It is my pleasure to join the QuiltCon 2023 as a Faculty. It has been difficult years, and with all the effort of many kind & passionate people in Modern Quilt Guild (MQG), I am very happy that I can be part of this great event. This page is for those who plan to attend QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshop, “Core & Essence”. Please find the details below to see what you can expect in QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshop.
*If you do not have a registration confirmation to join the QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshop, please contact MQG for the possible waiting list. In QuiltCon 2022, there were a few last minutes cancellation, and there may be a chance for you to join this year. Also, I offer Online Sashiko Class as well as a few In-person Workshops for 2022. Please check each articles for the details. Thank you.
In QuiltCon 2023, I offer 1 Sashiko Workshop “Core & Essence” and 1 Sashiko Lecture about “Cultural Sustainability”. In this page, I explain what you can expect to join the Core & Essence Sashiko Workshop in QuiltCon. There aren’t many preparation request. However, please read this article carefully to maximize your experience there.
QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshop: Core & Essence
In our tradition, Sashiko is NOT about making perfect (or Inperfect) stitches. It is all about moving (trusting) a needle comfortably while communicating the fabric. Unfortunately, the current trend of Sashiko is missing the most important part of Sashiko. In this “Core & Essence” workshop, I will teach you the core technique of our Sashiko so that you can start focusing on communication rather than judging each stitches you make.
It is extremely important to take this workshop before jumping in to any of the workshops I & Upcycle Stitches offer. There are a few Japanese terms that the participants need to memorize (not so many & no exams or whatsoever, but knowing them is important).
On Instagram and Facebook, I often say: Sashiko is NOT ◯◯. This workshop “Core & Essence” will give you the answer what Sashiko is for you while you learning new techniques.
*This workshop is not a type of “Let’s Enjoy Sashiko Togeher” workshop. It is one-direction learning experience for you. The participants are required to stitch a lot. They may have to go through some “uncomfortable” stitching experience (due to new muscles they use). Sometimes, it may require some mindfulness in an eye-opening experience. Please do not be scared or worried, however. I will do everything to help you to “experience” and “start enjoying” the Sashiko we practice today.
*There is NO prerequisite for this workshop. No experience in Sashiko is necessary. If you have never touched the hand-stitching needle, please try to learn how to “thread” the needle, or how to use the threader (videos are available on my Youtube). On the other hands, if you think you already know about Sashiko, please try to be as open-mind as possible. What I teach in this workshop is probably different from what you already know. There is no such a thing as “Right and Wrong” in Sashiko: and I will add another perspective of Sashiko in this workshop.
Please purchase the special package for QuiltCon Sashiko: Core & Essence below.
It is extremely important that everyone has the exact same materials & tools to pass down the Core & Essence within 6~8 hours. Please purchase the special package below before the QuiltCon 2023.
What to bring to Sashiko: Core & Essence.
The Special Package above is all you need to enjoy the Sashiko: Core & Essence. If you choose to receive it to your home, please bring all of the contents inside.
The following list is something maybe helpful for you to bring & prepare:
- Masking Tape or Bandage to protect the nail from scratching by needles.
- It may a good idea to cut the nail on the dominant hand (the hand with the needle). One can learn Sashiko with long nails, but it may be an obstacles in the first trial.
How about another workshop, Application & Practice?
In QuiltCon 2022 (in Phoenix), I had offered the follow-up Sashiko Workshop “Application & Practice”. I believe it was a great success & I have received many positive feedback. However, in this QuiltCon, I will focus on the new challenge of offering the lecture. We do NOT offer “Application & Practice” workshop for this year.
“Application & Practice” has a prerequisite from any form of “Core & Essence” Sashiko Workshops I offer (Online & In-person). I believe it was a bit confusing to ask for “prerequisite” in such a big event. It doesn’t mean that the workshop itself wasn’t enjoyable. Due to many request, I am working on the Online Version of “Application & Practice” workshop. It still require the “Core & Essence” as prerequisite. Please consider taking the Online Version of Application & Practice when it is ready! (or you can ask QuiltCon to have me for that as well!). If you are interested, please find this webpage to learn the difference between “Core & Essence (C/E)” and “Application & Practice (A&P)”
*”A&P” is type of the workshop of “Let’s enjoy Sashiko Together” with following my specific guidance, including Hitomezashi and Mending Ideas.
*The Previous Knowlege of our Unshin (Core & Essence) is prerequisite for this Workshop. Any of Atsushi’s Full-Time (more than 3 hours) workshops graduates are qualified. If you have taken the In-person workshop with Atsushi before 2019, which was longer than 3 hours, you are most likely qualified. If you take the Sashiko Mastery Class in QuiltCon 2020 or taking the Sashiko: Core & Essence in QuiltCon 2022 & 2023, or have taken the Online Sashiko Class, you are qualified. If you aren’t sure, please contact me so that I can check the status. This prerequisite is extremely important to make this workshop enjoyable for you. I appreciate your understanding.
About Recommended Tools for our Sashiko
The Special Supply Package for the [Core & Essence] Workshop includes everything the participants need in the workshop. There is no need to prepare thread, needle, thimble or fabric for learning Sashiko in this workshop. In order to avoid unfortunate misunderstanding, I require everyone to use the exact same tools & supply.
That being said, there are a few recommended tools for Sashiko, which is NOT necessary yet very useful when you wish to continue Sashiko stitching. You can find another article here for Recommended Tools.
Thread Clipper
Threaders & Finger Cots
Bobbin Paper
Mylar Paper & Carbon Paper
I am here to Support
If you have any questions about QuiltCon 2023 Sashiko Workshop “Core & Essence”, please contact Atsushi. I am happy to answer any questions or worries prior to the workshop. Your question may be someone’s question, and I will share the question and answers here on this website (of course, annonymously).
I am looking forward to meeting you in Atlanta, GA.
Q&A for the QuilCon 2023 Sashiko
Q: (Sample) What is Sashiko?
A: (Sample) You will find out in the workshop!