When we learn something new, we need to acknowledge, and then overcome some “Blocks”. In Sashiko, “Mind” and “Muscle Memory” are 2 big blocks. After learning the new mind & muscle movement, they can use both “old” & “new” stitching form. However, the old & existing form can be a big obstacle to learning the Sashiko we practice. Therefore, my teaching can be valuable. Both In-Person & Online with [Core & Essence] is a learning experience to help them to “unblock”. As everyone has different mind & hand (muscle), more personal attention is required to complete so (therefore, it is difficult to teach this on Books – Domestika Course is the closest I could do).
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That being said, I used to say “It is okay to start Sashiko from other resources. You can learn the Sashiko we practice anytime you feel comfortable”, when I received a question from those worried about the “Starting with Bad Habit”. There isn’t really a bad habit, and I am confident that I can help them to have both while unblocking some challenges even if they started Sashiko somewhere else. However, I may need to change my statement in the current trend a bit. I start seeing phenomena which dominate their mind with “Sashiko should be this way”. I can help to align with the stitching habit & western mindset, yet if one has pure belief of what Sashiko is based on the simplified information, there isn’t much I can do.
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In order to pour the tea into a cup, one has to empty it first. Coming to me with an empty cup is ideal, but I can help to empty it (as it can be scary). However, if one believes their “tea” is the “right tea”… Well. I may need to change my statement… There is no “bad habit”, but the specific & simplified image of Sashiko can be too big a block to overcome.
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英語圏で刺し子がこれだけ人気になってくると「刺し子はこうあるべき」という固定概念を持って刺し子を学びにくる人も増えてきているのかもしれません。針の持ち方や縫う時の癖、もっといえば「正解に拘ること」といった既存の形や考え方は、運針をお伝えする際に一緒に乗り越えて行ける自信はあるのですが、「刺し子はこうあるべき(例えば刺し子は補修の技術だから破れている布に刺し子をしなければいけない)」といった感じで教えを求められても、中々に難しいなと。これまでは「刺し子は私の所から始める必要はないよ」とお伝えしていて、それはいつでも運針は学べるという信念からなのですが、もしかしたらその言葉を変更する必要があるかもしれません。日本でも同様のことが起こってるのかな。だとしたら運針会をもっともっと宣伝する必要があるな…と。ふむー。楽しむことが一番です。ただ、どうも「刺し子はこうあるべき」というのが伝統じゃなく流行で決まっている気が。
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2024-01-18 06:56:59
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It sounds like you want anyone who wants to learn Sashiko properly from someone like yourself, to approach it with an open mind and having preconceived ideas is a hindrance to getting the full appreciation of the techniques and story of Sashiko. If anyone tries to learn any new skill or improve it with a view that what they have read or learnt previously is gospel and cannot possibly be inaccurate then they will have problems. In my own teaching, I have come across people like this and it is very hard to help them as they are blind to new/better ways. I wish they hadn’t tried to learn more with me as others with more curiosity and flexibility of mind could have made better use of my teaching time. I wish you lots of luck avoiding such people.
I know from personal experience that your in person lesson at the end of your online class of core & essence helped me tremendously. I was afraid of forming bad habits while practicing my stitches. You were able to not only put my mind at rest regarding that but was able to see what I needed to do to help get my rhythm. I couldn’t see how I was still trying to do regular hand stitching & just need to make a few adjustments for Sashiko. Your encouragement & knowledge helped me to unblock my mind & hand.
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