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The Sashiko I dream about is just here – not in the past, not in the far future, not buried into the trend. It exists thanks to many people who learned Sashiko from Keiko and myself. Some say it is rubbish to go against the trend. There is nothing “wrong” or “bad” in trend… I just want to keep “The Core & Essence” of Sashiko. Well. In order to understand Sashiko, one has to do Sashiko. The fabric (here Sashiko) talks more than anyone. The Sashiko Stitches themselves carry more stories than any words… I just would like to be a translator for that – as a Story-Teller. I am confirming my role in this, and we have many samples to back up my words.
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My mother Keiko & our friends (students) will have an Exhibition in Genki-Cafe (@genkicafe_and_gallery), starting tomorrow (4/19) until (4/22). It is quite a small gallery for (Fine) Art, but this atmosphere and sizing will be the best match for the Sashiko we practice. The Sashiko I dreamed about will be there.
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さて、さてさて！！遂に。遂に明日に迫りました、恵子さんと私達と運針会というご縁を頂いた皆様の刺し子展示会。一足先に実際の作品を拝見しました。天気がよかったので、モデルになって頂いて、太陽の下で「使うこと」を前提とした写真も撮れました。幼少期に見た、そして年を重ねる中で願っていた刺し子が形になっていて、この5年間の言葉も戯れ言じゃなかったんだなぁと嬉しく思っています。私等にはある意味当たり前の刺し子ですが、世間一般からすると「刺し子」というイメージを変えてくれる作品展示会になっていると思います。
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元気カフェ(@genkicafe_and_gallery) にてお世話になります！詳細や場所等はストーリーのハイライトからご覧頂けます。作品を見に、恵子さんに会いに、そして私が日々伝えている「刺し子とは」に触れる為に足を運んで頂けたら幸いです。
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#二ツ谷恵子 #二ツ谷淳 #運針会 #運針会ジャケット #刺し子展示会
#刺し子 #さしこ #sashiko #kogin #koginzashi #koginsashi

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I am spending good time with my mother Keiko as if there were no “missing 5 years” between us. It was 2018 when we spent time together. However, not everything is the same. I guess Keiko is “evolving”… or 5 years of sharing “Sashiko Stories” changed me to really realize the “power” of my mother’s Sashiko.
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[Natural Sumizome Fabric + Indigo Dye Thread] – As they are very similar in color shade, it isn’t the 1st choice to combine these together. Yet, she made it possible especially by changing the patterns for the “shade” subtle difference. It may look like there are several colors on it. In fact, the thread colors are the same. It is the contrast of Stitching & Negative Space.
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The 1st day of Our very First “collaborated” Sashiko workshop, me and Keiko. I hope that the participants are having a good time – and we will keep on going to share more “stories”, not only mine but those masters I would like to introduce to the world.
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恵子さんと最後に時間を過ごしたのは約5年前のアメリカでした。こうやって日本で恵子さんと、恵子さんの刺し子作品が作られている場所で一緒に時間を過ごすと、改めて恵子さんの凄さを再確認することとなりました。
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本人も言っているので書いちゃいますが、恵子さんはそれほど「刺し子そのもの」は上手ではありません。もちろん本人も刺し子は好きですし、針は常に持っているような人なのですが、作品作りには刺し子だけではなくデザインも含めた沢山の作業を通って恵子さんの作品が生まれます。沢山の恵子さんのお友達＆まだお会いできていない運針会の皆様のお力を借りて、沢山の作品が生まれています。
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木曜会の高木先生に出会って学び、今後私と恵子さんが真剣に悩み考えていかなければいけないこと。それは「人を残す」ということ。運針会を通して私の「人を（へ）残す」ということは徐々に実現できていると思うのですが、恵子さんが持つ「何か」を作品以外にも人へ残せるようにしたいものです。「刺し子は日常だ」と言っている以上、誰にでも残せることが大前提なのでね。ただ…刺し子をアートとすると、残せなくても矛盾はしないんですよね。芸術は個人一世代で完結しても良いものだから。刺し子、アートって言っちゃおうかな（笑）←冗談です。
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4/19~4/22の月島での展示会、そんな恵子さんの作品を是非見に足を運んで頂けたら嬉しいです。
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#Sashiko #Hitomezashi #SashikoJapanTour2023 #刺し子 #一目刺し

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Difference doesn’t mean antagonistic. It is our perspective who interpret “difference” as the “hostile”. We can be friends even with the biggest difference, and this is one message I would like to share throughout Sashiko.
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A day before the Koginzashi Workshop, I visited a master to greet in-person. I was planning to make a quick visit to respect her time, and end up staying there for 3~4 hours. If I weren’t suffering from Jet-lag, I may have stayed more. What I do is considered as Sashiko. What she does is also considered as Sashiko (also has a name of Koginzashi). We both agree that there is a quiet “difference” between what we do – from technique, supply, mindset, and even “approach” to Sashiko. Did we fight to prove which is more accurate? Of course, not. She and her students asked me a bunch of questions, and I had 10 times more questions for them to learn. I am very happy that I can bring my friends to this new approach from what they have learned already.
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When one defines our Sashiko as the answer, unfortunately their Sashiko may not be a part of “answer”. It goes vice versa. It is so precious to be proud of what we do – but we can learn the difference. I truly feel that I am now carrying someone’s Sashiko Story. I am sure I will learn something new from her again today while stitching on their own fabric with their own thread & needle (everything is different but thimble).
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本日これから始まるこぎん刺しの体験教室の前に、お世話になる「こぎん刺し木曜会」の高木裕子先生にご挨拶をさせて頂きました。ご挨拶に10分だけお昼ご飯前に顔を出すつもりが、一緒にお昼ご飯をご馳走になってしまい、その後も長居してしまいました。時差ぼけがなかったら夕方までずっといたような気がします。楽しかったのです。
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私達がする刺し子と、木曜会のこぎん刺しは、相当に「違ったもの」です。どちらも「刺し子」という大きな分類にはなるのだろうと思います。ただ、その違いが文化を形成し、どちらが正しいとかではなく、一つの大きな文化の一部として、こうしてお話を伺えること、本当に嬉しく、また光栄に思います。今日の教室も楽しいものになるだろうなぁ（英語の通訳ということをすっかり忘れてしまいそうですが）。
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#Sashiko #Kogin #刺し子 #こぎん刺し #木曜会

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You and I. We are both Human beings. We breathe in Oxygen, and exhale carbon dioxide. We eat to live. So, from this perspective, we are the “same”. However, as we appreciate what we have (& achieved) in civilization, we now celebrate diversity – we are the same (as human beings), but we are different as an individual (personality), a group (culture/background), and many other things. I think it is a great thing.
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This is not my Sashiko – Koginzashi done by one of my Japanese students who learned Sashiko from me (I cannot believe). I don’t practice Koginzashi as I know I am not really good at it. As much as I feel I need to challenge myself, I am okay with drawing the line there. What I do & Koginzashi are both Sashiko – but different. We do not have to make it the same. There are a numbers of Sashiko with these “differences” in Japan – some are well-known, others are completely hidden (Un-Told).
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I hope this analogy explains the fear of one saying “Oh, I know Sashiko” and start telling the “right” answers to others. There are completely different rules in Koginzashi, and we are about to visit a master to learn it even for a tip of this. I do respect one’s freedom – we live with our personal “right” to be in freedom. However, please be noted that someone’s freedom can minimize, or worse eliminate the diversity on the other ends. While I am in Japan, I am a student. In fact, I have been a student since I restarted Sashiko. I am so happy to share more stories here about “Sashiko in Japan”.
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沢山の方々のお力添えと応援を頂いて、今回の日本旅行を形にすることができています。オンラインで頂いた縁を丁寧に育み、オフラインで繋ぐとここまで力強いものになるのかと、涙腺ゆるゆるで感動しています。昔はずーっと一人だと思ってたんですけどね。確かに刺し子は独りになる時間が多い手芸ですが、同時に一人じゃないと、過去も未来も国も時差も何もかも越えて「今」で刺し子を基準に繋がれるのは、本当に素敵だなと思います。
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英語圏で刺し子をお伝えしたゲストを日本に迎えているのですが、このような素敵な「こぎん刺し」は私の今の力では形にできません。初心に戻り、先生のお話を真摯に伺ってこようと思います。「継続」って本当に凄いことで、一つのことを数年、数十年、半世紀も続けているような人からは必ず学べる何かを得られるのです。今回の先生から学べる「何か」は多すぎるのがわかってるので消化できるように準備万端で。
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#Sashiko #Kogin #刺し子 #こぎん刺し

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As I share “Sashiko Stories”, some define my words as the answers. I appreciate their respect & trust in it, I also want to make sure to clarify that my Sashiko Stories are “mine” – and it is only one viewpoint of Sashiko. I am very much proud of myself teaching Sashiko to other Japanese people, and one of the main purposes is to see “Unison of our Sashiko in big differences”.
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In this picture, in the same patterns, we are fortunate to have 6 Sashiko (rising) artisans. Keiko put 14 pieces of them together and made a Jacket – it will be one significant display in the Small Exhibition in Tsukishima, Tokyo.
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This Tour is to “layer” someone’s Sashiko Story onto mine. It is not my intention to “patchwork” and expand it.. It is really more like putting them on each other to see what Sashiko really is “for me”. The better I articurate what Sashiko is, the more details I can share with my stories. So, I will try my best to spend time meeting Sashiko Artisans. Hopefully, I can purchase some of their Sashiko Items. If it fortunately happens, I would like to share it with you: Always, my intention is always to “involve” – not to “exclude”. Please share what is going on in Sashiko – the Sashiko Atsushi & Keiko have been practicing for years & decades.
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日本旅行は物語を紡ぐための時間だと思っています。観光だけじゃなく人に会うこと。近年刺し子を始めた人だけではなく、「長年愚直に刺し子をされている方」にご挨拶をさせて頂くこと。誰でも簡単に「先生」と名乗れる世の中で、30年も50年も同じことを続けていらっしゃる方というのは、それだけでもう「先生」なんだろうと思います。教える技術だけが先生を定義するわけではないはずで。
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沢山の人にお会いする旅になります。刺し子を紹介することが何よりもの目的なので、「あ、この刺し子紹介したい！」と思ったら取材が開始されるかもしれません（笑）下手すると、「そのバッグ、買いたいのだけど…」と買い付けがはじまるかもしれません。冗談ぽく書いていますが、至って真面目です。全然知られていないけれど、素敵で半端ない刺し子が日本には溢れているんだろうと。ハードル高くするのは怖い気もしますが、でも、確信に近い何かがあるのです。4/21に限らず、予定の中で合流していただけそうであればご自由に！基本ゲストの皆様のおもてなしをするのでバタバタはしていますが、刺し子好きな方に会って物語を紡ぐことがこの旅の第一の目的なので。たぶん、このジャケット見たら、泣くんだろうな。今から言ってれば泣いてもかっこ悪くないですよね。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #JapaneseSashiko

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Boro isn’t a word for “(colorful) patchwork”. It isn’t even a word for “Mending”. Then, many ask “what is it?” as if I have a desirable answer for them. This account exists to explain what Boro is without eliminating the voices of Japanese people – and I don’t have the answers they want to hear. Boro is more (rich) than patchwork & Mending, and also it is less (significant) than patchwork & mending. It is not my intention to make it philosophical. It is just impossible to explain without sharing these perspectives – if you would care to learn what it really is.
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One “Core” I can share about Boro, if it isn’t patchworking, is that Boro is about “Layering”. Connecting (Recycled) Fabric Swatches itself won’t great Boro – it requires “Layers” of fabric, and more importantly “Stories”. We can make an authentic Boro, but it takes time.
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This coming Japan Tour is like a process of making Boro… My Sashiko isn’t really “perfect” – and it requires a lot of “stitching”. Therefore, with meeting many Sashiko masters & friends, while listening to their stories, I would like to keep layering “their” Sashiko to my Sashiko. It isn’t just a “sightseeing” tour – it is the first step for me to be the “Sashiko Story Teller” in many different perspectives. I am so proud of myself for arranging this tour with meeting “unknown” Sashiko people. If possible, I would like to purchase Sashiko items from them. Your support on “Patreon” and/or “GiveButter” would be very much appreciated for that (Auction may be available, too).
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I am ready to surprise the world.
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今回の日本一時帰国。目的は「オンラインで出会った方をオフラインで繋げること（アメリカの刺し子好きを日本の刺し子好きに会わせること）」が一番なのですが、もっと根本的な所に、刺し子好きな人と一緒に時間を過ごしてみたいという、とてもとても個人的な目的があります。刺し子との（腐れ）縁は長いですが、実は「刺し子の友達」はほとんどいませんでした。刺し子をしている人に囲まれていたけれど、友達ではなく職人さんで、「刺し子の友達」と時間を過ごすのは今回が生まれて初めてです。ずーっと一人だった刺し子が、一人じゃなくなる共通項になるのは本当に不思議です。
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針を通すこと。布を重ねること。点を線にすること。「帰国して刺し子友達に会う」という言葉にすると簡単な感じなのですが、お一人ずつのお話を伺って、そこに私自身のお話も重ねて、きっと私の願う（祈りとしての）刺し子が厚くなるんじゃないかと思っています。刺し子を繰り返し襤褸になる。襤褸の美しさの本質は色使いでもパッチワークでも刺し子の針目でもなく、その「重なった物語」だと思っています。「刺し子を伝える人間」としての一歩が今回の日本一時帰国な気がしているのです。
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#Sashiko #Boro #JapaneseBoro #刺し子 #襤褸

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Over the last 4 years or so, many kindly advise me to structure the system of “Certification” or “Atsushi Certified Sashiko Teacher” to expand my business. I know how this will impact me financially, but I do not plan to issue a “ticket to teach (represent) Sashiko” as I am still in the learning phase, and I will be in the same phase 50 years from now in Sashiko. Again, money is an important vehicle to reach the goal of me keep sharing the Sashiko. Money is not the “Goal” of what I do.
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Although I do not issue “certification”, I encourage everyone who takes my workshop & keeps stitching with me to “teach” Sashiko when they have opportunities. I am so glad that Jade (@the_jadefalcon) decided to take her first step. In the trend where anyone can copy what I do & “imitate” from a technical & appearance perspective, it is very grateful that someone who is serious in learning can speak on my behalf. A new teacher may not teach Sashiko as efficiently as I do, but I am sure that they can convey the most important message I have been sharing.
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In the workshop FL, some participants told me that they would like to take my workshop again – not because they didn’t get what they expected, but they thought there would be more to learn & enjoy stitching. I am now getting more confident in what I am sharing – please learn “the Sashiko we have been practicing”, which isn’t introduced in English yet. It will make a significant difference in your Sashiko – not only the way to respect the culture, but also the way to respect yourself. I am sure that Jade will do a fantastic job! (For Sign-Up, check her Account)
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刺し子を教えるようになって5年。多くの方に「刺し子教えたらどう？」とお伝えしてきました。軽い感じで伝えるので真剣に捉えて頂けないことも多いみたいなのですが、日本、オーストラリア、イタリア…と少しずつ私達の運針を伝えて下さる方が増えていて嬉しい限りです。これまでは全て日本人の方だったのですが、今回はアメリカで非日本人の方の挑戦。沢山話して、準備もして、一歩を踏み出す勇気を出してくれたことに感謝です。
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昔は「教えることを教えるのも技術」と思い、金銭的なことも考えていましたが、もう今は「源流が明確な刺し子が伝わればいい」とだけ思っています。ウェブ上に転がる刺し子を自分なりに解釈した「独学」が悪い訳ではないのですが、誰から教わったかを辿ることはとても大事だと思うから。文化って先人あってのものですからね。
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#Sashiko #刺し子

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Starting this weekend, this account will be a bit “busy” in terms of “Stories” and posts as I will be in Japan for the first time in the last 10 years. It is scary that I feel scared to go back to my own country… I will still try to share our Sashiko Stories with photos from Japan. The difference would be the amount & contents of the writing. As I often wish you to think through or contemplate in reading my stories, I write to encourage you to read between the lines. For the coming 2 weeks, it will be more direct, and I will focus on narrating the stories.
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I set up a “GiveButter” funding site for those who had offered (or wish to offer) some financial support for this Japan Tour. In there, I will share as many photos/videos as possible as we go through our special itinerary. For the link, please check the “Story Highlight” of Japan Tour.
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Tomorrow (April 7th) is the last day that I can prepare the order for Sashiko supplies via @Upcyclestitches. If you wish to receive the Sashiko Thread in April, please place the order before tomorrow’s sunset. I really appreciate your support & understanding!
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今週末から2週間ほど、このアカウントが少し忙しくなる予定です。日々不安と恐怖が増していく自分の生まれ育った国への一時帰国が、もう目の前です。8時間ぶっ通しで超絶緊張下にあるワークショップと違い、比較的時間にも心にも余裕があると思いますので、できるだけ沢山の写真をここで紹介できればなと思っています（一番の詳細は英語で、PatreonやGiveButterと行った作家支援サイト経由でご紹介する予定です。興味がある方は英語版のJapan Tour Story のハイライトをご覧ください）
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4月19日から22日の間に開催される「刺し子の展示会」についても、今後しっかりと宣伝していけたらと思っています。開催期間中に行われるワークショップは、一部満席になってしまっておりますが、コースターのワークショップはまだ空きがありますので、恵子さんや運針会の皆様の刺し子を見ながら、恵子さんが見る刺し子を楽しんで頂ければと思っています。21日のオフ会も、会場を変更したことから、もう少し余裕はある感じです。日本とアメリカと世界中と…刺し子がご縁でインターネット上で繋がれた皆様とオフラインで会う機会です。楽しみだー！
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #刺し子展示会

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“How can I reach the summit? I want to see the view from the top of the mountain you introduce”. Well. I can show some photos or videos of the view from the summit. One can probably use a helicopter to get to the summit without climbing. Even when they decide to climb the mountain on their own foot, there are millions of mountains and millions of ways to climb the mountains. For the mountain climber, the view from the summit is one of the joys – but not whole joy. Do they only enjoy the view from the summit? I believe they enjoy the process of being on the top of the mountain.
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I feel similar when someone asks me for quick answers. Yes, I can tell them what it looks like. Many books & tutorials explain how beautiful the views from the summits of each mountain are. Some offer a ride to the summit. The other may live-stream the view from the summit. “Every possible way” is a great way to enjoy “it”, but not the whole picture.
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There are no (universal) answers, but there is (your own answer). My job is to teach how to climb as many mountains as possible safely & respectfully so that one can find their own way of enjoying the process. Therefore, Sashiko is a cultural practice – not just an Art form. Therefore, “teaching” without cultural context can destroy the practice itself.
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I know the joy of reaching the summit. It isn’t only about the view from the summit. It is the process of climbing, sometimes by myself, or sometimes with someone who shares the same value. There is nothing wrong with asking for the photos from the summit. However, when you are ready, please join me to be a climber to say “I like mountains”.
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一人の作業が多いはずの刺し子を通して、運よく素敵なご縁に恵まれて素敵な時間を過ごすことができています。この出張の次は日本。「刺し子そのものが大好きです」という私にとっての初めての日本です。きっと全く違う日本なんだろうと思います。鏡を見る度に親父を思い出して、当時大嫌いだった親父が思っていたことに思考を寄せてみています。過去は美化されるものだと承知の上で、10年経って漸く父親の死に向き合う時が来たのだろうと思っています。
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#Sashiko #刺し子

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Sashiko is “more” than just making “perfect (accurate/even) stitches”. Therefore, we do not embrace the imperfection to begin with as it exists outside of dualism. The workshop/class I offer is an opportunity to share what “more” is like by going through the technique, then stories to explain the techniques. 6 years ago, I started the workshop in self-doubt if I were to have something to offer. Now, I enjoy being a graduate, but certain changes in their eyes. A new student who also doubts my words that “everyone can do this” will become my friend who thinks it is not that difficult. I am proud of myself working hard to develop this, appreciative to those who have me as a teacher/lecturer, and sincerely thankful for those who invest their time & money to learn “it” from me.
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Sashiko & related stories are non-significant to me. They are just my ordinary. However, the “ordinary” is very different from the ordinary you may have. Unfortunately, the Sashiko introduced in English are filtered & adjusted to fit your “ordinary”. One needs to realize & go through something “uncomfortable” to learn something new, especially when they think they are learning something foreign. It can be a painful path to learn – yet, it is my job to make it enjoyable. I will go through the uncomfortable & difficult times together. I am strict, but not suppressive. I am stubborn, but there are reasons for that.
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As I trust teachers who do the practice (here Sashiko), I prioritize stitching over teaching. The opportunities aren’t everywhere… but if you find one available, please consider taking it. It is NOT the workshop where I go over things saying “let’s do Sashiko together” – I believe I am offering something more than just “fun time” to share what is “more” in Sashiko.
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また素敵な機会を頂きました。初日の1時間で運針をお見せした際に「こんなんできる訳が無い」という怒りにも似た諦めの表情をされる中で「大丈夫だから」と断言した言葉を証明する三日間です。二日目以降には笑顔で談笑しながら刺し子をされているのをみると、これこそが刺し子の本質なんだろうなと思うのです。初日の皆さんの顰めっ面を冗談にしながら、「刺し子とは」という命題に各々で向かってもらう。何より「できるようになってもらう」。教え続ける為には刺し子をし続けることが大切なので、ずーっと教えてばかりとは行きませんが、年に数回でもこうやって素敵な機会を作っていけたらと思っています。楽しかった。めちゃ疲れたけど。
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