It is such a strange and challenging time. Fear of the unknown. Unexpected chang

It is such a strange and challenging time. Fear of the unknown. Unexpected changes. Scary numbers (in statistics & finance). We as Keiko and Atsushi cannot sustain our lives by just being Sashiko artisans. So, we sell our “be-in-love” supplies, such as thread – and that supports us and keeps stitching. One thing we did not prepare well was the suspension of International shipping we had depended on. Atsushi may (have already) run out of items to sell. ☆

Well… we cannot just look down and be regretful for our lack of preparation. We only can do what we can do. Keiko is stitching & dyeing the thread as usual, and I am enjoying sorting my “collection” after a full-day as a stay-at-home father (a home-schooling teacher… this is the hardest…). One of my obsessions is collecting the “To-be-Boro” vintage fabric swatches -with imaging how I can use it for my existing “Boro to be” project. It looks like a hoarding issue – and I am advocating another aspect of Japanese philosophy of “decluttering” – I am cluttering – but it is like a home to me. I may introduce each swatch on my business account @UpcycleStitches. Please follow it as well if you are interested. ☆ – – – ☆
刺し子の楽しみ方は数あれど、運針ができるようになると「意識せずに楽しめる」ようになります。頭を使わずに刺し子をする時間がとても幸せだったりします。逆に「古布」と戯れる時は、少し感度が上がります。恵子さんがよく言うのですが、「昔の日本人と意識を重ねる」と、古布を使った作品はとんでもなく素敵になります。僕も数回経験したことがあるのですが、一人で刺しているのに、周囲に誰かいる感じになるんです。怖い話でもなく、嫌な感じもなく、ただ単純に「一人じゃないなぁ」と感じられる瞬間です。一人の時間なのにね。布には思いが宿ると思います。古い布であれば、尚更。眉唾ものの話になってしまうかもしれませんが、そんな「論理的じゃない感覚」も含めて刺し子も襤褸も紹介していきたいんです。神社にお参りするのが当たり前の日本人の当たり前の針仕事だったのだから。 ☆

2020-05-15 10:35:08

Source