“Welcoming” and “Unwelcoming”. I receive 2 very opposite feedbacks to the Same Stories. “He is Encouraging (me to enjoy Sashiko)” and “He is Angry” are another example of 2 opposite reactions I receive. After wondering for many years why, I understand that it happens because of a fact: We read what we want to read based on what we think it should be written. In order to avoid it, the message has to be very “straightforward”. I remember what I learned in College: Make the sentence shorter. Bring Thesis first. Unfortunately, writing shorter sentences simplify Sashiko due to cultural differences.
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My writing (both in Japanese & English) is hugely influenced by the true nature of Sashiko. It is like a mirror – a medium to talk to oneself. Interestingly, my writing has been like that since I realized it, and I became like that after shifting to [For Whom]. Some of you here who met me in person may agree: I am like a mirror, and it is my true nature – or in other words, it is my ability that may be special for some, yet quite ordinary to me.
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The Stories here rarely share the definition. It encourages you to think instead of react. It welcomes all yet it never begs to be. For us, Sashiko is a process to talk to the “Fabric”. It is kind of an analogy as Fabric does not “Talk” by itself. It is you who is talking via Fabric.
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It is nonsense to ask them to read more when they have decided what they want to read. They aren’t welcoming themselves to the difference, and there are many steps to overcome to understand Sashiko. If you feel welcomed here, then it’s just a matter of time – or finding a story that “clicks”. I hope I am helping you to find your own “Sashiko”.
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長年英語で日々文章を書いていますが、面白い事に両極端の反応を頂きます。「刺し子に温かく迎えてくれてありがとう」という感謝の言葉と、真逆とも言える「日本人以外が刺し子をしたら駄目というのか」という怒りの反応。私の文章は一つです（例えば昨日の投稿）。でも全く両極の反応。端的に言えば「書かれていることを読んでいない」で終わってしまうのですが、同時に私の文章が刺し子から影響を受けているのも、この現象を加速させているのかもなと思うのです。
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私は読書が好きです。情報を仕入れるとか、著者と会話するとかという理由もありますが、好きな理由は本に書かれていることに対して、自分自身と会話する時間ができるからです。刺し子も似ていて、完成品を目指す針仕事ではあるのですが、同時に自分と会話できる時間です。そんなきっかけができる文章を書けたらいいなと思っている為、「考えることを促す文章」を目指しています。英語圏から答えを求めてここにくる人は、その段階で大きな誤解をしているのかも知れません。この文章は「（自分を映す）鏡」みたいなものを目指しているのです。
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2023-12-26 22:48:54
いつもながらホント美しく素晴らしく、感動さえあります
Asonoha is my favorite pattern. I am often reminded, sadly, that I cannot control what others hear or believe I said. Transcribing Japanese culture and language into English is a formidable task, most notably since Western culture and thought patterns seem diametrically opposed to Eastern ones. I appreciate your efforts
🙏🏼🪷🧵🪡
I have very much been enjoying learning from your class as well as on YouTube and here on IG. I have always thought of sashiko as being very beautiful, but I never tried sashiko stitching because I knew that I do not know anything at all about it. I knew it was more than what is presented on Pinterest or at craft shows (that are mostly white people selling it alongside their other crafts- but when you ask them about it, they really don’t have any answers). I’m grateful to people like you who are sharing knowledge and experiences so that we can try to understand better.
刺し子を世界に広めて下さいね💕😊👍
I read every one of your posts. So few in our culture have the rare ability to communicate their self reflection in the same way that you do. Your writing is as much a gift as your Sashiko. We are inundated with screens and lightning fast communication on a daily basis that a an intricate and nuanced communication can be jarring for some who are not used to it, but those in tune with the spirit of your words appreciate what you are gifting to the public on this platform. Please don’t stop.