I no longer take commission work as I want to focus on my own Sashiko. So, this Denim is also for myself – I wanted to do Sashiko on a Denim Pants. As the “Image, Common Understanding, and Description” of Sashiko changes in English, I find it important to share the Sashiko we (as Japanese Sashiko Artisans) initiate to change – This Sashiko Denim isn’t traditional at all. Some Sashiko Artisans in Japan may find it non-Sashiko, or even “uncomfortable” to call it Sashiko. There is no single answer for that – therefore it is interesting to keep learning & offering what Sashiko is.
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At the same time, as a Sashiko Stitcher (Artisan), I wonder if I can make my ends meet by just doing Sashiko. I wonder if one calls me “Artist”, ideally, I would like to live by just “creation” (which is not happening right now). So, as the business account of Sashiko – Upcycle Stitches -, if you were me, or a customer, what is the price tag you may put on this Denim? Calculating hourly wage based on federal minimum is not realistic – so let’s simplify by just thinking if you were me, or if you were a customer to purchase this Denim.
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The whole purpose of this account – Upcycle Stitches as Sashiko Business – is to make “Sashiko’s Cultural Sustainability” true somewhat. The ecosystem of Sashiko includes Stitchers, Suppliers, Artisans, Crafters… and it is challenging to make an “Artist” as the Artist. Your feedback is very much appreciated.
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「刺し子をするだけで生計を立てられるようなものではない」とか「お金稼ぎが目的であるならば、刺し子は選ばない方がいい」とか、お金（収入）と刺し子の相性の悪さを時々指摘していますが、抱く理想としては、刺し子が後世に残る為にも、「刺し子をするだけで生活ができるような職人さん」と出会えたらと思っています。その為には、刺し子の技術や作品へのセンスもそうですが、「価値（費やした時間）に見合っただけの価格を受け入れてくれる市場」が必要です。一点ものです。世界に一つしかない。でも、現代においてそれは自己満足で終わってしまうことすらあるからです。
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このデニム、お仕事としてのデニムではありません。なので値札もないし売値も考えていないのですが、価値としてはどれくらいのものがあるのでしょうか…というのを英語で聞いてみた投稿です。どうなることやら楽しみです。
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2023-09-19 08:12:10
どのようなコメントがくるか，楽しみです。
安値をつける人と高値をつける人、、、手仕事への理解があるかどうかで二極化しそうな気も、、どうなるか楽しみです😊
I would think, considering the amount of work and attention that has gone into this jeans, and that it will last longer thanks to the stitching, that it’s worth around €1000,-/€1250,-. Can I afford that price: no 😢.
It’s beautiful, whatever you call it.
I agree with an estimate of $1,000 USD or higher. I’m sure you can get that in NYC or LA, maybe not so in some other areas of the country. Your work is beautiful and I learned so much in your Domestika class. 😊
Knowing how much attention and planning and hours of stitching go into such a garment I would say about $1500US
you asked for feedback. i will share my opinions. i love this as an example of how to modify my own pants, but i would not want to purchase this from someone else.
i think if you want to sell your work you need to develop a balance of where the design is on the garment. for example, my preference would be just one leg, or just the front thigh, or just the inner calf portion, not full sashiko on both legs. that way it is more of a statement, more intentional. it would also allow you to find out which designs and styles people like when they purchase from you.
in order to make a living as an artisan in sashiko i would start with creating and listing what you want, and then learn from what sells, what doesn’t. maybe even just on what people interact with most here and on your livestreams.
$200 minimum
It’s late to add a reply but consider reaching out to @sashikodenim as a resource for your specific inquiry related to a “market supportable” price point that this specific work or similar could command.
While “commissions” may not be your area of interest the bulk of the tattoo industry relies on client directed design and execution. Garment on the other hand is inverse with a small percentage of bespoke made to order or couture . This application seems to live somewhere in-between these worlds.