Customize Sashiko Workshop

Customize Sashiko Workshop in Japan

It was a surprise to me. I thought the language would be an obstacle to provide enjoyable/informative workshops in Japan to someone who doesn’t understand Japanese. However, Keiko managed to provide the Boro Sashiko Patchworking workshops and the participants enjoyed it very much. They mentioned that the workshop was the highlight of their stay in Japan. Our goal is to introduce Sashiko. So, if the participants would be satisfied and happy, there is enough reason to offer Sashiko workshops in Japan. Here is the offer from Upcycle Stitches to arrange Customize Sashiko Workshop in Japan, provided by Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya.


Update in 2019 for Customize Sashiko Workshop

We made an update for the prerequisite for a Sashiko or Boro Workshop in Japan. Please take a look at the new requirement. Thank you!


*If you live in the USA, Atsushi offers Sashiko Workshops throughout a year. Upcycle Stitches is open to customizing the workshop to meet your preferences.

*If the schedule doesn’t match or too far to come and join, we recommend taking Sashiko Online Workshop in English before the visit so you know the basic and core technique before your visit.

Customize Sashiko Workshop Keiko
Keiko explains what Japanese Rice Bag is. Thank you, Arielle, for sharing the great smile!

[Previous Update | April 2018]

We have completed several workshops in 2017 & 2018. We learn from the experience, and we are strived to provide an enjoyable workshop. For that purpose, we strongly recommend the participants to have basic sewing skills. The language is not a problem when the participants can comfortably use a needle, and Keiko can give them advice by showing (not explaining).

If you aren’t familiar with needlework and would like to learn the basics of Sashiko stitching, please consider taking Atsushi’s Workshop in the US or Sashiko Online Workshop.

In 2019, we have a new prerequisite for scheduling any workshops in Japan – to provide a better and more enjoyable opportunity.


Past Workshop Achievement in Japan

Link to the article about Boro Inspired Sashiko Patchwork Workshop.

Boro Inspired Sashiko Workshop

What you can expect to Customize Sashiko Workshop

You would like to learn what Sashiko is like from the active Sashiko artist while your visit to Japan?

This is an opportunity for you to visit the town called Takayama, visit the artist’s house, and learn Sashiko and/or related fields. Since Keiko doesn’t speak English, it will be through “help from technology such as smartphone app” and prepared articles. Most of the workshop is operated by “doing it” so not much verbal communication would be necessary. Keiko can try to communicate, and you will be able to communicate through whatever communication skills and technology we can think of.

Atsushi from Upcycle Stitches will arrange the workshop based on your needs and availability of artists in Japan (mostly Keiko). If you are interested in Boro, we can focus on mending Boro and fabric. If you are solely interested in Sashiko, we can try to make the Sashiko stitching workshops. We just started the challenge to customize Sashiko workshops. Although we may not be able to answer to all of your requests, your request will make this challenge better and possible.

Customize Sashiko Workshop Sashiko Needle
We will follow the basic Sashiko rules, of course. Workshop focus on having fun by DOING it.

*Keiko doesn’t have a store, an office neither a studio in Takayama yet. You will visit her private house to have a workshop. We would ask you to provide us your basic personal information to keep our activity safe and stable.

What we can offer

Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya and Atsushi from Upcycle Stitches LLC can offer a few types of Sashiko workshops in Japan. Atsushi usually takes responsibility of Sashiko workshop in English. In Atsushi’s workshop, there will be an explanation of what Sashiko is, how to use the thimble and needle appropriately, the brief history, and continuous Q&A session throughout the workshop. In Japan, in the customize Sashiko workshop, the participants will focus on “doing” than “learning.” The information you would get maybe less comparing to participating in Atsushi’s workshop. However, you would have more time to work on the projects and learn through moving your hands with Keiko.

As of now, Keiko is happy and confident to offer:

  • Boro making workshop
Customize Sashiko Workshop Boro Making
From a pile of Japanese Vintage Fabric, which Keiko collect, you will make the one of a kind Bag for you.

Please contact us for scheduling availability.

The fee for the Customize Sashiko Workshop

The fee consists of 2 components; the arrangement fee and the workshop fee.

The Workshop Fee:

10,000JPY (About $92) ~ and up / per participants

The fee varies based on your request. We would ask you for your preferences such as;

  • How long you would like to stay there to learn Sashiko and Boro making
  • What kind of items you would like to make

The base fee of 10,000 JPY is about for 2~3 hours of the workshop with making the Boro placemat together. If the participant doesn’t finish the placemat, we will provide the necessary supply to complete them later on.

Please be advised that Keiko only can take cash in Japan.

Pre-payment with Credit Card can be arranged. Please read the cancellation policy for the payment.

The Arrangement Fee:

$75.00 ~ and up / per visit 

The workshop can be as long as a few days to complete the purpose. This is the fee toward Upcycle Stitches LLC to arrange the workshop, translate the necessary materials, and accommodation (translation) over the visit if necessary. If you are a graduate of Atsushi’s workshop (in NYC or Online), the arrangement fee will be $25.00 without any assistance to teach the basic and core of Sashiko stitching.

Sample Case for Boro “Bag” Workshop:

The Arrangement Fee of $100.00 and the workshop fee of $100.00 per person. The length of the workshop depends on the participant’s skill, but it would be roughly about 4 hours. If you are visiting yourself, the total will be $200.00. If you are a group of 4, the total will be $500.00 and which is $125.00 per person.

Threads, Fabric, and everything else for Sale

Sashiko Thread, including the Sashiko thread Keiko hand-dyed with Natural materials such as Indigo and other vegetables, Fabric for Sashiko, and everything else you would need to maximize your Sashiko experience will be available for sale with the special price during the workshop. Also, some of Keiko’s work, such as Sashiko Jackets, Sashiko Bags, Boros, and more will be also available if you wish.

Please contact us through the form below. Atsushi will get back to you as soon as possible. If you do not hear from me within 2 days, please send me an e-mail to “info●sashico.com” (Please change ● to @.)

Successful Sashiko Workshop

Successful Sashiko Workshop in NYC

Thanks to many people around me sharing the information, I had a great time in NYC with Successful Sashiko Workshop over the weekend of 6/24 and 6/25. It is always a good surprise that people like Sashiko way more than I imagine. I am happy, and mostly relieved, that all of the participants enjoyed the workshop. I hope I can see all the graduates who enjoyed my workshops and meet someone new who is interested in Sashiko workshop.

*For my Sashiko Workshop attendees. If you haven’t received a follow-up e-mail from me in last 6 days, please contact me in earliest convenience. You have some follow-up materials to maximize the workshop experience, and I would like to make sure you get everything.  

 

Boro | Sashiko | Beautiful time with fabric

We offered the basic (regular) Sashiko stitching workshops, Sashiko Mending Workshops, and advanced (Hitomezashi) Workshops. They are all Successful Sashiko Workshops. On top of the techniques and workshops materials, I am very happy that the people enjoyed the Boro and Sashiko pieces I brought to the workshop.

Thanks to one attendee, I now have this beautiful picture with Boro Jackets from Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya. I knew the Boro jacket is stunning. However, the jacket with a tall person was something more than I was imagining. I would like to thank him a lot for the opportunity. (I wish I could be taller… lol )

 

 

Successful Sashiko Workshop 2

 

 

The time with fabric, either Sashiko stitching with Asano-ha pattern or mending their garment with Sashiko fabric, the time with 3 hours were very beautiful with enjoying, appreciating, and feeling the fabric. Although we do not have the specific date for the next Sashiko workshop in NYC, I hope we can offer the similar opportunity to enjoy Sashiko with me.

Successful Sashiko Workshop 2

 

 

To Another Successful Sashiko Workshop

 

*The detail of available Workshops

I am more than happy to offer the 3 hours long Sashiko workshop in Lewisburg, Pensylvania. If you are willing to make a trip to the city of Lewisburg, please contact me. I will give you the detail information where to gather, what is the necessary things to bring, and fees. Please be advised that the minimum size of the workshop is 2 attendees. The maximum size is 6 attendees. Please try to come with your friends, or I can advertise to match up the attendees on the website. The Sashiko workshop fee is $135.00+tax for 3 hours long.

Also, I can offer the workshop at your place (in your city) if you prefer that. I am happy to make a trip to your place over the weekend. I am available on weekdays as well, but the rate will be a bit higher. Also, I would ask you to prepare the place to gather as the group with a table and chairs for the workshop and attendees. Please contact me so I can send you the detailed proposal so everyone in the plan can be satisfied.

 

Meanwhile, I will keep updating the Youtube Channel. Your request is very much appreciated to have another Successful Sashiko Workshop online and off-line by meeting (seeing) you.

https://www.youtube.com/c/sashico

 

June 2017 Sashiko Workshop in NYC

June 2017 Sashiko Workshop in NYC

Check our Hands-On Sashiko Workshop out coming up on June 24th and 25th. We have been longing for the Sashiko Workshop Opportunities, and this June 2017 Sashiko Workshop in NYC is our most pleasure to welcome whoever is interested in Sashiko technique and history. Please check the other article about “what you can expect out of our Sashiko Workshops” and come join us to fun 3 hours with Sashiko.

 

Atsushi as the instructor lives a little bit far from NYC, so don’t miss this great opportunity!

 

Check the available workshops here.

Register your seat of;

 

Summer with Sashiko. June 2017 Sashiko Workshop.

 

June 2017 Sashiko Workshop in NYC 2

 

We, as Upcycle Stitches LLC and Atsushi Futatsuya, started hosting Sashiko workshops from September 2016 curated by Curious Corners LLC. This is our 4th opportunity to meet New Yorkers who are interested in Sashiko and its concepts. The participants are from many difference backgrounds, and we are very excited to meet new people and reunion the people who graduated the past workshop. We have received all good reviews and we are building our confidence that we are offering the satisfying workshop. Our goal is to provide the perfect satisfaction.

 

Summer is a great time to travel for vacation. Sashiko may not suit your plan. Sashiko stitching is in fact developed in a snowy town over the winter.

However, it is also nice to enjoy the summer warmth while stitching the beautiful Sashiko project. Come join us!

 

Meet me at the Opening Reception as well

I also plan to join the KOFU & Friends Pop-Up reception on Friday evening. I hope I can show you our Sashiko Arts and introduce Sashiko.

 

*Please be noted. Since Atsushi travel to the workshops from far, in case we do not get the minimum numbers of participants of 8 registers, we may need to cancel the trip and not being able to shop-up the reception.

HandsOn Sashiko Workshops

HandsOn Sashiko Workshops | Meet Atsushi and Learn

Upcycle Stitches offer a variety of online tutorials and information regarding Sashiko as well as the other Japanese hand-crafting. One of the significant activities of Upcycle Stitches is the HandsOn Sashiko Workshops, where you would meet me and learn Sashiko directly. I will put my hands on your hands to teach how we use Sashiko needle and thimble.

Since we do not have a studio yet, the location of workshop varies. As of 2017, we offer Sashiko workshops in NYC / Brooklyn area a few times per year.

 

Quick Schedule for HandsOn Sashiko Workshops

 

The schedule above is linked to my partner’s website in NYC. Please register yourself first to participate the HandsOn Sashiko Workshops. The Partner is Curious Corners LLC.

 

 

Asano-ha Sashiko Stitching Workshop

Hands-on Sashiko Workshop Asanoha

 

Asano-ha Sashiko Stitching Workshop is the basic but fundamental class Upcycle Stitches LLC offers. Besides the Sashiko mending workshop, every workshop we offer requires participants to take this fundamental workshop. Sashiko stitching is different from a regular hand-sewing. Please find out how it is different. I will sit next to you, I will teach you until you get comfortable (or give up) the way we do Sashiko stitching. Therefore, the maximum seats are 6 in most of the workshops with 3 hours duration.

In this class, you will learn to stitch “asano-ha” (hemp leaf) patterns with running stitch and go home with a fabric large enough to make a tote bag, placemat, patchworking, or your own project after the workshop. This will open up your eyes to Sashiko world we traditionally follow. 

*Please contact Atsushi if you believe you know the basic techniques to use Sashiko thimble and needle. I will confirm it over the Internet and may void the prerequisites.

The workshop comes with:

  • Sashiko needles
  • Sashiko thimble
  • – Skein of white sashiko thread (approx. 145 meters)
  • – Sashiko Thread Bobbin Paper
  • – Indigo fabric with asano-ha patterns printed on
  • – Interfacing and Cotton Poplin fabric for tailoring the project at home
  • – PDF data of extra Japanese Traditional Sashiko Patterns
  • – Access to Atsushi by e-mail with questions regarding the workshop and follow-up

*You do not require previous stitching or embroidery experience to take this class. All tools are provided. You are welcome to bring you own sewing tools, but not necessary.

 

Sashiko Mending Workshop

HandsOn Sashiko Workshops Mending

 

Mending is very fun. I realized how fun Sashiko is by keep enjoying mending to my jeans. So here is a HandsOn Sashiko Workshops for making your garment to one-of-a-kind piece.

I believe that the Sashiko is not only the result as the fabric with stitches but also a process of mending, repairing, and reinforcing the fabric. In order to enjoy mending process more, we developed the Sashiko Mending Workshop. I do not spend a lot of time on teaching you how to use the Sashiko needle and thimble. Of course, I will show you how, but will not sit next to you and hold your hands to teach you the way. Instead, I will share how to enjoy Sashiko mending by working together for 3 hours with hands on. Our goal in this workshop is to share all the basic information you need to enjoy Sashiko mending by yourself after you go back to home.

 

Bring your favorite old clothing in soft denim, cotton or linen. You will learn basic techniques to mend holes, tears and reinforce parts with sashiko embroidery.

This workshop comes with:

  • – Indigo fabric patch
  • – 3 kinds of denim fabric patches
  • – Extra patches of vintage fabrics and sashiko fabrics from Japan
  • – Tools to learn how to transfer pattern to the fabric
  • – Sashiko needles
  • – Sashiko thimble
  • – Skein of sashiko thread
  • – PDF data of extra Japanese traditional sashiko patterns
  • – Access to Atsushi by e-mail with questions regarding the workshop and follow-up

 

  • We highly recommenbringingng soft cotton fabric or worn-out denim. It is difficult to work with thick, hard cotton and linen, or brand-new raw denim. Please do not bring wool or silk fabric. 
  • We recommend this class for those who have basic stitching or hand sewing experience. In case you are the absolute beginner, please watch a YouTube video of basic sewing before the class.
  • All tools are provided in the class. Feel free to bring your own sewing tools but not necessary. 

 

Hitomezashi Sashiko Workshop

*prerequisites: Asano-ha Sashiko Stitching Workshop

We develop the Hitomezashi Sashiko workshops for those who enjoyed the Asano-ha Sashiko Stitching Workshop. More information is coming soon.

HandsOn Sashiko Workshops Hitomezashi

*The image is the Final version of Hitomezashi Sashiko with Japanese vintage fabric. They can be the equivalent of graduating art-piece after taking Hitomezashi Workshops.  

Sashiko Workshop

Sashiko Workshop Location and Availability

In order to learn Sashiko stitching with our method, participating in our Sashiko workshop is the best & easiest way. In 3 hours + α  long workshop, the Sashiko instructor (usually Atsushi) will share his technique and experience. Sashiko stitching workshop, the instructor will sit next to you and put the hand on your fingers to teach how to use the Sashiko thimble and needle, the posture and rhythm.

[Update | July 2018]

 

Learn from the expert. Learn the tradition.

Over 2 years of our workshop offering to more than 70 graduates, we have 100% satisfaction feedbacks so far. Our goal is not only teaching the Sashiko technique of “how to”, but also sharing how enjoyable Sashiko is in your life with the mindset behind it.

Enjoy Sashiko! It is our phrase.

Therefore, satisfaction in the Sashiko workshop is very important to us.

 

Sashiko Workshop Availability

Over time, we develop as many workshop styles as possible to introduce Sashiko. Please check our website for more information that match your needs.

 

Sashiko Running Stitch

Customized Sashiko Workshop (in PA or your place)

The sashiko instructor (I, Atsushi), lives in Lewisburg, the central Pensylvania.

I am happy to offer the Sashiko workshops if you could make a trip to the city of Lewisburg. The workshop is about 3 hours long. I am usually available on weekdays between 9 am to 4 pm. Also, I am available to travel to your place if the driving is in about one hour (or invite me overnight), with your responsibility of preparing the place for workshops and covering the travel expense. Since I do not have a specific day opened for workshops.

Here is a list of the details we need to confirm.

  • Participants of 3 are the minimum size of the workshop for the regular workshop price of $140.00 and up per participants (including all the workshop material). The maximum size is 8 participants. Please contact me if you would like to have a private workshop or have only 2 participants.
  • Travel expense is based on standard mileage calculation (0.54 USD per mile). If you invite me from Philadelphia, the cost of travel expense is about $150~$200, a round trip.
  • If you are an owner of a shop or a studio, thinking of hosting the Sashiko workshop, I am happy to share the term and condition to offer Sashiko workshop in your location.

 

For more information, I updated the blog post about having me to your place to offer the workshop.

Private Sashiko Workshop | Bring Sashiko to your group.

 

Regular Workshop in New York, TriBeCa.

Thanks to a great help from a great friend of mine, I continue offering the Sashiko Workshops in New York City, TriBeCa Neighborhood.

 

For the detail, please check the registration page here.

 

Sashiko Workshop Tote

 

For the schedule of Sashiko Workshop, please check the blog post below.

NYC Sashiko Workshop Schedule 2018

 

 

 

 

Online Sashiko Workshop (Anywhere in the world)

 

The Online Sashiko Workshop is ready, and it already happened once!

Please check the detail of the workshop and hopefully find your ideal schedule. We just started offering it, but we did! Contact me if you have a request in scheduling the specific date.

Online Sashiko Workshop | Learn wherever you are

 

There are numbers of requests to have online workshops. I understand that it is costly and troublesome to make a trip to NYC/Brooklyn and/or the central Pensylvania. My concern is whether I can provide the workshop with the same quality since participants satisfaction is very important for us.

However, I also understand the needs. If you are interested in taking our Sashiko Online Workshop, please leave the comments here, or simply contact me to tell me you are interested. When I have a good number of potential participants, I would like to develop the online workshop with the help of those potential participants.

 

Sashiko Workshop 2

 

 

I will continue Sashiko Workshop, thanks to you.

Our goal is to share the Sashiko technique and the mindset behind it. I sometimes say that I want to make Sashiko “open-sourced” information. I could use some financial aid to continue doing:

  • To encourage the both generation, the older generation to appreciate the technique they have, and the younger generation to inspire them.

 

Some people mentioned the cost (costly pricing) of our workshop. I hope the participants understand the price of our workshop, as well as the price we have the products and supplies. It is my biggest intention to pass Sashiko down to the next generation.

 

Enjoy Sashiko!

2017 Sashiko Workshops | Start Sashiko with us

Upcycle Stitches LLC offer various Sashiko workshops in NYC/Brooklyn area. The list for the year of 2017 Sashiko Workshops is available on this website. The workshops are the hands-on opportunity to learn Sashiko techniques from experienced Sashiko artist, Atsushi Futatsuya. Visit the web to register your seat here.

“Curious Corner / Sashiko Workshops”

 

2017 Sashiko Workshops

Read more about our Hands-on Sashiko Workshops

Read this article to learn what you can expect to our HandsOn Sashiko Workshops.

Our goal through this website is to share our techniques and information. However, it is the best way to meet the instructors and learn from them. The workshops aren’t like the lecture you would just listen to the talking. You would move your hands to learn how to use the Sashiko thimble and needles, The instructor will sit down next to you and put hands on your hands to teach if necessary.

 

Although there is not “right” technique for the Sashiko stitching, we are proud of our accumulation of techniques and its uniqueness. I believe that, once you master our stitching method, the stitching process will speed up and you can enjoy more Sashiko project. As a result, your stitching skill will improve. The more you enjoy the Sashiko project, the better your stitching looks.

 

Contact us if you have any questions regarding Sashiko Workshops.

 

The year of 2017 Sashiko Workshops

Now Registering

Workshops at Calliope NYC

Location: 

Calliope
349 West 12th St. (between Washington & Greenwich Sts)
West Village, NYC

  • Saturday, June 24
  • Sunday, June 25

 

Completed

Location:

@ 20 Grattan St. Brooklyn, NY 11206

  • Friday, Feb 24
  • Saturday, Feb 25 
  • Monday, Feb 27
*Available only for those who have taken Sashiko Stitching class. 

 

@ Workshop at Pioneer Works (Red Hook, Brooklyn)

Location:

159 Pioneer St. Brooklyn, NY

pioneerworks.org 

  • Sunday, Feb 26