This is more like a mindfood for us, based on the word “inspired” we are now wondering. Anyone can be inspired by anything with no limitations. When I hear what they are inspired by about Sashiko/Boro, I understand most cases & am happy with them. Although Sashiko isn’t the word for the specific patterns, if they are inspired by the simplicity in patterns, I understand. I just hope that they won’t stop learning what Sashiko is by just defining Sashiko as “Just Pattern”. I once asked a big question: “Why Do You Call it Sashiko?. The purpose of the question was not an accusation as some have completely misunderstood. I was just curious. One reply was: “I use the word Sashiko because I get more visitors & more sales”. Did I suffer from the reply? No, I smiled. I understand that logic, and I am nowhere to judge that. When one says they are inspired by Sashiko because of the possible profit within, I wouldn’t be suffering this much (although it may be a bit of a different issue).
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So, what am I questioning? It is those “who think they know all about Sashiko/Boro”. I don’t even know the whole picture of Sashiko yet. Therefore, I keep searching for someone I can learn from. In extreme analogy, I am questioning those who insist that the “foldable slices and crispy outer crust with pepperoni” is the definition of pizza. Well… it is the preference, right? How about Chicago Pizza? How about Pineapple on the pizza? Are they wrong? No, it is part of the Pizza Culture. In Sashiko, since not many had spoken up, one type of Sashiko had become the “whole” – mainly for monetary purposes since it is easier to market when the answer is simple.
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I am very happy that Sashiko can inspire many people. I just want to say that there are some who “abuse” the word “inspired”, and as a result, they may be repainting the culture. It is not you who I want to question. It is them who feel too uncomfortable to accept these stories.
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期末試験前夜、なんとなく部屋の掃除しませんでした？ワークショップ直前。今の気持ちはそんな感じです。あと数時間で出発です…。
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2022-07-22 18:48:16
ワークショップ楽しんで来てください。
英語ながいなー
お気をつけて！いってらっしゃい✨
So, I am new to learning about sashiko. Are their resources,books that you would recommend? I would like to learn about sashiko in the manner you describe…. History, meaning, stitching. Maybe include your descriptions in the posting? Thank you!
Your analogy to pizza! #brilliant
I love how you combine teaching, philosophy and history. I hope to one day be able to afford to take an in-person course — if you visit CA again (come visit us LA folks some day!) For now, I’m absolutely loving the info you put out online! Thank you for sharing your culture and knowledge 🙏🏼
This speaks to me. I will probably always use ‘inspired’ as a definition of my stitching, or say it is ‘in the style of Sashiko’, until such time as I have been taught properly. For me the understanding of how a textile tradition comes about is very important as that explains its value and its use, and therefore how it can continue to be used. I will keep reading.
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