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I want you to listen to my/our voice. At the same time, I do not want you to immerse yourself only in my stories. It is always important to keep balance. Defining my word – “There is no such a thing as Right or Wrong in Sashiko” – as the “right description” is already in the weir of dualism. Please listen to & read other Japanese people’s voices. A lecture by Wada-Sensei (@yoshiko_wada_) yesterday was such a great opportunity to learn (It was good to hear that she doesn’t agree with the Sashiko’s “definition” as “Little Stabs”). I believe the series of her lectures is available in archives. Please visit @longhousereserve for the details.

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I want you to learn from me. However, I am not so full of myself that what I say/write is the “answer”. Because of the (cultural) difference, even in talking about a fact, we may end up looking at it from a different angle. It is my challenge to learn the culture in which I am sharing “to”. It is my responsibility to learn since I am writing it in English. Therefore, the “Sashiko Talk (Live Streaming)” is a wonderful opportunity to learn & observe me objectively in talking to our Sashiko friends. The Sashiko Live Streaming is all archived on our Youtube Channel. It will probably answer many of your questions. Sashiko is… more than just making beautiful patterns in stitching.

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先日ご紹介した和田先生のウェブ講義。とても有意義な時間を過ごすことができました。想像以上に僕や恵子さんのお話を取り上げて下さって、夕飯用に鶏肉揚げながら拝聴してたので少し気まずくなったり。日曜日の夕方だから仕方ない（笑）。

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英語で刺し子を紹介していると、油断すると「淳が言うことは全て正しい」という偏った現象を作りかねません。それは僕が日本人で日本語を当たり前としつつ、英語で情報発信をしている為、言語的に同じ土俵に立ってないと、批判すらできないからです。実際日本語できないと議論にすらならないし。ただ、それはとても危ない話です。だからこそ、和田先生のように知識も経験も段違いの方から客観的にご紹介＆ご指摘を頂けるのは本当に貴重で、有り難いなと思っています。日本の文化は素敵なんですが、だからといって完璧だという訳では決して無いのでね。

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#Sashiko #SashikoStory #SashikoTalk #SashikoLive #SashikoStitching #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子

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While the definition of “authentic” is not so clear (to me), it is difficult to prove the authenticity. To be honest, I do not even feel the need to prove it. All I do is to share the stories – the stories I have been receiving & experiencing. 

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The more I share the stories, the less I can stitch. The more I stitch, the less I can share the stories. As of now, I prioritize the story-telling because the Sashiko I know is becoming (or has become) something filtered & twisted. I would like to protect what my mother (Keiko as a genius Sashiko artisan) does. I would like to rebuild the future of many Sashiko friends I have. 

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Anyone can be anything on this Internet. It is us who needs to distinguish the authentic and fake. It is scary because the fake looks more authentic by their marketing & advertisement. How it looks is more important than what it is. Therefore… I keep sharing my “unedit” version of stitching. It is “Sashiko Talk (Sashiko LiveStreaming)”. I am a real person who stitches in front of the camera without any “edit”. I offer it every 2 weeks on Sunday night. It is tonight at 9 pm EDT. Please join us & enjoy Sashiko stitching. 

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先日頂いたコメントにお返事をする形で、「ホンモノを見極める力」という話題に少し触れました。この「ホンモノ」という概念。なかなかにやっかいです。あくまで僕の定義にはなってしまうのですが、ホンモノとは、つまりは「実際に行動している人」です。技術が高い人だけじゃない。ここで言えば、「刺し子をしている人」がホンモノです。当たり前じゃないかと思うあなた。鋭い。ただ現実には「刺し子をしていると装うことによって利を得る人」がいたりします。約14年前の僕です（笑）。当時は刺し子はほぼ一切せずに数字ばかり睨んでました。

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自戒の念も込めて、諸先輩方に手をお見せする恥を忍びながら、編集なしで「行動としての刺し子」をお見せしているのが配信です。「どれだけでも刺し子できるよ」と言葉にしたら、「24時間（以上）配信してみる」。少しでもホンモノに近づきたい場所だったりします。

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運針会でご縁を頂いた方が、日々「ホンモノ」になっていく姿をみて、少し羨ましかったりします。僕の今の優先順位は「伝えること」でもあるのでね。ホンモノを見つけるのはそんなに難しくありません。でも、その中で自分が見定めるホンモノにしっかりと自信が持てるような「見抜ける力」を養いたいものです。

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#Sashiko #SashikoTalk #SashikoLiveStreaming #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoStitching #刺し子

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If you enjoy Shibori in English, you would know her name for sure. I have been learning from Wada-sensei (@yoshiko_wada_) a lot about not only Japanese textile but also Sashiko & Boro from her approach. She is offering a special Talk tomorrow on April 25th (Sunday) @longhousereserve with the theme of #NuiProject & Sashiko. It is another great opportunity to learn from a Japanese who are well educated in the topic. 

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I want you to listen to my voice. However, it is “my” voice. It is very important to listen to the other Japanese who practice Sashiko, and be knowledgeable for Boro & Textile. Information about Sashiko & Boro in English is still insufficient. The Japanese do not deliver their voice in English so often. In order to communicate in English, the understanding of English as both language & culture is quite important. Wada-Sensei is well experienced in all of the categories. I will be watching her talk & will learn something new tomorrow as well. For the ticket, please check the Long-House account above and check their link.

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英語圏で「Shibori」をされていて 、きっと和田先生の名前を知らない方はいないはず……という程の著名な方と、最近お付き合いをさせて頂いております。本当に有り難いことです。明日、英語ではありますが、その和田先生がZoomで講演会をされる予定です。僕も拝聴する予定です。楽しみ。

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「英語圏で日本の文化を伝えること」の大先輩でもあり、実績を残されている先生です。言葉に重さがあるというか、ホンモノだなぁと感服してしまうのです。刺し子もそうなのですが、本当の意味で文化を伝えようとすると両言語＆両文化に精通していないと難しいです。英語圏での刺し子が「不十分だ」というのは、紹介している人が日本文化にも日本語にも精通していないし、また同時に日本人で英語で刺し子を紹介している僕みたいな人間も、英語や西洋文化に精通はしていないから。和田先生のように第一線で活躍されていらっしゃる方のお話を聞き、またご指摘頂けることは本当に幸せなことだと思っています。まだまだ大丈夫。

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#Sashiko #yoshikowada #slowfiberstudios #SashikoStitching #JapaneseSashiko #刺し子

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“How to care & respect” is a difficult topic. One saying “I care about your culture” isn’t really enough. “Care & Respect” can be validated by action – not by just words. Words are, of course, important. However, if they support the people who appropriate the culture (directly/indirectly) because of the better deal, convenience, or appearance, then their “action” is contributing to the pain. As I keep saying, please be mindful who you are supporting by your decision. 

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In my understanding of the Japanese culture, we really do not verbalize “care & respect”. In English, it is very important to express how we feel in words like “I love you”. I do not know many Japanese families who say “I love you” every single day. Instead, we act. If I care for someone, I take action. The Japanese may think it isn’t so “sophisticated” that we have to verbalize their emotions. It is natural to act when we care enough. I appreciate kind words. However, the kind words without action “can” be emotionally stabbing me while them being nice to me. It is unfortunate for everyone on the same stage.

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米国で生活をしていると「言葉で伝える大切さ」が日々身に沁みます。毎月のように喧嘩をしている我が家ですが、ほぼほぼ100%、「伝えきれていない」のが喧嘩の理由です（はい、僕が悪いです）。「それくらい言葉にしなくても大丈夫でしょ？」が大きな歪を生みます。こっ恥ずかしいこと、無粋なことも言葉にしなきゃ駄目なんです。

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逆に言葉にする文化が当たり前だと、「言葉にすれば何でも良い」という状況にもなりかねません。「家族が大切だから」と口は達者でも、浮気ばかり繰り返している人みたいな感じな人が、文化的観点からみても存在します。「日本文化としての刺し子を大切にしたい！」と言いながら、よくわからないメーカーの糸や布を販売している人とか、「襤褸が好き！」と言いながら、ヤスリで布ごしごしやってる人とか。どうも薄っぺらく見えてしまうのは、「言葉に出す弊害」です。職人気質なのでしょうか？僕自身言葉に逃げる傾向はあるのですが、やっぱり言葉数が少なくホンモノを作る人が好きなんですよね。

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#Sashiko #Shokunin #SupportSashiko #CulturalAppropriation #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoStitching #刺し子 #職人

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Regardless of my fear(pain) in Cultural Appropriation in Sashiko, I am happy to see many people get to know what Sashiko is. Although some information may be filtered/twisted, those who respect the origin will eventually reach the stories. After all, what I would like to do is to pass down the culture. Your understanding & interest is very important, and I appreciate it. 

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One of the distortions we experience in the trend is “the value change”. It is simple economics – demand and supply. The price tag we see on the Japanese Kofu (vintage fabric) is unbelievable. Once they were “trash”, now they are valuable. Isn’t it kind of funny?

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Many ask me what is the “Good Kofu”. It is a difficult question because “it depends” on what they are looking for. For Sashiko, there are 3 check-points to define if it is Good Kofu (for Sashiko). (1) Is it washable? (2) Is the damage/worn naturally done? (3) Is the fabric “usable”? As I shared the concept of Yo Soku Bi yesterday, the beauty comes from “using” it. In order to make a good “Boro to be”, the journey starts from finding Good Kofu pieces. (I sometimes list Kofu in our store. For my business, please follow @upcyclestitches).

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流行というのは面白いもので、ゴミが宝になったりします。言葉遊びでもあるのですが、「お金という価値」という判断基準で物事を見ると、経済学の大原則の「需要と供給」が刺し子にも当てはまって、雑巾にも出来ないようなボロボロの古布に、とんでもない値段がついたりするのです。もともと古布には価値があって、それを知っている人はいたのですが、流行になると「古布そのものの価値」ではなく、「古布を持っていれば得られるだろう未来の価値（値上がりの可能性）」にもお金が流入し市場が膨らみます。バブルとか投機とかは、株や仮想通貨だけじゃなく、こういう「モノ」でも起こります。良い悪いの話じゃなく、なんか不思議だなぁというお話。もちろん古布は良いものに生まれ変わるから価値はあるんですが、古布そのものは、本当にボロ布ですぜ（笑）

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#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoStitching #Yoshokubi #Kofu #VintageFabric #JapaneseVintage #刺し子 #古布

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We can find many kinds of descriptions about Sashiko in English. “Slow-stitching”, “Beauty in Imperfection”, “Meditative Stitching”… and you know better than I do. All of these are not “wrong”, but they are insufficient by themselves. Before defining what is “the sufficient Sashiko description”, it is critical to understand the concept of “用即美 – Yo-Soku-Bi” in Japanese Mingei. 

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The Japanese found the beauty in the ordinary (not only in imperfection) – and they categorized it as “the beauty in Usage (in the ordinary days)”. There are many crafts found in this Mingei-Movement, and that’s the base concept of the Aesthetic Sense in Sashiko. (Please look up our website for terminology, like Mingei and such).

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“The beauty in Usage”. That’s the reason we mainly make something we can use instead of put it on the wall. There is nothing wrong with making a tapestry or framing Sashiko as an Art piece. However, without understanding the base concept, the culture becomes something different. Therefore, I say “Sashiko in English isn’t wrong, but insufficient”. If you are to share/teach Sashiko to someone, please keep “learning” – and let your students know there are more (Do not let you students feel that they do not need to learn further, please).

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英語圏で刺し子をしていると「刺し子は芸術だ」とか「額縁に入れて飾りたい」とお褒めの言葉を頂くことがあります。嬉しいのですが、同時に「美」 としての刺し子の出発点も知って欲しいなと思うのです。刺し子を額縁に入れることは全く問題ないと思っています。僕自身もするし。ただ、「用即美 – 用いて即ち美しい」という概念が、刺し子の根底にあることを知った上で楽しんで欲しいなと思うのです。僕達が基本ジャケットやバッグばかりを作るには、こういう理由があります。タペストリーや飾るものを作らないという訳ではありません。ただ、やっぱり「使いたい＆着たい」と思ってもらえるものを作りたいなと思うのです。

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#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoStitching #Yoshokubi #Mingei #TeachingSashiko #CulturalAppropriation #刺し子 #民藝運動 #用即美

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When I write about the “language” difference, some read it superficially as if I am excluding non-Japanese. They say, “So you are saying we need to be fluent in Japanese to enjoy Sashiko?”. No, I am NOT saying it at all.

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You do not need the Japanese language to enjoy/practice Sashiko. Only thing I am asking is the respect/care for the Japanese culture (voice). When they are trying to learn the “mindset”, I am fine with them teaching Sashiko. Only thing I would find uncomfortable is to “twist(repaint)” the culture. When a Sashiko teacher leaves the impression to students that they do not need to “look further” in Sashiko after the workshop, then it is a problem. All of my class ends saying “This is the start of their Sashiko”. A big difference in mindset & approach. 

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Sashiko isn’t so difficult to be good at. However, it isn’t shallow as the non-Japanese can “complete” on behalf of us. Summarizing/Simplifying Sashiko into “the one answer” with filtering numbers of diversified style is a form of twisting & repainting the culture – and when it is done with intentional ignorance & for the profit, then it is Cultural Appropriation. 

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As I always say, “Caring & Respect” will differentiate Appreciation from Appropriation – not what you can do, it is how you approach it (although it would be great to try to learn the Japanese).

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配信では良く話すのですが、日本語では「主語」を多用しません。それは、「誰が」の部分は既に前提として共通認識されていることが多く、敢えて言う必要がある場合以外は省略してしまうからです。同様の共通認識で、指示語である「あれそれこれ」も多用されます。受動態＆能動態も、一文字で変わります。結果……共通認識あっての意思疎通になります（笑）。やっぱり凄い言語だよなぁと。想像力と共感力がないと日本語って難しいんじゃないかと思うのですよ。だって、誰が何をしているのかっていう基本文型を想像しながら話すんですよ……凄い話です。

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In this account, I am sharing the Sashiko & how “different” the understanding can be. Not “Wrong”, just “different” – because of this difference, the understanding of Sashiko in English can be insufficient. After all, “Sashiko” is a Japanese practice rooted into the Japanese culture. The culture is deeply related to the language. In other words, the language is a product of each culture. 

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The more I learn English, the deeper I respect the language. It is a well-developed language to communicate in a diversified society. Since the speakers are different, the language became straightforward based on their “value” – which is mutual understanding by logic. This simplification enhances the dualism, and unfortunately (sometimes), it “could” filter something in between. Contemporary Japanese is becoming like English – more “direct”. However, what I share is the culture where Japanese didn’t really need to “problem-solve” by language. Therefore, it is extremely challenging for me to explain the nuance of Sashiko in English.

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Unlike the other posts here, this is merely my opinion. I am not well educated enough to discuss linguistics. However, by explaining my idea, “what/how I write here” might make more sense to some of the readers. Some complaints that they do not get “clear answers” by reading what I write. It is true because I do not offer “clear answers”. Without mindful reading, my writing here is nonsense. Instead, I believe I offer enough “stories” to encourage them to think. Therefore, I ask, please sit with what I write (for while) before asking for the “quick” answers.

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英語を学べば学ぶほど、日本語というのはかくも不思議な言語だなぁと思うのです。「意思疎通する」ことが言語の目的であるならば、論理的な英語は完全体に近く、日本語はとても原始的に思えます。ただ、言語の目的はきっと「意思疎通」だけじゃないはずで、だからこそ日本語は先を言っているのかもしれません。言霊とか過去の産物ですが、これからくる未来のお話な気もしますし。英語は世界中の人が異なる文化を抱えながら、それでも相互理解するために発展し続けています。日本語はいい意味で答えを求めません。普通に昔の日本人とか、「おい」＆「はい」だけで会話してたしね。英語では想像できない風景ですよ。だからこそ、刺し子も「わかった気になって欲しくない」んだと思います。厳密に言うと、刺し子の本質は日本語がわからないと伝わらないとすら思っているので。

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Finally… it is my pleasure to share this information. I knew it would be perfectly fine, but I couldn’t feel 100% comfortable in sharing until I got the Covid Vaccination schedule. (I guess I am very much Japanese… What we feel anxiety the most is troubling others. So many non-Japanese find us “worrisome” and “anxious” based on their common-sense, but we just want to avoid being the one to bother others). 

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Anyway. I am restarting the In-Person Sashiko Workshop, in a popular & beautiful studio, “Aya Fiber Studio” in Florida (@aya_fiber_studio) after 15 months. (I cannot believe the last in-person was in Quiltcon 2020).

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I sincerely appreciate the owner, Suzanne, for understanding my “Japaneseness”, and being patient to make it happen. This is not only the restart workshop, but a very special one with 3 days length of stitching & stitching. First day, I shared the basics & essence. The 2nd & 3rd day, we apply the basics to what the participants want with sharing many stories & techniques. It looks like there are a few spots left. If you are interested, please contact Suzanne at @aya_fiber_studio for the details.

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*Photo from previous workshop in Tribeca, NYC.
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全米に散らばる知人の投稿でコロナワクチン接種完了の声が上がる中、全米でも最下位レベルで接種スピードが遅かったここPA州でも、漸く一般にまで順番が回ってきました。明後日に予約が取れたー（でも相当運転して遠くまで行きますが……州内ならどこでもOKみたい）。ワクチン接種できるので、やっとでご連絡ができます。対面でのワークショップを15ヶ月ぶりに開催します。わ〜い。15ヶ月ぶりに州から出ます（笑）

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米国では再開モードが半端ありません。昨日も普通に移動遊園地来てたし。とはいえ、僕はまだ米国では外国人（移民だけど）。油断せずに丁寧にしっかりと、そして楽しんで刺し子をお伝えしようと思います。ちなみに再開一発目が3日間の刺し子合宿って……体力大丈夫かな。

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#Sashiko #SashikoWorkshop #SashikoClass #AyaFiberStudio #LearnSashiko #刺し子 #刺し子ワークショップ

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I have received several happy notes that they found my article on the latest PieceWork Magazine (Summer 2021 issue) about Sashiko & its diversity. I still don’t have the copy on my hand, and I will introduce the details when I actually have it. I just wanted to share that this is my official first “published” contribution with compensation. 

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I cannot thank the PieceWork team enough. English is my second language. I never got out of Japan until the age of 19. Therefore, my writing can be very strange (and wrong) for native writers. There are many grammatical mistakes (not on purpose). I do not follow some “rules” in writing (on purpose). However, usually, when an editor reads my writing, they try to “re-write” on my behalf with good intention. Instead of making corrections, they often (not always) try to rewrite the whole sentence with the contents they thought they understood. Unfortunately, it often loses the “point”. I understand. It is MUCH easier to rewrite than adjusting the errors. I almost gave up & focused on improving my English. The PieceWork team, however, didn’t change my writing style much. I still don’t know how they did it, but I took it as their understanding of the diversity – different cultures – and therefore, I felt they respected Sashiko. (my conclusion was the editor is simply a genius). Philosophy & practice of Sashiko is there → https://ift.tt/3tseA5L. ☆

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昔から文章は好きで、いつか物書きになれればいいなぁと憧れていたのですが、まさか初めての物書きのお仕事が英語雑誌への寄稿だとは思いませんでした（笑）高校2年次に英語で補習受けたのが嘘みたい（赤点）。しかも、「刺し子の方法」とかっていう技術本ではなく、刺し子への思いというエッセイ的な、「しかも」、ご縁を頂いている運針会の皆様と一緒に作った作品への「みんな違ってみんな良い（先人に敬意は払いつつ）」という思いが出版されたのは本当に嬉しいです。雑誌の1記事ではありますが、スタート地点としては最高なんじゃないかな。（PieceWorkという雑誌です）。まだ僕の手元には雑誌が届いていないのですが、届いたら写真にしますね。他の方には届いているみたいで、沢山のメッセージを頂いて。形に残すのには、やっぱり営業は必要だよなぁ……（ご縁を頂いた後に僕から「採用して！」って書いて送ったのでね）。

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#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #PieceWork #SashikoMagazine #SashikoStitching #Unshin #運針 #刺し子

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