“What do you like about Sashiko?”. I convinced myself to ask this question to the public in 2022. I was scared of facing reality. I am still in fear of unknown changes within Sashiko. However, it is my time to speak up – if it isn’t too late.
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What do you like about Sashiko? I believe the answers can be roughly categorized into 2 big points of view: (1) Design/How it Looks, and (2) Meditative/Relaxing function. Of course, everyone has their own answer to the questions. So I am not generalizing “you”, but I believe when they use the word “inspired”, it is either “simplified-design” or “hand-stitching” part.
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Both outcome (design) and process (stitching) are incredibly important in Sashiko. However, it doesn’t explain the whole. Understanding the expectation that the ordinary Japanese would have is important. “Sashiko” is a Japanese word. Therefore, we call it “Sashiko”. Without “willingness” to learn what isn’t obvious, it can be any other name, and I believe each culture has its name for stitching.
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Please do not get me wrong. I am NOT asking anyone to stop using the word “Sashiko”. Use it for your stitching project. However, please keep learning. It has at least 100 years of established practice. They say it is 400 years, or could be more. I cannot simplify the significance, and therefore, I am teaching & sharing Sashiko as a Japanese who was born in Japanese Sashiko.
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この数年で僕の中でも様々な価値観が変わりましたが、一番大きな変化が「家が一番好きになった」ということです。昔は出張とかホテル住まいとか好きだったし、なんなら外資系に勤めてた友達が年間の半分ホテル滞在とか聞いて羨ましいなぁと思っていた側なのですが、今では逆で移動したくない感じです。空港に滞在する感じ、マスク装着している以外はもう以前と変わらない混雑さだし。とはいえ、こんな状況下にもかかわらず、「ワークショップ楽しみにしているよ！」という声を頂き、一緒に時間を過ごしながら刺し子を共有できるのは、本当に有難いことだなと思うのです。
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2022-01-30 20:34:25
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ワークショップに来てくださる方、あつしさんが楽しい時間を過ごせることを願ってます。
And also design – how it feels! The smoothness and strength of the stitched fabric
Sashiko has become for me the most effective way to reinforce fabric & add patches to worn pieces. The beautiful results (complex designs on new pieces, simple stitches on repairs) and sometimes peaceful process are extra benefits. I’ve been deep diving into your live streams this week and learned SO much! So much still to learn. I hope my Japanese will be good enough one day to understand more of your Japanese livestreams.
My absolutely favorite part of sashiko is the part you impress upon your students and to anyone listening: it makes the fabric stronger! It really does. Items I have sashiko stitched last longer before wearing down. Also, unrelated, but I am wondering- is this the western shirt you worked on while in Texas in 2020 for quiltcon?
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Both and also what has brought me into stitching is the agency to extend the useful life of these items in a way that is more exciting for me than invisible mending ideals. I take the invisible mending as more Eurocentric but do not know if that is a true full representation in textile history terms. The changes in the pandemic have brought me to find your work and also study outside of stitching other aspects of Japanese culture ( material culture, spirituality and literature as examples).
I like that it strengthens my garments while also looking interesting. Granted I do more running stitch because planning out the designs is challenging for me.