Tag: Instagram

After so many discussions & planning, I am happy to announce the date for Sashiko Japan Tour 2024. It is from Nov.17th to Nov.27th (recommended to be in Japan on Nov.16th). The theme for this tour is to “experience” and “meet people” to see the Japanese Sashiko I want to share. Many opportunities to learn many types of Sashiko & Local Experience from Japanese Sashiko Artisans.
☆
The waitlist has been opened on Google Form (https://ift.tt/8bZVoJq). I will start sending the invitation in the order of the list while considering the priorities such as Online Sashiko Class / In-Person Workshop Status & Patreon Support. In order to be part of this tour, [Core & Essence] Sashiko Class I offer is the prerequisite. It is like learning how to ski/snow-board before I take you to the various snow mountains.
☆
The waitlist is open for a possible Sashiko Japan Tour after 2025. The detailed website will be available sometime next month. The first Sashiko Japan Tour in Spring 2023 was a life-changing experience for me. I am glad that I will have another opportunity to share “The Sashiko I see from my eyes as a Sashiko Artisan”, in Japan. This is something I can leave to this world to pass down the Sashiko, which may be lost in this fast & rough trend.
☆
–
–
–
☆
紆余曲折を得ましたが＆時期は秋終わりにずれてしまいましたが、2024年も日本にて刺し子のオフ会を開催できそうです。私の英語での刺し子の生徒さん（すでに友達だけど）と一緒に日本に帰り、刺し子をしながら実際の日本の刺し子に触れて頂くことを最大の目的とした時間です。11月16日日本着。11月27日に日本発の予定です。恵子さんの東京での展示会も同時開催の予定です。東京でのオフ会は11月17日の夕方から夜にかけて。高山でのオフ会は11月23日の午後から。どちらも「ダラダラと話をしながら刺し子をする」という刺し子の真髄ともいうべき会です。毎月2回の刺し子井戸端会オンラインのオフ会です。
☆
オフ会へのご参加は誰でもOKとして準備をします。ただ、運針会に事前にご参加頂いてからのオフ会の参加だと、一層楽しめると思います。まだ半年以上先ですし、それ以前にオンラインで交流頂いた上でのオフラインは素敵な時間になると思います！今日の夜に運針会。3月以降の予定は、ご希望を頂いた日時で調整する形で進めていけたらと思っています！
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子 #SashikoJapanTour2024


via IFTTT

In a trend of Sashiko defined as “Visible Mending”, many get confused by another term “Boro”. I often encounter the discussion (or even definition) comparing Sashiko & Boro, saying [This is Sashiko Technique, and that is Boro Technique]. The comparison is misleading, or even “Wrong”. As you know, it is quite rare for me to say “It is wrong” – but Sashiko & Boro are not something to compare.
☆
One of the concepts to understand both words is “Mottainai”. It requires a book to explain what it is, but in a short description, many introduced it as “too good to waste” or “Not being Wasteful”. They are good descriptions, yet still a bit simplified. The element I would add is “Mottainai is a wisdom/lesson to NOT to ignore/mislead/underestimate/waste the true value of a matter (a thing or even a person)”. For that, the current trend of Sashiko is not following the lesson of Mottainai. I share stories because I feel “Mottainai” to those who think they understand Sashiko & Boro with their own narrow definitions. I feel as if they are throwing the most delicious part of this practice.
☆
I am NOT trying to exclude others by saying “Sashiko introduced in English is simplified & romanticized”. I really feel “Mottainai” for those who just follow someone’s marketing strategy.
☆
–
–
–
☆
先日の配信で「日本の刺し子の何がいけないという訳じゃない」みたいな話になりました。「刺し子ふきん」が悪い訳でも駄目な訳でもなくて、ただ「ふきん以外の刺し子も知って欲しい。たぶん楽しいのに。」というのが現段階での想いです。この感覚、何か言葉があったかなぁと思っていたら、ありました。「もったいない」です。刺し子の流行りの中で「無駄にしない」こと、また環境保護的な観点から「もったいない」という言葉が使われていますが、この言葉は「人」や「行動」にも当てはまると理解しています。「あの人、もっと能力があるのに、窓際に追い込まれて勿体無い」的な。
☆
「もったいない」の本質は「（見えない）価値を理解する」ことだと思っています。人は、価値があるものは大切にします。だからこそ、宣伝（商売）が主導する流行とは相性が悪い。商売の王道は「三方よし」だと思っていますが、現代においては「売れればなんでもOK」という商売も沢山ありますから。英語圏では「もったいない」という言葉そのものすら宣伝に使われていきそうです。なんだかなぁ…と思ってしまうのですよ。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子 #BORO


via IFTTT

Two weeks from now, on Friday night of 2/23, I will be having another grateful opportunity to speak on the stage as part of the #QuiltCon Lecture. Last year in 2023 in Atlanta, my lecture was about “Cultural Sustainability”. This year, I will talk about the difference I feel as a Sashiko Artisan between (Modern) Quilting and Sashiko. The coherence message in my lecture is to bridge “my culture” to “their culture”. I am always trying to include/involve anyone regardless of who they are. If one finds my stories “exclusive”, then they are reading what they want to read – not what is written.
☆
When I wrote the proposal of this lecture, I was a bit anxious if this lecture would be as good as the previous one. The ”Cultural Sustainability” is the lecture topic I have been practicing & I can be “somewhat” confident in that. In the process of preparation, in comparing Sashiko & Quilting, I found an interesting “connection”. By sharing the difference, I may be able to “bridge/connect” two (and possibly more) stitching practices. Live Streaming every week also helps me to make my stories so comprehensive.
☆
I do not want to raise the bar so high before the actual lecture. However, I feel like this topic can be another great topic for my future lecture availability. If you plan to be there, I will see you soon! Oh, make sure to talk to me after the lecture to get the sticker (before the lecture, I am probably spacing out due to the fear of being on the stage).
☆
–
–
–
☆
今朝の配信で2週間後に参加するキルトコンに触れた際、「キルトコンの時期ですねぇ」というお言葉を頂いて、しみじみとしてしまいました。もう4回目の参加です。前回と今回は招待という形ではなく自分から応募して選考を通った上での参加ですが、こうして毎年キルトコンという「同じ匂いがする人達」と同じ時間が過ごせることは、とても幸せだなぁと思うのです。ちなみに、今朝の配信も「同じ匂いがする人達」の集まりでした。
☆
応募する際に「講演」も提案していて、去年に引き続き今年もステージでお話をさせて頂きます。1時間弱で伝えたいことを伝える。講演は一定レベルのエンターテイメント性も持ち合わせている必要があります。楽しんで頂きたい訳で。今年もなんとかうまく行きますように。頑張りますー！
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

Today is Feb.8th as Kotoyouka (事八日). If you are a long follower here, I hope you know what it means. It is a Day for HariKuyou – a memorial ritual of thanking the broken/bent needles that ended their hard work. It is a Day (Opportunity) to appreciate the hardworking partners we already depend on, and technically speaking, it is a Day for resting them, including our hands. Well… today is the Live Streaming Day. “Technically Speaking”, it is Feb 9th in Japan when I do so… & technically speaking, in our region, Harikuyou is on Dec.8th… so, I will stitch on the Live Streaming Today.
☆
Sashiko has become a trendy word with many misleading fantasies. “Zen”, “Visible Mending”, “Simplicity”… you may know the trend better than me. Unfortunately, some of them aren’t really accurate, even “opposite”. It happens because they try to sell their services & products without proper respect & commitment. Without acknowledging the story, an ordinary ritual like Harikuyou can sound shady. The culture is full of stories, and I hope you keep learning what Sashiko can be for the Japanese.
☆
I named my project “Upcycle” Stitches in 2016. I didn’t really intend to focus on “recycling” for environmental issues. For me, “Upcycle” is a process of adding stories to the story I have today – like layering the stories with those memorial days such as Harikuyou every year appreciating what we have today. (Detail can be found on Patreon & Today’s Youtube Live Streaming).
☆
–
–
–
☆
「刺し子とは？」という議論は不毛だとすら思っているのですが、それでも真剣に論理的に「刺し子とは？」という議論をする為には、「日本人の当たり前」が一定水準で身についている状況が必要になると思っています。その当たり前がないと議論という土俵にすら上がれないレベルで。
☆
事八日。針供養。知らない日本人もいるでしょう。ただ、針供養の成り立ちや、その背景にある思いを知った時に「針を供養するなんて、ナンセンスな」と一足飛びでは行きません。神社では厳かな気持ちになるように、「そういうこともあるんだなぁ」という想像できるだけの下地が存在するからです。その下地がない人に暴力的に刺し子を定義されているのが本当に嫌で、今日もこうして英語で物語を書いています。そんなお話をまた配信で。明日、Youtubeでお待ちしております。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

As I learn English everyday, I realize the “definitive” perspective of English as a Language – both effectiveness & risk. I admire English as the tool to communicate over many different cultures. At the same time, it can be violent when they try to define other cultures – like Sashiko introduced in English. Language often is a Tool, and English is like a Sharp Knife. I really wish that we (as English Speakers) acknowledge the power of English.
☆
[Sashiko is very similar to embroidery, except that most designs are geometric]. This is a comment on my Youtube video talking about “Cultural Appropriation”. You know this isn’t true if you have been reading my Sashiko Stories. Well… if I were to read naturally, this comment says that the difference is “just” the design. As you know, the difference between Sashiko and other embroidery (or Hand-Stitching) is NOT just the design. Would it be called “Entitlement”, or in a positive way, I would say this is the “sharpness” of English. Without the ability to read English as full context, English is the language to accelerate the Simplification. We are so used to reading the “summary” by someone… yet English is more than just a tool when we can acknowledge the full context.
☆
Don’t define someone’s culture so easily. Don’t judge someone’s life so lightly. Most importantly, Don’t let anyone define what Sashiko is for you, and who you are. Sashiko is MORE than design, and the comment like above is, unfortunately, ignorant (the sign of no further learning). I hope you here aren’t one of those.
☆
–
–
–
☆
いつも直前のお知らせで恐縮なのですが、今年も恵子さんの作品の一部が、ひたちなか市の「横瀬画廊」様にて展示販売されております。恵子さんが染める刺し子糸や針等の材料も販売される予定です（恵子さんの個人展ではなく、他の作家さんの作品も同時展示販売されるものです）。期間は2月11日から20日まで。時間等の詳細は直接横瀬画廊様にお問い合わせ頂けますと幸いです（029-285-1987）。恵子さんの作品が展示販売される希少な機会ですので、お近くの方は是非足を運んで頂けると嬉しいです。次回の恵子さんの関東での展示販売は2024年11月になっちゃうかなと思いますので。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子 #刺し子展


via IFTTT

I roughly define Sashiko as the “Stitchery in the Japanese Ordinary by the Ordinary Japanese”. Many define Sashiko with specific patterns, technique, or design – but they are just part of what Sashiko really is. As the result of focusing on too much Western Value, the Sashiko introduced in English is simplified, and more romanticized. To stop it, I will share Sashiko Stories. When it comes to Culture with Stories, there is no such a thing as “Just Because”. We always have a reason behind it – and it is the teachers’ responsibility to share the wisdom & knowledge.
☆
Feb.3rd is a Day called “Setsubun” in Japan. It is a day with the ritual of spreading soy-beans saying specific phrases (What they do differ based on a Location). Why spread beans? Why beans? Why Feb.3rd? Behind the ritual, we have stories. No answer for these stories as it “can” differ region by region, or even family by family.
☆
The violence of simplification is to eliminate these “Stories” by ignoring & saying “Just Because”. There are so many “non-written” & “invisible” stories – and it is my mission to keep sharing them somehow in written & visible format.
☆
–
–
–
☆
日本国外にも季節という概念は存在し、私が住むアメリカのペンシルバニア州にも春夏秋冬は訪れます。今のこの家に住んでいるのも、家の前の桜が春の訪れを日本的な感覚と共に告げてくれる気がするのが大きい理由の一つだったりします。州によっては常夏というか季節が存在しない場所もあって時に寒くならないのは羨ましいなぁと思ったりするのですが、私個人としては、この「四季」に対する日本的な向き合い方が好きだったりします。
☆
2月3日は節分として豆まきの日の思い出が強いですが、節分は読んで字の如く「季節を分ける」日です。具体的には季節の始まりの日の前日、春であれば立春の日の前日のようで。「季節の変わり目は邪が出やすい（体調を崩しやすい？）から豆を撒いて追い払おう」という物語と共に、目に見えない四季への智慧を伝え残していくという素敵な考え方だなぁと。
☆
数百年、もしくは数千年前から日常に溶け込んでいる物語が日本には沢山存在します。なぜその日に豆を撒くのか。あるいは魚の頭を玄関に飾るのか。そこには物語が存在し、またその「物語が存在するから大切なことなんだ」という暗黙の了解も存在します。この「存在するけれど見えないもの」が文化を形成している中で、今の刺し子では「目に見えるものだけ」を取り上げられているのが残念で仕方ありません。「デザイン」も「技術」も刺し子の大切な要素の一つではありますが、本質ではありません。厳しくもある四季の中で生き抜いてきた人々の祈りであり、また生き様が目に見えない所に存在します。極論ですが、祈りがない刺し子は刺し子じゃないとすら思ってしまう程に。
☆
伝えたいことは決まっているのです。あとは「どう伝えるか」という手段を改良し研究すること。近道は日本にきて日本に住む人と会って一緒に時間を過ごしてもらうことなのですが、大きな流れに対抗できるだけの手段ではないので、なんとか発信し続けていけたらと思うのです。節分の日に豆撒きをする理由が「なんとなく」としか答えられない人ばかりなんていう世界線は見たくない。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

In-Person Workshops, and “Live Session” from Online Sashiko Class (C/E) are very important opportunities as I can share what Sashiko really is to me. Sashiko introduced in English is simplified, and more and more “Romanticized” as I come across. I wonder how many “Sashiko Professionals” (here let’s say professionals are those who make “money” by using the word Sashiko like teaching, publishing, and selling supplies/products) actually have talked to the Japanese Sashiko Artisans in Japan. Not only like someone who doesn’t mind sharing their story about Sashiko (like me here) – but those who have been stitching for decades or even more than half centuries yet are not sharing any stories.
☆
In Capitalism, I understand that the culture & words are also a subject to be used & commercialized. The goal is to maximize the ROI (of Time & Capital). Therefore, making Culture & Words “Fancy” and Romanticizing them from what they actually are is a good strategy. I share my Sashiko Stories, and there are simplified & Romanticized Sashiko Stories on the other side of the realm. I mostly enjoy the other stories… but sometimes, I feel their stories consume “something” too much. I don’t know how I can describe “Something” – but it kind of hurts when I face them. Sashiko isn’t always full of beautiful stories. Sashiko isn’t a Fantasy to me – it is more like a non-fiction documentary… although What I find is more like Fiction based on what is comfortable for us who live in Today’s Value System.
☆
I do not want Sashiko to be just a Fantasy. Sashiko isn’t in the past yet. Therefore, I share stories in Workshops & Live Sessions. In addition, I have “Live Streaming” on Every Thursday at 9 pm EST where I share the on-going Documentary of what Sashiko is for us. Please do not get “high” by just Romanized Fantasies-
–
–
☆
刺し子の人気は英語圏でどんどんと高まっていて、様々な形で「刺し子」が使われるようになりそうです。商品名やワークショップの題材としてだけではなく、ブランド名。物語。「刺し子」という言葉の一人歩きが本格的に始まる気がしています。
☆
人気が高まるにつれ、「刺し子を使ってプロを名乗る人」もどんどん増えていくのですが、彼ら彼女らのどれだけが、実際に日本で刺し子をし続けている人から話を聞いたことがあるか疑問に思います。もしかしたら、一人からも刺し子への想いを受け取らずに、都合のいい解釈で言葉にしたり教えにしたりしているのかもしれません。その場合は想いすらも「消費された」ことになり、本当に悲しいことです。だからこそ、今刺し子をしている私達が想いを言葉にする必要があるのです。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

Completed another embracing, peaceful, and inspirational Sashiko Workshop with full of smiles (after some frustration). About a month from now, I will be in NC for the QuiltCon 2024. I am looking forward to meeting future Sashiko friends in sharing the [Core & Essence] of Sashiko, in a lecture talking about Sashiko & Quilting, and reuniting with the current Sashiko friends in the Quilting Show Hall.
☆
In the last 2 years at QuiltCon, I received so many “Stickers” from Quilters Friends. I received their cute & inspirational stickers, and I gave them my name card… so, I felt a bit embarrassed & sad. This year, with help from a friend in Japan, I prepared stickers! I will bring them to QuiltCon. If you plan to or have taken my workshops or lectures before, or made a purchase from @UpcycleStitches store, and if you would like to have this sticker, please let me know when you find me in Raleigh. I don’t know how many would want it… so I prepared a reasonable amount – to make sure that everyone who I know can get the stickers, please forgive this restriction. If it runs out so quickly, I will prepare more after.
☆
–
–
–
☆
「ノベルティ？なにそれ美味しいの？」という感じで、自分自身を宣伝することなんて考えてもいなかったのですが、毎年沢山の素敵なスティッカーやグッズを頂きながら、お返しに名刺だけを渡すのがなかなかに恥ずかしくて（寂しくて）、一念発起でステッカーを作ってみました。デザインは運針会でご縁を頂いている @kcat_1126 さん。柔らかなイラストが大好きなのです。
☆
次回日本帰国の際にも持って帰ろうと思っています。オフ会での配布は勿論ですが、どこでお会いしてもお渡しできるように持ち歩こうと思っていますし、また残りは恵子さんに預ける形で郵送でも可能（たとえば刺し子糸のご注文を頂く際に希望があれば同封等）にしようと思っています。
☆
宣伝目的で考えると、まだあんまり「宣伝になるかー？」納得は言っていないのですが（笑）、普段の感謝の気持ちを形にしたものだと考えると、とてもとても満足というか、嬉しいものが形にできたなと思っています。イラストの持つ力って凄いです。私は吃驚するくらいの画伯なので（独特の絵…しょうこお姉さんに近い）、こういうのは本当に憧れます。イラスト、勉強してみようかなぁ…でもセンスない気がするんだよなぁ…。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子 #Quiltcon2024


via IFTTT

Teaching is a great opportunity for Learning, too. In the workshop, I welcome any type of questions. Some of the questions are so profound that I go deep in thoughts – I really appreciate the questions after reading as many posts I share here as possible. Among so many good questions, one comment keeps coming back to me after the 1st day. The comment was: “It seems you (Atsushi) have a Long-Term Business plan/vision”. Come to think of it, yes, a summary of all the stories here can sound like the Long-Term Business Plan. However, I haven’t really thought about what I do that way. So, I decided to be honest, once again, to myself.
☆
Business. In general, the purpose of business is to maximize the ROI. Or, simply, make profit (money). If my goal is “ROI” in terms of money or time, I wouldn’t choose Sashiko. So, what I do is for something else. A mission? Idealism? Responsibility? Those fancy words are true, but the most suitable word would be “I do not want to lose what I enjoy now”.
☆
A bit of “Capitalism”, especially in Handicraft, we can find Stories of each item. Artisans created the item based on their wisdom to make their work better, easier, and more professional. In this case, the money comes secondary. The similar goes to Sashiko – the Sashiko thread made based on wisdom has Stories why the Sashiko Artisans made it – and I do not want to go back to the era when they didn’t have it. For that, I need money to keep it somewhat “Sustainable”. So yes, I do have a Long-Term vision – but it doesn’t have to be the “business“ when the items are going to be preserved. Once again, for me, money isn’t the goal – it is an important vehicle to bring me to the Long-Term goal I have.
☆
–
–
–
☆
刺し子クラスの中で生徒さんから「先生は長期的なビジネスプランをお持ちなんですね」とお言葉を頂いて。褒め言葉なので嬉しくはあるのですが、同時に「長期的なビジネスプラン？」と考えてしまって。一般的に言われる、融資を獲得できるようなビジネスプランは、以前は作っていたけれど今は持ち合わせていません。投資収益率を求めるようなビジネスをするのであれば刺し子は不向きで、お金はあくまで目標を達成する道具にすぎません。では「目標」はどこなのか。目標は本当に単純で、「今使っている道具や材料がなくなったら嫌だ」です。だから継続できるだけの循環を作ろうとしているだけ。一般的には必須とされる「拡大」は求めていないのです。長期的では勿論ありますが…とても個人的な感覚のところで存在している目標だったりするのです。そして「だからこそ」お金という価値観に振り回されずに続けられるのだろうと思います。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT

I appreciate another great opportunity to share the Sashiko we have been practicing. The pandemic somewhat forced us (craft/art instructors) to shift to Online. I have spent quite a lot of time & investment to prepare the Online Sashiko Class, and I am now confident that I can offer the same outcome via Online. The goal is always to pass down the “Core & Essence” of Sashiko – which includes Unshin. I also offer the lecture archives to share more stories. I have patreon where I share almost 200 stories. Although the contents I offer online are quite rich, when it comes to “experience”, I still want to offer the In-Person Workshop.
☆
Not many teachers/instructors can prepare the stage for them to perform. If one is a full-time instructor who teaches weekly or monthly, it may be possible. However , it is almost impossible if they are actually the Crafter/Artist/Maker. We can perform thanks to the studio/museum/organizations who prepare the stage for us.
☆
It is ironic that the shift to Online to protect ourselves is now hurting the “Studios” which have been maintaining the stage for instructors. Therefore, I would like to support the studios which have been taking care of the instructors, like here @aya_fiber_studio . If you find something interesting, please consider the workshop here as a retreat, in a warm FL with beaches & Art/Craft with your own hands. I teach “Culture”, and a Studio like here is also a Culture we need to preserve. Another great opportunity here to dance with the new Sashiko friends. I share pretty much everything here.
☆
–
–
–
☆
今年も極寒のペンシルバニアから、半袖がちょうど良いくらいのフロリダへ。毎回空港に降り立つ度に「なんで北に住んでるんだ？」と自問自答してしまうくらいの気候です。みんな思うことは一緒らしく、人口増加が本当に凄いらしい。
☆
コロナ禍の中で多くの講師がオンラインで教えることを模索し構築する必要がありました。結果沢山のオンラインクラスができているわけですが、決して対面式のワークショップの必要性が亡くなった訳ではありません。こうして講師に「踊る」舞台を提供して下さるスタジオはとても貴重で、これも失いたくない文化の一つだと思うのです。頑張ってきますー。
☆
#Sashiko #刺し子


via IFTTT