

It is my pleasure to announce that I will be coming back to Purl Soho. A happy announcement of Purl Soho Sashiko Workshop Fall 2019. This is our 3rd opportunity to offer the Sashiko Workshop in Purl Soho studio. All of them have been our most pleasure with very good feedbacks from the participants. I will bring “everything about the Sashiko we practice” to you, with passion and details.

Date and Time:

Saturday, September 21st 10 am to 4 pm

Location:

403 Broome Street, New York City

Please register your seat from the link below.

https://www.purlsoho.com/sashiko-workshop-september-21-10-4pm.html

In the center of Soho – where people enjoy making

I share many photos of Sashiko on the Internet, especially on Instagram. As much as I enjoy sharing the beautiful photos, the true beauty (fun) of Sashiko can be communicated over touching and feeling. The workshop is a rare opportunity for me to share the Sashiko collections of I have been adding and enjoying. I also share many “stories” about Sashiko. I believe you will find “what Sashiko is like” from the Japanese perspective.

https://www.purlsoho.com/sashiko-workshop-september-21-10-4pm.html

It is a Learning Opportunity

We call it “Sashiko Stitching Workshop.” However, it is not a type of workshop like “Let’s do Sashiko together.” It is a learning opportunity for you with intensive stitching with Atsushi – the Sashiko artisan who was born in Sashiko family.

If you have not to figure out how to use the unique round-shape thimble in Sashiko stitching, I can promise this workshop will be the eye-opening experience for you.

Join us, Sashiko Workshop Purl Soho

Sashiko is not all about making one perfect stitch. It is about enjoying the process of stitching – we call it “Rhythmical (mindful) stitching”. By joining the workshop, I will teach you everything you need to know (do) to master the Unshin (needlework) movement.

I look forward to meeting you there and sharing the Sashiko we have been practicing.

Other Sashiko Workshop Schedule in 2019

Sashiko Patreon

Sashiko Patreon | Be Patron for our Sashiko

atsushijp Leave a comment

I have been sharing a lot of Sashiko stories (history, traditions, culture, and wisdom of Sashiko) on Instagram and Facebook. It was my pleasure to share what we are proud of and receiving many comments with respects. However, from time to time, I received some thoughtless comments that bothered me very much. 99% of the comments were encouraging, so I probably should ignore the haters… However, by nature of the core message of Sashiko we practice, I couldn’t ignore the uncomfortable comments. I wish I could help them understand why we share the Sashiko (although they did not even read what I wanted to share). After long consideration, I decided to move our platform to Sashiko Patreon Page. There, I will only share the stories with the supporters. It is not the best outcome to ask for the fee $5.00 / per month and up), I couldn’t think of other ways to filter those “thoughtless” people that I encounter. I would rather continue this journey of Sashiko Sashiko rather than completely cease spending my time on that. Here, this is a favor to ask to join the Sashiko Patreon Community to share the beautiful photos and stories about Sashiko. Also, I explain how to use the Patreon Page more efficiently to share the Sashiko we practice.

To read the Sashiko Journey on Sashiko Patreon

Most of the contents I make on the Sashiko Patreon page will be available for those who became the patron for our Sashiko activities. Once you become a patron, please enjoy our posts as Sashiko Journey and other announcements.

Sashiko Journey

I named the “story sharing” I had been enjoying on IG and FB to “Sashiko Journey”. After clicking the Post tab, please filter the posts by choosing the “Sashiko Journey” tag. You will see a list of the stories I share. Usually, the article complete as one article. No matter where you start reading, it should be enjoyable (although I recommend reading chronologically). When I would like to share the story over several articles, I will mention “To be Continued” or “Continued” on each article.

First, visit Sashiko Patreon Page (https://www.patreon.com/sashiko) and click the Posts tab.
To read the stories as Instagram or Facebook, please choose the #SashikoJourney Tag on left.
For the special deal for Patrons, please check the “Announcement” Tag on the left column.

Announcement of what we do

Besides the Sashiko Journey, I plan to share the useful information on what we do. Most of the core information is already on our website & previous posts. However, it is challenging to find the one you would like to know since the amount of writing I made is quite huge. I will optimize the information so you will enjoy what we write easily.

I sincerely appreciate the patrons. They are the one who actually took action. So, I would like to provide the priority and privilege in that Patreon community as well.

Why Patreon. Why Fee?

When I started sharing the stories about Sashiko on IG and FB, I did not expect that much return to what I did. I simply wanted to share the Sashiko we practice, the Sashiko we are proud of. It is not my best interest to ask for the fee.

However, over time, I received many “same” questions and similar thoughtless comments from the audience. I confirmed the similarity in those contacted me without thinking through. They did not read what I wrote – and asked for the quick solution or answer.

By setting the fee, I thought I could filter those who want to get a “quick” answer. If their interest is shallow, they wouldn’t spend money on reading what I share. That was the only filter I could think of to protect myself.

Also, with receiving the fee, I can be more attentive to answer the questions and requests, which I had been doing with fun on IG and FB. I will no longer answer the questions on IG and FB (unless it is a very thoughtful question). On Patreon page, I will answer pretty much all the questions about Sashiko (only cultural, historical and spiritual part of Sashiko – Please take the Sashiko workshop for the technical questions).

I sincerely appreciate your support on Patreon. I enjoy sharing what I have accumulated over 10 years, or 25 years including the childhood I was wondering in a Sashiko family environment. It seems I have unlimited words in my brain to share. The more I write, the more I would like to share. I try my best to keep sharing the quality information there.

The core of Sashiko exists in practicing (actual stitching). However, sharing the words would be so much embracing who we really are.

Sashiko Contribution

Sashiko Contribution | when you need Atsushi to write

atsushijp 4 Comments

Since 2019, I experienced the steep increase of inquiries asking me to write my insight, opinion, or understanding of Sashiko in the form of the contribution to an article to magazines, brochures, and books. As much as I would like to be their help, I have very limited capacity in 2019. So here is the policy for Sashiko Contribution that I can offer.

Sashiko Contribution for Academic Purpose

If you would like to have my writing for your research in the academic organization such as a university, please contact me with your academic background, the name of the institution, and possibly the thesis statement for your research.

I am happy to contribute to the development of Sashiko in the academic setting. The Sashiko contribution will be free of charge, and I will do my best to share what I have.

Although it is free of charge to write, it would be very much appreciated if you could take the workshop Atsushi offers (In-person and/or Online) to fully understand what we are trying to pass down.

Sashiko Contribution for Commercial Purpose

If you would like to have my writing for the commercial purpose, such as publishing a book, a brochure for your organization (including the one with Non-Profit Organization), and your business, I will ask for the fee based on your requests and the purpose for the writing. When you contact me, please offer the fee you are thinking of. I will consider your inquiry attentively and get back to you. If you are not willing to pay for my writing yet would like to have them on your media, please try to follow the basic procedure below.

Please do not handle this lightly. A page of me writing about Sashiko may sound an easy job. However, if I am the one who writes, there will be a responsibility to what I write.

I am not a professional writer. English is my second language. However (therefore), I have to be very careful in writing what I would like to communicate. I cannot just write up without careful.

Expecting a Free Sashiko Contribution?

I no longer accept the Probono work. I learned that people will handle the “free stuff” very lightly and less mindfully.

However, I also understand that it is unusual to pay compensation for just simply writing. So, here is my boundary. Please follow the list below, and I will be happy to be part of your work.

  1. Take the Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core and Basic), either In-person or Online Sashiko Class.

That’s it. I want the writer (author) to fully acknowledge what I am sharing with the Sashiko we practice. The best way is to take the well-structured workshop I offer.

Other favors to ask to have a better mutual understanding and respect would be:

  1. Support us via Patreon and read my stories
  2. provide me a few copies of publications when it is in the market

For the Probono (No fee) work, please understand that the writing itself is my property, and you will just use them as the reference on your book.

You do not have a budget to take our Sashiko Class, and no budget for the contribution? Then, only way to make it happen is below. Please keep reading.

Other than Sashiko Contribution

  1. Use “writings” that are already in public such as Instagram Post.

For non-native English amateur writer like me, “Writing (leaving the solid documents)” on something deeply related to Japanese culture is very challenging and scary. There is a huge risk of misunderstanding when I do not write the paragraph attentively and carefully.

The fee is for my time to be careful and thorough to what I write. If it is a matter of you writing based on what I write (Interpretation of what I have already written), then I wouldn’t ask for the fee. Again, I am not a professional writer.

In those cases, please kindly inform me that you are referring my writing (when, where and about what). Please apply the appropriate citation standard as well. I will give you permission to use as the reference, but I will not give up the copyright.

Interview as the Alternative

2. 30~60 minutes interview.

Phone or Video-chat interview would be a good alternative to save the fee. Although at this point, I am not sure if I should do the interview for free of charge, I would like to see how it goes. Since it will be my merely talking about Sashiko, and you summarizing what I say as your interpretation, then I wouldn’t probably need that much return in this process.

If you are interested in interviewing me, please provide the list of information below.

  • The media that you would use the interview on.
  • The list of question in advance to the actual interview
  • The Reason Why you would like to have my comments on your media.

I do not mind repeating the basic information such as “Who I am” or “What is Sashiko” to your audience. However, I expect an interviewer to understand who I am & What Sashiko is before the interview. If the list of questions are just about basic information which I already covered, I will most likely decline your request.

For the information you need to learn before the interview, please check the Youtube Playlist below:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWlqLt4QfHjqKZSpNfyFluCebREQkx0BI

Using the current media as References

We have many media where I share the insight, understanding, and wisdom of the Sashiko we practice. Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and this website.

A lot of your questions and interests are already discussed on either media. It would be very respectful of you to look for the topic first on those media first.

Instagram to Patreon

I had been sharing many stories about the Sashiko we practice on Instagram with many photos. With some unfortunate events, I decided to stop writing so many contents on Instagram – where anyone can see and say what they want out of their mind. Instead, I will keep the journey of sharing the Sashiko insights on the Patreon, where I ask a monthly contribution so I can spend a good amount of time to share & discuss if there is any conflict.

When you are interested in the Sashiko we practice to the level of asking me to write about the Sashiko we practice, it would be so much helpful to be a supporter and read through what I have been sharing first.

I am a human after all. As much as I respect the policy I implemented here, I have a preference in who I will be working together. When you ask me questions indicating you have not read my words mindfully before, then I will be discouraged to work with you. When I can tell you read and respect what I write, then I will be happy to work with. I may accept the offer even without the fee and specific purpose on the media.

I believe what I am asking here is reasonable. When you ask for someone to spend their time, you would either need to compensate for their time, or you spend the same amount of time in knowing who you are asking for.

Thank you very much for your understanding. Enjoy Sashiko Stitching and also reading my writing on Patreon. Remember, though. The truth exists in practice (stitching).