I get nervous when I have a workshop/lecture. It doesn’t matter the size, duration, to whom, and even Online or In-person. Everytime I face people who are eager to learn, I get so nervous that I cannot eat anything while (and before) teaching. One cause of this nervousness is “fear to fail”. I am afraid of failing it – here, I guess it is to meet their expectation.
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Many encourage me that I will do well. I appreciate that. As I have been teaching Sashiko for 5 years to almost 1K people, I know what I am doing, but I get nervous. For me, a workshop/a lecture may be one of many opportunities to share the Sashiko – however, for the person there, it can be “the opportunity”. I always ask them to keep in touch, wishing & encouraging them to keep Sashiko. However, when I fail to communicate, then the workshop may be their last (for that, their only one) opportunity to stitch. Unfortunately, I don’t know other Japanese Sashiko teachers teaching in a conference setting in English – so, I cannot say that someone will cover for my lousy job (I am wishing someone from my workshops to be a teacher, too). So, I get one shot to make my hope come true. That’s why I get nervous, and I think it is a good thing. I feel the strong responsibility in sharing the Sashiko.
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Sashiko has become something “different” in English. It is too late to share what Sashiko is without any discomfort. I write/tell something uncomfortable for those who think they know about Sashiko already. However, it is never too late to share. I really appreciate the number of organizations that arrange a workshop/lecture for me. I limit myself to offer 4~7 in-person workshops per year (The next one is in FL, 4/1 to 4/3). Today another Workshop. Tomorrow, the very first Lecture, in
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Until tomorrow, I am extremely intense for the reasons above. I may look inaccessible… so, if you see me in the afternoon tomorrow on QuiltShow, please say hi to me! I maybe braindead by that, but I am happy to meet new “stitching crazy” friends!
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このデニム、あまり配信等では紹介していないのですが、毎回のワークショップのお供をしてくれているデニムです…→→→久々に投稿の文字上限に引っかかったので、日本語はコメント欄に記載します！普段推敲で文字数を減らしているのですが、今日は頭が働かん（笑！）
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2023-02-24 20:02:28
Atsushi – yesterday’s workshop was the most unique and fun and enriching workshops I’ve ever had at QC I’ve been trying to take your workshop for years and I’m so glad I was finally able to.
Sometimes our nervousness is a sign that we care deeply about the subject. I appreciate your ongoing effort to tackle cultural appropriation and teach others about what Sashiko really is. Thank you.
I have it too, as do many others. I try to remember that the majority of people are kind and so interested in the subject they don’t notice shaky hands. ☺️
I am always amazed at your choice and placement of stitches. I suppose it fits with the general complexity of the designs on Washi paper. Is there a term for that?
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Please try to have a little fun while you are there! You haven’t let anyone down in 5 years of teaching and I think you won’t this time!
Ahh! Best wishes! Wish I was there!
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My sister @jcolberto and I were in your workshop today and we both that it was a fantastic workshop. Having margaritas now and telling ourselves to relax!
I read your sashikostory all the time and love learning more from you always. Thank you and best wishes at Quilt Con.
Your lecture this morning was excellent. Interesting, humorous and informative. The best lecture so far IMHO
, splendid
I think that teaching is a performance art and it is natural to be nervous before a performance.
I learned so much from your lecture at Quiltcon. Thank you for sharing your art with us!
I do hope you teach next year, because it is the one workshop I hope to take ❤️