[Dirty Hands, Clean Heat]… I received a comment like this in the previous post (on FB). This comment “could” upset me before 2012… but now, I smile when I see it. Yes, it is dirty, and I am proud of it. No hands are “clean” in my memories. All of the Sashiko Artisans I had spent time with were like “Rocks”, and I hated to be part of it. As a youth, I longed for sophistication and Sashiko was completely opposite of “clean” (regardless how much people now romanticize Sashiko – it is the memory I carry).
☆
Sashiko isn’t wet work, so technically speaking we can keep our hands clean. When we take care of our hands after stitching with good moisture cream & proper protection (when sleeping), it is possible to have clean hands. However, the artisans who worked with had priority in their budget – making ends meet. Sashiko was NOT a stitchery for those who could care for how beautiful hands are – and their Sashiko are indeed beautiful.
☆
When one does Unshin in a recommended form, no pain should occur. Instead, the fabric will absorb moisture from hands, and that’s the main cause of “dirty” hands. Good hand cream is one solution, but it can negatively affect the stitching experience – so it is our choice after all. Unfortunately, not all “Sashiko Suppliers/Teachers” are stitchers. Their stitches & hands tell more than what they say/write. You do not want to learn how to run from those with baby-feets (like me…). It is strange to say it from me who writes/tells stories this much, but please read/listen “beyond” the stories. When we are mindful of what we do, we have the ability to tell the difference. “Speed” can make us ”slip” something very important off from our ordinary.
☆
–
–
–
☆
「汚い手（汚れた手）、綺麗な心」。英語で頂いたコメントです。直訳するととんでもないですが、朝起きて苦笑いしてしまいました。きっと最大の褒め言葉だろうから。昔から、沢山の働く手によって育てられてきました。恵子さんの手は、本人も言っているから書きますが、岩のようです。私の手も、主夫になり親になり刺し子に覚悟し、少しは働く手になってきたのかなと不思議と嬉しく思うのです。「アスリートとして育てられ、競技以外はする必要無し」と育てられた妻の手は、とても綺麗で儚く感じます（腰から下はボロボロみたいですが）。手は人の形を表すとは良く言ったもので、娘にはその母親の綺麗な手と父親の働く手の両方を、物語と共に記憶に残してくれればと思うのです。
☆
2022-12-25 11:33:36
Clean heart? Your work sings.
Making things with your hands is making things with your heart. I am new to sashiko but I make something special for every new member of my family. Especially babies. Everyone should be able to touch something that reminds them that they are worth time and love.
Im a professional seamstress and I have spent my entire life sewing since I was a small child. Trust me, my hands are not beautiful looking. But they make very very beautiful things. So in my eyes they are one of the most beautiful parts of me.
To make Beautiful craft requires a beautiful mind. Our bodies take on the burdens of our work. They display our quiet discipline and dedication.
Your hands and your stitches are incredible ❤️
I do not see a dirty hand, just absolutely amazing stitching! 😍
❤️
Dirty? Then how would they call my hands after I have worked with rust? 😂 Takes weeks to get rid of the stains but this is all part of the process. Love&respect from Switzerland.
Your hands are lovely! As is your heart. I see clean hands in this picture … unkind comments come from unclean hearts …
Beautiful ❤️
Thank you for sharing ❤️
Tus manos tienen calidez energía bondad y respeto por lo que haces ! Eres un virtuoso Atsushi 😍❤️
What is the metal item in your hand (which is lovely, by the way)?
Omg – I see beautiful stitching also. That comment is so petty – please ignore…..
🤗
I love this ♡
Hermosa reflexión!
Gracias por compartir!!
Y mi admiración por tu arte!
Saludos desde México!!