On the Internet, we can find some photos of “stitching (or similar)” saying “Sashiko (Boro) inspired”. They made me wonder what they are “inspired” by (from). Today, I am reading a well-written, and very important article about the word “inspired” written by a Japanese person I respect, and I am learning how to articulate the dull pain in my chest.
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The source of inspiration may be the specific “Pattern” such as Asanoha or Shippou. However, there are no such a thing as Sashiko pattern. They are geometric patterns we often use in Sashiko. They may be inspired by the (superficial) comfortable message of Sashiko translated (modified) by someone who think they know enough – like Sashiko as the way to recycle fabric in SDGs. It is true that we reuse materials a lot, but Sashiko is NOT the word for “Visible Mending”. When I share these stories, some accuse me saying, “You always complain with denial saying ○○ is NOT ●●. You need to explain when you deny it”. Well… I am explaining everything here through sharing my stories. Sashiko has been my life. How can I explain everything in one sentense to someone who does not try to learn the cultural perspective of the practice? Sashiko and our stories do not exist to satisfy someone’s Instant Gratification, or even worse, self‐assertiveness and profit.
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I am still learning English so that I can speak up in this big trend. Or, without English, the voice from Japanese people may be buried in its history. I make myself available to share my own stories every Thursday at 9 pm EST on Youtube (Search the channel “Sashiko Story”). Do not use the word “inspired” as the excuse for the Instant Gratification. I am happy that what we can do inspires you, so please keep learning. Please keep sharing the stories where you are inspired by (from).
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少し思うことがあり、デニムへの刺し子を再開しました。麻の葉は「100mの麻の葉企画」で目一杯（飽きる程）なので、もう一つの楽ちんな柄の七宝で刺し子をしています。他の柄は、刺し子というよりは準備するのが面倒なんすよね（笑）。ここ数ヶ月で運針会を数回開催する中で、「楽しく刺し子をする」という刺し子配信の原点みたいなものを思い出すことができました。今のスタイルが悪いって言ってるんじゃなく、それは絶対に必要なのだけど、英語での本気感を日本語に持ち込む必要はないなぁと。というわけで、明日の配信は久々にデニムに刺し子をしながらの配信予定です。何か私ができるお話し等でリクエストがあればコメント下さい！（なぜ裏面から刺し子をするのかについては触れる予定です）。
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#Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoDenim #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子
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