Tag: Instagram

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.
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[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.
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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.
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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。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #刺し子展


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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.
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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.
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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.
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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。
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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。
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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。
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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。
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#Sashiko #刺し子


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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.
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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.
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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-
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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。
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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。
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#Sashiko #刺し子


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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.
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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.
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「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。
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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。
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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…。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #Quiltcon2024


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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.
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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”.
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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.
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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。
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#Sashiko #刺し子


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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.
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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.
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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.
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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。
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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。
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#Sashiko #刺し子


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What does it mean ”Being Japanese”…? News about the winner of The Miss Nippon Contest is buzzing on SNS because she was born in Ukraine (Ukrainian Parents) and moved to Japan when she was 5. The Japanese Government granted her naturalization, so she is Japanese. However, because of how she looks, as the contest is a beauty pageant, there are various reactions to it.
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First, let me clarify what I think. I think She deserves it as a “Japanese”. Regardless of her appearance, she lives in Japan, speaks Japanese, and is part of the community in Japan. To me, it is even nonsense to question that. However, some Japanese can be exclusive to this topic from a “Cultural” & “Appearance” perspective. This is how we (Japanese) can be exclusive.
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Japan is a rare country that doesn’t allow dual citizenship. If I become a US citizen (which I am qualified for), I need to give up Japanese citizenship. Some argue that this “Citizenship” is the sign of “Being Japanese”. My daughter has a Japanese Citizenship, yet I do not think she is Japanese “yet” as her entire life is in the US. She is proud of it, and I do not force her to behave like the Japanese. Only thing I try to do, including this account, is to leave her something when she decides to be Japanese.
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When I say “Japanese” here, I do not indicate citizenship. Culture, Language, Ordinary… many factors will be part of it, and therefore I really wish the Sashiko “Teachers” will be able to understand Japanese language. Well… Japanese are very welcome to tourists – after/outside of that…? It’s another story.
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ミス日本コンテスト。グランプリの方がウクライナ生まれ＆日本育ちで西洋の顔立ち（両親共にウクライナ人の方）の為、SNSで話題になってます。日本国籍を持ち、日本語で会話し、日本で生活をする。これ以上「日本人」であることを証明する必要はないはずなのですが、「血」に日本が入っていない点で排他的になる人がいるのも、日本っぽいかなと思います。
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「日本人とは何か」は本当に難しい。「日本人以外が刺し子を教えることが駄目」という西洋の方もいるのですが、この場合「日本人だったらどれだけ未熟でも適当でも刺し子教えてOK」とも解釈する場合も会って、私は同意しません。日本人でなくても「言語習得」等の努力があって「当たり前が共有」できていれば日本人なんだろうなーと思うし、逆に日本人であっても刺し子に真摯に向き合ってないなぁと思う人とは仲良くなれないのです。真摯に丁寧に頑張っている人を応援できる社会でありたいものです。
#Sashiko #刺し子


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I occasionally say: Teaching (in Sashiko) has become an Entertainment. There is nothing wrong with “Entertainment” itself. As you may know, I try to make my Sashiko teaching as Entertaining as possible. However, when it comes to “Teaching someone’s culture as its master”, describing their teaching as “One Stop for All”, or using fancy words to attract an audience focusing (only) on Entertainment can be very harmful to the Culture.
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Entertainment requires “Enjoyment”. Enjoyment in this context is “Momentary” like a Dot. It can exist in the past or future, but it is a piece of Dot. Culture is a Flow connecting all kinds of Dot including Entertainments & many other both positive & negatives events. Therefore, I shout for the importance of acknowledging the upstream. Therefore, I keep sharing the Stories to connect dots to make it “Flow” again.
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I wonder how many Sashiko Teachers/Masters think about “Dots and Flow”. If they don’t know, I want them to learn. If they realize the Dots & Flow, and then ignore them (to maximize their profit), then it is a huge issue. Entertainment is an extremely important factor to preserve the culture. Trust me. I care about the “fun/laugh” in my classes more than anyone. However, when they neglect to identify their teaching as “Entertainment”, the culture will be lost… and there won’t be anyone who can make this kind of Jacket. My friends say it is “Wearable Art”. Thanks to them, we can keep going. I do not want Sashiko to be over when we are done.
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様々な刺し子がありますが、技法そのものでいうと片手で数えられるくらいです（たぶん）。数種類の技法を合わせて刺し子をする中で、その人なりの「刺し子」が出来上がってきます。ただ、「その人なりの刺し子」に辿り着くには一定量の刺し子は必要で（早い人だと数ヶ月くらい）、その人なりの刺し子が見つかり、見つかった後も一緒に刺し子をしていけるきっかけとなって欲しいと思っているのが「刺し子運針会」です。昔は「恵子さんがいなくなったらこのジャケットは作れないなぁ」と諦めていました。今は「運針会にご参加下さったからからきっとこのジャケット作りを受け継げる人が出てくる」と信じています。もちろん、それ以外のご自身の刺し子をされている方の応援を一番大切にしつつ、恵子さんと私が培ってきた刺し子を残せる方法も考えなきゃなと思うのです。私たちが作る刺し子作品に「いいなぁ」と思って頂ける方から、その刺し子作品を一緒に作る人に巻き込めるように…。
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One of my core messages I want to deliver is the importance of acknowledging the “Upstream”. Intangible items such as Wisdom & Knowledge are difficult to “protect”. Or, as they are public domain, it is even silly to think of “protecting” them. However, it is an absolute fact that these “wisdom” and “knowledge” come from somewhere, and ignoring where they come from can hurt the stream itself. As Sashiko becomes very popular, I see so many people using a palm thimble (either metal, leather, or fabric) & using the middle finger instead of the index finder. If it is because of my videos or teaching starting 2016, I am happy as it was my intention to make it to the “Public”. I knew it would be copied. Many advised me not to, but I couldn’t stand the “Sashiko” introduced without the thimble we use & form we have developed over years. Unfortunately, some of them who share their stitching form (with thimble & middle finger, probably without core & essence, though) do not mention where they learned from. Without them referring, the upstream will be buried by others who intend to increase the water amount to their own stream.
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At the same time, I am willing to learn if there are other cultures with similar forms. I have a favor. If you know anyone stitching with the same/similar form as ours BEFORE 2016, please let me know. If you know anyone who shares their stitching with the same/similar form, please ask them where they learned from. I DO NOT ask for any monetary compensation or legal right as I am the one who says “Copy It”. All I want is the acknowledgement to the upstream.
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運針会の開催を確定させました。2月13日、日本時間の朝9時から4時間弱の予定でZoom越しに運針会を開催します。ある地方の刺し子の運針の型と、型の理由にもなる考え方等をご紹介して、「運針ができるようになる」ことを目的としています。重ねや糸こき等の刺し子の基本もカバーします。
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今年から、これまで曖昧にしてきた「昔の運針」をしっかりと確認しようと思っています。ここ数年、「中指と皿付き指ぬき」の刺し子動画がそこら中にあって、そのほとんどが「どこから学んだか」を記していないものです。この運針が私達だけのものだと言うつもりもないし、私の動画や配信から学んだとしても何かを権利的なものを要求するつもりは一切ありません。ただ、「その運針見たことないよ！教えて！」というところから運針会が始まっているのもあって、「どこからきたか」は曖昧にしたくないのです。ちなみに2016年以前からこの運針をされている方は、是非お話を聞かせてください。遡るときっと新たな発見もあると思うので。
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I encountered a photo on FB comparing the Sashiko Thread (it happens to be Ours & Embroidery Floss) with a very close look. It reminded me of my youth asking my artisans why we use a very specific type of thread. They didn’t give me an answer, but I wanted to know why. I did pretty similar things (to look closer), and kept testing why… eventually, some kind & easy-going artisans told me some stories. With stories & my experience, I now say that “Thread Matters in Sashiko”. Anyone can use any Thread in Sashiko. The type of thread doesn’t define Sashiko itself. However, to fully understand how Sashiko was developed, and to appreciate the “wisdom” we get from Sashiko, choosing the “appropriate” Sashiko thread is very important.
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We can find many kinds of Sashiko Threads. There used to be only a few kinds – now it is everywhere from many manufacturers. I often get a question about what is the best & its “alternative”. Some threads are not good for Sashikp. They won’t do good from stitching. Some are good, but I cannot recommend them fully as I have not used the “Seems to be okay threads” for decades. When I recommend other threads, I declare the limitation I carry. I share quite many stories about Threads. Having “even stitches” isn’t the completion of Sashiko – it is just the beginning of Sashiko. When all the dots connect, what I share can be a big story on “What Sashiko Really Is (For Us)”. What we eat makes who we are (the health & such). Similarly, I believe I can say “which thread we use makes what the Sashiko is”. Until you find your own Sashiko, I strongly recommend using our Sashiko Thread.
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日本語での思い、どこで言葉にしようか少し迷っています。やっぱりNOTEになってくるかなぁ。 ワードプレスのブログは使い勝手はいいのだけど、読み手の設定によっては表示が崩れてしまうので躊躇していて。ここや、最近使い始めたThreadsも考えたけど、英語と日本語の両表記になってしまうと、どうしても日本語が後になってしまう。
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こんな感じで迷い続けてもう数年になります。言い訳ばかり続けて思いを文章にできていないので、もうここは割り切って「NOTEで書いてThreadsでリンクを共有」としようと思います。上手に時間のマネージメントをしなければ…ですね。
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私達の刺し子には陽陰も含めて物語があります。立ち位置が変われば物語も変わりますが、物語の元になるものは存在します。それは「理由」であり「動機」であり、また「信念」にも繋がります。そして「覚悟」にも。やっぱり知って欲しい刺し子がここにあるのです。
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#Sashiko #刺し子


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