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.
[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.
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.
*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
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 @.）
