I had an interesting conversation with new friend about Sashiko and Boro. I learned a lot, and again, I realize we have so many stories to share to the world.
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One thing I challenge myself to describe. (It is a bit scary to express because I wasn’t sure if I could explain well – causing misunderstandings & confusion is the last thing I want.). In my understanding, the heart of Sashiko is “appreciation to the fabric (& the life around it)”: NOT “recycling what we have (to avoid waste)”. As a result of appreciating the fabric, we end up with recycling the fabric (and became Boro), however, the primary purpose of Sashiko is NOT to recycle whatever we already have. It is to make fabric last longer, stronger, warmer and more beautiful. The concept of “recycling” is just One Aspect of the Sashiko I would like to share.
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I never intend to judge what the other do. The core of Sashiko is “appreciation” and the judging others (& oneself) is never the message. I just want you to know that there are some Japanese, like myself, who thinks Sashiko is more than recycling – I learned there is an idea of Sashiko’s core as recycling. It is MORE than that.
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テキスタイルを勉強している北欧の学生さんと刺し子について語る午後。何気なく英語使ってますが、ほんと英語勉強して良かったなぁと思うのは、一層多くの方と繋がり真剣に語れるからだと思います。
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今回の会話で学んだこと。「刺し子とは布のリサイクルだ」という認識が英語では強いみたい。うん。”結果的”に布のリサイクルになる刺し子もあります。でも、「刺し子＝リサイクル」という方程式に落とし込める程、刺し子の背景や歴史は浅くないかな……と。もっとドロドロと人間臭いんですよ、きっと。良い意味で（笑）。刺し子を布のリサイクルの代名詞みたいに捉えれば、そりゃ現在の流行りの論理も少し分かる気がして、とてもいい勉強になりました。だからこそ……の情報発信だなと。もっともっとあるんですよ、刺し子も、そして日本文化も。
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2019-05-07 16:02:36
This is a beautiful piece! And your differentiation between recycling and appreciation for the fabric and the life around it gets right to the heart and soul of the cloth itself, and the spirit put into the cloths creation and it’s extended life through shashiko. Lovely .
Thank you so much for your explanation.It’s illuminating and I really enjoy your beautiful work.
👏素敵の一言です🙌
Thank you for this explanation. I really appreciate it. I’m new to sashiko and boro. But I want to know more.
Yup. Gotcha! 🤠
I love this!
I’ve been following your videos and reading your posts. I feel that your English is exceptional. I know many people including myself that would love to have the command of another language as you do English.( especially one that is so different than English. Still working on my Spanish. I do feel that I understand what it is you are saying about sashiko,boro and how they fit into the Japanese culture. Thank you so much I really appreciate it.
I totally get what u mean, i feel it. When i talk about sashiko, also when i do my workshops I always say to the people:”let the fabric speak to you, let the fabric guide you how u stitch it”
All the difference between Art and fashion effect 😍
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💙
Very well put
Like the others who comment, I really appreciate your desire to educate and impart more than a technique, but a mind set.
Thank you, again, for a well expressed post—and the images you shared.
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Thank you – your clarity is generosity. 🌷