Some of our popular threads, “Natural Indigo Variegated Hand-Dyed Sashiko Thread by Keiko Futatsuya” are back in stock for limited numbers. It has to be very specific water-temperature to come up with the beautiful color, and most of the work is done right before the temperature goes below zero. I (Atsushi) don’t do Dyeing much as it can be costly to start with no proper advice from experts… Instead, I take care of each skein to be delivered to the Sashiko Stitchers. I un-skein each thread, make sure that they aren’t tangled, soften it by “airing” the thread, and re-skein to be shipped. Each step is very simple. Some may advise me that I can outsource this work so that I can focus on teaching & stitching. Well, although the job itself is quite simple, it requires great care & attention. Recycling is one way to appreciate Sashiko – but touching each skein before handing it to someone who respectfully purchases threads from us is another great way to appreciate the mindset of Sashiko.
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We cannot sustain our lives without Machines & Assembly Line (Mass-Production). I benefit from it greatly, and I never wish to go back to days without it. However, I also would like to appreciate the value of hand-making, hand-preparing, and “care” into it. Some may think it is nonsense. It is more like “belief” rather than “Materials”. Well, therefore, it is important to respect the name of Sashiko to pass down this practice with its mindset & “belief”.
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I got this privilege to touch all of the Sashiko Thread Keiko dyes. My job is to verbalize her wishes for all the stitchers who respectfully use her threads. It is just a thread – but it isn’t just a material for some of us. It is up to us to believe or not, but I would like to think that we (as humans) can have diversity to respect others who “believe” it.
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2023-12-09 23:47:26
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Her threads are always beautiful!
Part of the pleasure of doing handwork is the feel of the threads, yarn and/or fabric used. It’s even better if some of that is also hand worked. Then at every step you’re adding some of yourself to something that someone else added some of theirself to. Sort of a community in the piece.