Category: Workshop

Sashiko Alumni Interview Caroline Cover

Sashiko Alumni Interview Caroline | Sashiko on Ordinary Cloth

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We are very happy to introduce Caroline, an amazing Sashiko (and more) artist working with ordinary fashion and creative Sashiko Stitching. Here is a beautiful Sashiko Alumni Interview Caroline.

Many participants in my Sashiko Workshop mention that it is impossible to get the stitching speed as I do. I always reply to them that if they practice properly for some time, they all will get the similar speed within 2 years or so, probably much sooner. She is a great example of learning the appropriate technique and keep “producing” many Sashiko arts. I am so proud of her.

 

We sincerely thank Caroline to be the first alumni to answer the interviews. Please enjoy “Sashiko Alumni Interview Caroline”. (This is a part of Sashiko Alumni Interview Series.)

 

Sashiko Alumni Interview Caroline

Sashiko Alumni Interview Caroline

 

 

When did you start being interested in Sashiko?

I don’t remember exactly! At some point in the last few years, I started seeing various classes being offered in sashiko, and it looks so beautiful that I decided I wanted to learn.

 

What is your passion for Sashiko?

I find the stitching to be meditative – I am a knitter, and doing sashiko puts me in a similar mind space, one I find to be very beneficial for my state of mind. I also like the planning of a sashiko project, which can be quite mathematical and precise (depending on what pattern I am stitching). I don’t think it’s an accident that I’m drawn to sashiko because of both the precision and the meditation aspects, as I find both are important to all the craft work I do.

 

In addition, I love vintage fabrics and vintage clothing, and I love indigo, and I love natural fibers, so those things combine to bring new life to old garments and fabrics.

 

The recycling of old fabrics and clothing is especially important to me; lately, I’ve been buying old shirts at the thrift store and doing sashiko stitching on them, thus making a generic item of clothing into a one-of-a-kind piece. Falling in love with our clothing and customizing our clothing and realizing the importance of handwork is the way to get beyond fast, cheap fashion.

 

I also like the traditions inherent in sashiko, stitching patterns that have been in use for centuries, creating “boro” as the Japanese have been doing for centuries.

 

What did you think of Atsushi’s Workshop?

Atsushi is a great teacher, not only in how to do sashiko but also in the excitement he has for ideas and projects. He’s so open-minded about what sashiko can be and how it can be used. He knows the tradition and teaches the tradition, and yet he gets inspired by how sashiko can be pushed to go beyond the tradition.

 

Plus it’s amazing to say that I learned sashiko from a member of a family that has been doing it for generations!

 

What inspires you when you work on your Sashiko Project?

I get inspired by seeing my project develop slowly, learning little things along the way, improving my technique. Stitching gives me time to ruminate on the next part of the project, or maybe on my next project, or on other creative ideas.

 

What is Sashiko for you?

My simple definition of sashiko is making running stitches with cotton thread – and what I like about this definition is its openness, its ability to encompass traditional stitching patterns, the making of boro, and lots of things beyond. My goal is to incorporate sashiko into other projects, figuring out how to mix sashiko with sewing, quilting, embroidery, knitting, and other crafts in a way that is new and beautiful.

 

 

[ End of Sashiko Alumni Interview Caroline ]

 

Photo Gallery of Caroline’s Achievement

Sashiko Alumni Interviews

Sashiko Alumni Interviews | Great Sashiko from our Alumni

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It has been almost 2 years since I had offered the first Sashiko Workshop in NYC. It is my pleasure to meet all of the participants with a great passion for Sashiko. I always wanted to make a community where we can get together and share the on-going Sashiko Project. The community I dreamed of is getting formed a little by little. In 2018, I had chances to see some Sashiko Alumni and get so impressed by their achievement. Sashiko Alumni Interviews. This is one of my biggest project & achievements in 2018.

 

Outside of my “Traditional” Box

I keep mentioning there is no such a thing as “Right” or “Wrong” Sashiko. Sashiko was too ordinary needlework for the ordinary Japanese before the industrial revolution. I try to be as creative as I can when I enjoy the Sashiko Stitching. Sashiko & Denim is one of my conclusion for the non-traditional Sashiko Stitching.

 

Regardless of my willingness to be open-minded, the tradition I was “forced” to follow restrict my imagination and creativity. Our Sashiko Alumni do not have the limitation of what I have subconsciously. They learn the basic & core & traditional Sashiko from me and collaborate to what they are passionate about. Their achievements always inspire me. Ever since I enjoyed the Sashiko Alumni Sashiko work, I sincerely wanted to share their work on this website.

 

There we go as Sashiko Alumni Interviews. I plan to introduce their views with many photos.

 

Sashiko Alumni Interview Sharon

Contents of Sashiko Alumni Interviews

 

We send a list of brief questions regarding Sashiko and Sashiko Workshop experience with us. It is our biggest happiness to see the Alumni’s Sashiko achievement. In the advanced workshop (Hitomezashi Workshop) or Sashiko Gathering after the initial Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic), some alumni bring their own Sashiko achievements. They are all unique and beautifully done.

 

I encourage the students to be open-minded. In the workshop, I teach the traditional technique with many stories based on the tradition. It is welcomed to practice the traditional stitching as you progress your project. At the same time, I am very interested in a “Sashiko’s possibility” by the Sashiko Alumni integrating their own culture and what they learned from me.

 

In Sashiko Alumni Interviews, I ask 5 questions below:

  1. When did you start being interested in Sashiko?
  2. What is your passion for Sashiko?
  3. What did you think of Atsushi’s Workshop?
  4. What inspires you when you work on your Sashiko project?
  5. What is Sashiko for you?

 

With our Sashiko Alumni interviews on these questions, I believe we can introduce what Sashiko really is. I am very excited about sharing these.

 

The Sashiko Alumni who interviewed

 

Please find a link to the individual interview. You may find your own favorite style. They are all different, and they are all fantastic.

  • Caroline Green  (Coming Soon)

 

Sashiko Almuni Interview

 

 

 

I am asking the Sashiko Alumni to spare their precious time to answer the interviews. Please wait for the updates. The articles will be a good benchmark for you to understand what you potentially can do after taking our Sashiko Workshops. I will teach you the basic & tradition. After the workshop, it is up to you to create completely “one-of-a-kind” Sashiko work.

 

Amazing! Enjoy Sashiko!!

Hitomezashi Sashiko

Hitomezashi Sashiko | What is the difference?

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As of 2018, I mainly offer 2 kinds of workshops. One is Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Basic & Core) to share the core technique of Unshin (Needle Movement). It is designed for anyone who is interested in Sashiko and anyone who would like to review their needle movement. Another workshop with Hitomezashi Sashiko is the intermediate level (advanced) workshop for those who learned the basic Unshin and became comfortable with the Sashiko stitching. I name the second, advanced level workshop, “Hitomezashi Workshop”.

 

Although the workshop is designed as the advanced workshop, Hitomezashi itself is not the advanced version of Sashiko Stitching. It is simply in a different category in a big picture of Sashiko. Since I would like to have everyone in the Hitomezashi Workshop to have the same knowledge and technical skill, I set the Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic) as a prerequisite for the Hitomezashi Workshop.

 

What is Hitomezashi?

Hitomezashi (一目刺し) is a kind of Sashiko performed mainly in Yamagata Prefecture. A famous Hitomezashi is called “Shonai Sashiko (庄内刺し子)” and it is known as one of 3 main Sashiko kinds in Japanese history (Hishizashi, Koginzashi, and Shonai Sashiko)

We can also find the history & practice of Hitomezashi in many rural places in Japan. We also practice Hitomezashi and the stitches create the beautiful and strong pattern on the fabric.

 

Hitomezashi Sashiko Sample
Sample Swatches of Hitomezashi Sashiko. (And a small piece of regular Sashiko on the right corner.)

 

The difference of Hitomezashi and Gushinui Sashiko Stitching

 

Hitomezashi Sashiko mainly uses a grid-sheet (a sheet of graph paper) to create the design. The stitch is usually the size of the grid you choose the beginning, and you will follow the grid sheet to make the strong and vivid patterns. “Hitome = 一目” means “one stitch” and creating the pattern by combining the relatively big stitch (the size of the grid) is the significant difference from the regular running stitch. The Hitomezashi has to follow the grid to have the certain length of one-stitch. Therefore, people call it, Hitome (=one stitch) Sashiko.

The technique of holding the needle and the thimble is the same. However, the different “rhythm” will be required for the Hitomezashi in comparison to the Gushinui (Simple / Regular) Sashiko Stitching. Also, there are some hints we can provide to make more beautiful Hitomezashi Stitching based on our experience. Although both of Hitomezashi and Running stitch is categorized in Sashko, they are developed under different culture. There are some differences.

 

Please understand that it is not about which is better or not. Both Sashiko fall into the category of Sashiko, and both follow the purpose of stitching: Repairing, Mending, Strengthening, and decorating.

I personally prefer to do the Gushinui Sashiko stitching because of its rhythm. Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya and Upcycle Stitches are both happy to provide the services and information in both Hitomezashi & Gushinui Sashiko Stitching.

*The Sashiko we perform doesn’t have the specific name yet, therefore I used “Gushinui (ぐし縫い)” to express the Running Stitch character. 

 

Here is a comparison of our Jackets both in Hitomezashi Sashiko & Gushinui Sashiko.

 

Hitomezashi Sashiko Jacket

As you may see it, each stitch create the unique patterns. The stitches made vertically, horizontally and diagonally make the beautiful patterns. Because of the size of stitches, it shows the vivid patterns. By using the grid sheet, the Sashiko practitioners can create hundreds of pattern by themselves (although most of them are already found so you may not call it your own original….)

Sashiko Jacket with the Japanese traditional patterns

You may find the size of stitches much smaller than the Hitomezashi. This Sashiko Jacket & its patterns are created by the combination of simple lines done by Sashiko Running Stitches. The pattern can be anything. We prefer to use the Japanese geometric patterns.

 

 

Hitomezashi Sashiko Workshop

As I introduced above, I offer the Hitomezashi Sashiko Workshop to share the knowledge and some technique to enjoy the Hitomezashi Sashiko. The technique you would need for the Hitomezashi is mostly covered in the initial (& fundamental) workshop of Sashiko. I will go over all the necessary knowledge and technique to maximize the Hitomezashi Sashiko experience. Simply speaking, when you have a graph paper, you can create your own Hitomezashi patterns on any fabric, and you can enjoy your own Sashiko. (By now, most of the possible pattern can be introduced by someone else… but hey, you don’t have to copy and paste it from the web.)

 

Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic) is the prerequisite to the Hitomezashi Sashiko Workshop because I will not spend much time to teach students how to use the needle and thimble. We have reviewing time, but not 150 minutes of intensive teaching in the initial workshop.

Since our workshop often happens over the weekend, you may take the Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic) on one Saturday and then Hitomezashi workshop on the following Sunday. The seats are always limited, so please keep checking the schedule and availability.

 

 

Other Categories in Sashiko

As I introduced above, besides Hitomezashi Sashiko and Simple Running Sashiko, “Hishizashi = 南部菱刺し’ and “Koginzashi = こぎん刺し” are the famous Sashiko category. Although we do not perform either of Hishizashi and Koginzashi, we plan to introduce some of the great Sashiko practitioners in both categories.

 

It is our goal to introduce Sashiko to the world, even if it is the Sashiko we do not practice.

Some of the articles regarding the Sashiko categories can be found here. Enjoy Sashiko!

 

 

Sashiko Running Stitch

Why our Workshop to learn Sashiko Running Stitch?

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Another great opportunity to learn Sashiko in Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic) is coming up within 3 weeks. I have received many positive reviews, and I come to realize that this is the best way to start & review your Sashiko knowledge and Sashiko Running Stitch. The size of the workshop is very small. You will get enough attention throughout the workshop to learn the “Core and Basic” of Sashiko. The small workshop size means that the seats are very limited. Don’t miss this great opportunity.

 

The reason to learn Sashiko from me

Sometimes, I receive inquiries regarding the level of Sashiko Workshop. For example, a question like “Can I take the intermediate workshop since I have ☆☆ years of experience in Sashiko.” I always suggest taking the Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic) to learn the basic posture of Sashiko. The only exception would be sending me the Sashiko Running Stitch to let me confirm that the participant masters what I teach in the workshop.

I have taught how to do Sashiko Running Stitch to more than 100 students. None of them handled the Sashiko needle as we do. The years of experience in Sashiko is wonderful, and I respect that. However, for the Sashiko Running Stitch, I want to share what we are proud of in the needle movement.

 

Yes. I will also share a list of great information and technique with you.

  • I was born in the surviving Sashiko family, so I can share the authentic Sashiko items with you and our history.
  • As long as I know, I am a very few Japanese Natives who practice Sashiko & speak English. What I tell you isn’t someone’s translation or interpretation. It is the real voice of the Sashiko family.
  • Our Sashiko items (Created by me, my mother Keiko, and our friends) are shared on Instagram and other SNS. Although we sell supreme quality Sashiko supplies, we are not the Sashiko supply dealer. We are a group of Sashiko artisans after all.

 

Although there are more reasons that you would like to learn Sashiko from me, the core is my passion that I want you to learn how to use the thimble and needle so-called Unshin (運針 = Needle movement).

 

Why Sashiko Running Stitch?

 

So then, why is Sashiko Running Stitch so important?

It is because the regular hand-sewing is too slow for some Sashiko project. Please take at the speed of our Sashiko Running Stitch. Absolutely no edit for the video.

 

 

 

I often say that Sashiko is not all about stitching. The practitioner would need to how to pick the fabric and materials, how to prepare them, how to make beautiful stitches, and how to finish them as the item such as Jackets, bags, and coasters. However, without proper stitching, it isn’t Sashiko any longer (At least, I do not call the item without stitching “Sashiko“). Sashiko merely a form of stitching, but the stitching itself can be masterful. I want you to be one of the masters.

 

Okay. Mastering the Hand-stitching is Important. Then, why Sashiko Running Stitch?

The answer is very simple. The other hand-stitching techniques are sometimes too slow. Sashiko became famous in a culture of sustainability and “slow-fashion”. The process of slow-stitch has the same result of meditation. I feel the same calming function and I love the slow & caring process of Sashiko.

 

However, wouldn’t you think it is better if you can finish the stitching like this in a day (It took about 7 hours or so to get to here in several days) instead of a month? The speed and accuracy of mere simple Sashiko stitching is the core of our Sashiko. The Japanese developed Sashiko for the purpose of “Survival”. At the very origin of Sashiko, it was the method to fill the space of rough poor hemp fabric.

 

 

Sashiko Running Stitch Atsushi's work
The Jacket with Asano-ha Pattern & Sashiko Running Stitch. You can see the actual stitching process on Sashi.Co Youtube Channel. Atsushi perform there.

 

The more the person can make stitches, the more cloth we can repair. I believe that the speed after proper technique and repetitive practice is extremely valuable in hand-crafting culture. Not only Sashiko, but also many kinds of professions such as fruit cutting, dim-sum making, you name it.

 

*Please understand that I respect other embroidery techniques and hand-sewing culture. I see many people apply their own technique to Sashiko, too. They are very inspiring and I learn a lot from them. Unlike the other embroidery culture, Sashiko started as the “practical hand-stitching” rather than decorating purpose. I respect that, too.

 

Many Various Unshin Masters in Japan

 

As I keep mentioning here and there, there isn’t such a thing as “right” or “wrong” in Sashiko culture. If you can stitch as fast & accurate as (or faster & more accurate than) we can, the workshop may not be beneficial for you.

I know many Unshin Masters in Japan, and they stitch faster than I do. Some of them have the same or very similar posture of our Sashiko. Some of them have a somewhat different way to hold the needle and push the thimble, yet very speedy. The appropriate posture can be modified by 10 years, 20 years and more years of experience. My mother & Sashiko Artists, Keiko, has a bit different posture than what I teach.

 

The posture I teach is the one I started with in my childhood.

Throughout teaching many students with the different background and the different size of hand & finger, I brush up this “entry” technique so everyone who joined the workshop can start the Sashiko stitching as we do with less struggle and issues. Some of the graduates stitch as fast as I do, and that is my goal for the Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic).

 

I am looking forward to seeing you there!

 

Video of Sashiko Running Stitch in a big Sashiko Project

 

Videos are from our Sashi.Co Youtube Channel | Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya in Japanese

Online Sashiko Workshop

Online Sashiko Workshop | Learn wherever you are

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[Update for Online Sashiko Learning Opportunity]
Sashiko Online Class | Anywhere Anytime.

After receiving so many emails regarding the Online Sashiko Workshop, I decided to offer the one officially.

 

To be honest, regardless how much I prepared for the online workshop, I am very worried if I can deliver the same experience and satisfaction to the online participants. After offering more than 10 workshops in NYC, I am pretty confident that I understand the participants’ expectation and my capacity to share the beauty of Sashiko. Over the camera, where I cannot reposition your hands and the visual information is limited to the screen, I wasn’t sure if I should even offer it.

 

Thanks to the encouragement from many friends and Sashiko Passionist (some who I haven’t even met), I am now offering the very first Online Sashiko Workshop.

 

Online Sashiko Workshop Schedule

Thanks to the participants for the first online Sashiko Workshop, I learned that the Online Sashiko Workshop can satisfy the participants. Although I still have worries and concerns, I decided to keep offering them.

 

The 2nd Online Sashiko Workshop, Option A

First Session:

  • July 24th (Tuesday) | 8:15 pm to 10:15 pm.

Second Session:

  • June 27th (Friday) | 8:15 pm to 10:15 pm.

 

 

 

To share what Sashiko is to the world

 

As I keep mentioning that Sashiko is not all about stitching, the stitching technique is very important to fully enjoy Sashiko stitching. There are many books available in the market. I even share some of the Sashiko stitching Tutorials on Youtube for free. I still believe that it is critical for me to take a look at the participants stitching so I can provide the instruction appropriately. Yes. “Appropriately” rather than “Correctly”.

 

Your understanding & support to my challenging project, to share what Sashiko is to the world, would be very much appreciated.

 

 

The detail of Online Sashiko Workshop

 

The Workshop goes through the Live Streaming via Google Hangouts. The participants need to be online at the scheduled time. All the time I mention on this page is in the US Eastern Time Zone (EST), New York Time.

 

  • Duration: 2 Workshops of 90 minutes each | Total of 3 hours
  • Price: 178.00 USD | For the limited time 100.00 USD with the agreement that this is sort of provisional online workshop.

 

  • Language: English, otherwise specifically mentioned.
  • Maximum participant: 4 Participants
  • Required skill: A basic needlework skill will be preferred. Please practice threading the needle before the workshop start.
  • Required environment: A device connected to the Internet. For maximizing workshop experience, the participants need to show me the posture of stitching and actual stitching. A tripod or a smartphone stand would be a good idea to have.
  • Web Software: Google hangout

 

A list of tools you need to prepare:

  • A Ruler
  • Scotch Tape
  • Fabric Scissors
  • Thread Clipper / Grip Scissors (If you have one. Substituted by regular scissors)
  • A Pin Cushion (If you have one)

 

Everything else you need for the workshop will be shipped to your address.

 

 

 

 

The Sashiko Store | Supplies for the Beautiful Sashiko

 

 

Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018

Sashiko Exhibition Tokyo 2018 | In Kugayama, Japan

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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

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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/

 

After Sashiko Workshop Spring 2018

After Sashiko Workshop Spring 2018 | Follow Ups

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It was such a nice weekend in Tribeca, NYC, with wonderful participants to the Sashiko Workshop. This is a notification for follow-ups for those who participated Sashiko Workshops & for those who would like to participate in future Sashiko Workshops: After Sashiko Workshop Spring 2018.

A follow-up email should be in your mailbox.

For those who participated in Sashiko Stitching Workshop (Core & Basic) Spring, I sincerely appreciate your contribution to making the workshop so comfortable and enjoyable. It was such a good workshop and I hope everyone felt the same way I did.

I had sent you an email with the follow-up information.

If you have not received the follow-up email, please contact me so I will resend it to you.

 

As I kept saying in the workshop, my goal is to share Sashiko and encourage you to keep enjoying Sashiko. Please keep in touch, and let me know if there is anything I can do.

 

A Sashiko Workshop possibility in near future

 

The Sashiko Workshops Spring 2018; over the weekend of 4/21 and 4/22, filled up in advance of the actual weekend. I feel like the Sashiko is getting popular, and I would love to share my expertise as often as possible, Here are the possibilities of our Sashiko Workshops, including (Basic & Core) and (Intermediate & Hitomezashi). We are still working on the planning phase. However, if you could tell me that you are interested in taking the workshop with us, it will greatly help us to plan. The more people who would like to take, the easier we can plan on things.

  • Middle of June in Detroit Area in MI
  • End of July in Tribeca Are in Manhattan, NYC

 

The detail and exact date will be announced once we confirm the locations & conditions. Please subscribe the newsletter from the sidebar to get the latest information. You may simply contact me with your passion to join the future Sashiko Workshop. I will add you the waiting list and will inform you for sure once everything is confirmed.

 

After Sashiko Workshop Spring 2018

 

I will be quite busy in May and the rest of April.

My goal during this time is to offer the Online Sashiko Workshop. I will contact the person based on the waiting list, one by one, to invite you to the online workshop. It is still in developmental phase, but I am willing to try to share (I have tried some online Sashiko workshop in Japanese – my native language.) If you are interested in an online Sashiko workshop, you may also contact me to let me add you to the waiting list.

 

 

 

Sashiko Workshop Spring 2018

Sashiko Workshop Spring 2018 | Sashiko Stitching!

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I am so happy to announce that I offer another Sashiko Workshops in New York City, Manhattan Tribeca Neighboorhood. If you are interested, please register yourself on the detail information page here | Sashiko Workshop Spring 2018 here.

 

 

The best way to start & review Sashiko

 

Sashiko Workshop Spring 2018 _ Cover 1

 

There are several Sashiko books and tutorials available in the market. I also offer some online tutorials on our Youtube Channel.

However, the best way to start and review Sashiko is to see how the Sashiko (repair) artist do Sashiko every day. Sashiko was too ordinary for Japanese people to establish the structure. Therefore, we can see many types of Sashiko from many communities in Japan. The common concept is that the Japanese developed Sashiko to repair, strength, mend, and decorate fabric with appreciation.

 

Since there is no such a thing as “Right” and “Wrong” in Sashiko, it can be confusing to learn.

Atsushi offers what is the best way to keep enjoying Sashiko in terms of its technique, supplies, and tips to increase “enjoyment” in your Sashiko. Unless you are absolutely 100% confident in using Sashiko needle & thimble, the workshop will be a great opportunity to start & review Sashiko.

On our Youtube Channel, you can see how we use the Sashiko Needle & Thimble.

 

 

Sashiko Workshop Spring 2018 | Next is Summer 2018

 

Sashiko Workshop Spring 2018

 

My schedule for May and June is pretty packed already.

The possible Sashiko Workshop in NYC is at the end of July or in August. Since I do not live in NYC, I can offer the workshops only a few times a year. I offer an option to have the private workshop, but joining the workshops in NYC will be the easiest and cheapest option among my offers.

 

It will be nice Spring day (hopefully) in NYC.

If it is a sunny day, stitching time on the balcony may be available. The host of the workshop may be able to offer this beautiful surprise. Please do not miss this great opportunity to enjoy Sashiko Stitching with Atsushi.

 

Please be noted that your registration is required to attend the workshop.

Thank you & I am looking forward to meeting you there.

 

Private Sashiko Workshop Cover

Arranging Sashiko Workshop | Bring Sashiko to your group.

atsushijp 15 Comments

Are you interested in Sashiko Workshop and cannot find the appropriate the instructor/expert? Atsushi can offer you and your group a customized Private Sashiko Workshop.

I offer Sashiko Workshops with organizations and studios across the United States & World. In 2023, I have several workshop scheduled. Please check this article for the detail schedule.

Also, depending on the condition, I can arrange a private Sashiko workshop for your quilting guild, patchwork community, and friends groups. Please contact Atsushi for your needs with expecting the possible fee referring the “Fee Sample” below.

【Important Update & Announcement】

If you would like to arrange a Sashiko Workshop for your customers/students/members, please contact Atsushi after checking the Fee Estimate & Expectation. For 2023, the minimum length of the regular Sashiko Workshop (Core & Essence) is 6 hours. Without going through the “Core & Essence” workshop, no other workshops will be available to arrange.

[Updated on Jan.31st, 2023]

Sashiko Workshop Fee Estimate 2023 for Organizers

Sashiko Workshop Schedule in 2023

There may be an opportunities for our Sashiko Workshop in your States or City. Please check Atsushi’s schedule for the Sashiko Workshop in 2023 below.

Sashiko In-Person Workshop Schedule 2023

Online Sashiko Class

With many requests from all over the world, I have developed Online Sashiko Class in 2020. Ever since, I have received quite many positive feedbacks. I am now confident that I can offer the identical experience via Online.

Please read the registration description & terms very carefully. To be honest, It is a challenge for me to offer the Sashiko Class online, without confirming how you are feeling. I would like to make everyone happy (as much as I can). So, please read them & ask me questions in advance to avoid any unfortunate misunderstanding.

Online Sashiko Class (23)

Please contact me when you are ready to have me

I sincerely appreciate the increase of interest in Sashiko Stitching and my Sashiko Workshops.

I used to say, “please feel free to contact me with any small questions!” Although I feel the same, the increase of contacts ended up with no further reaction takes up so much of my time. Please contact me when you are ready to have me. It is perfectly fine if the workshop doesn’t work out because of a scheduling or financial conflict. I understand that.

However, not getting a reply after scheduling myself causes troubles and it may negatively affect the possibility of keep offering the workshop. I usually make a reply within a day. Please try to be on the track if you decided to contact me.

Thank you for your understanding & I am looking forward to work for/with you.