Amimon (網文) is a pattern that draws inspiration from the ancient and intricate weaving of fishing nets, a symbol of connection and strength. In the world of Sashiko, Amimon holds a special place, not only for its visual beauty but also for the unique rhythm it requires. Each stitch must be smaller, more deliberate, and the rhythm of the needle through the fabric takes on a slower, more meditative pace. For those familiar with Sashiko, stitching Amimon is an exercise in patience and precision, a practice that brings both challenge and joy.
The Beauty of Indigo Dyed Fabric
The foundation of the Amimon pattern is Indigo Dyed Cotton Fabric, woven in Japan. The deep, rich hue of indigo carries its own tradition, a legacy of Japanese craftsmanship passed down through generations. The fabric, both soft and strong, serves as the perfect canvas for Sashiko stitching. Against the dark blue, the crisp white threads of the Amimon pattern shine with an elegant contrast, each stitch adding to the growing design—a lattice-like structure reminiscent of the nets it was inspired by.
The Joy of Watching Progress
As the artisan begins stitching, the pattern slowly emerges, each stitch building upon the last. There’s a unique joy in this process, where even the pattern in progress is mesmerizing. The incomplete design, though still forming, hints at the final beauty to come. Stitch by stitch, the fabric seems to come alive, guided by the hands of the artisan, moving in tandem with the rhythm of the needle.
Traditional Techniques Meet Modern Convenience
For those steeped in tradition, preparing a Sashiko pattern by hand—through drawing grids or transferring designs with carbon paper—is a valued skill. It teaches the artisan how to lay the foundation for their work. But there is also a certain joy in embracing convenience, especially for a pattern as intricate as Amimon. Pre-printed fabric, like the Indigo Dyed Cotton we offer, allows the artisan to skip the preparatory work and dive straight into the heart of stitching.
Creating Together: Pre-Printed Indigo Fabric
In collaboration with other Sashiko artisans, we’ve created a pre-printed Indigo Dyed Cotton Fabric featuring the Amimon pattern. Available through our Upcycle Stitches Store, this fabric provides the ideal balance of tradition and accessibility. The pre-printed lines serve as a guide, offering enough structure to assist the stitcher without restricting their creativity or rhythm. For those new to Sashiko, it’s a perfect way to learn, and for experienced artisans, it’s a chance to focus on refining the subtle art of stitch rhythm.
A Meditative Process for Every Skill Level
Even for beginners, the pre-printed Amimon fabric offers a welcoming introduction to Sashiko. It allows the artisan to focus on the rhythm and flow of stitching, a skill that takes time and practice to master. The fabric encourages exploration of stitch size, spacing, and rhythm, gradually allowing the stitcher to find their own pace and style. As the rhythm takes hold, stitching becomes second nature, and the meditative joy of the process unfolds.
The Final Step: A Transformation
As the stitching is completed, the final step in the process is almost ceremonial—washing the fabric. The water gently removes the pre-printed lines, leaving behind only the delicate stitches that have been woven into the fabric. What remains is a work of art, entirely shaped by the hands of the artisan. The piece is not just a pattern; it’s a testament to the time, care, and rhythm that went into its creation.
Amimon: A Timeless Journey
Amimon is more than just a pattern—it’s a journey. From the first stitch to the last, the process teaches mindfulness and patience, asking the artisan to slow down and appreciate each moment of creation. The rhythm of stitching, the joy of watching the design emerge, and the final transformation of the fabric all come together to create something timeless. Each stitch in Amimon tells a story, and when the pattern is complete, the finished piece is a testament to the artisan’s skill, dedication, and love for the craft.
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Sashiko with Amimon (網文) pattern is almost done. Well, I also like the pattern in progress. This pattern requires smaller stitches & different rhythm. It is always a joy to stitch this pattern on the fabric we recommend (Indigo Dyed Cotton Fabric Woven in Japan).
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As much as I would like to shout out the importance of learning how to prepare the pattern on the fabric from Grid or how to transfer the patterns using the carbon papers & such, I admit that it is convenient to have the fabric with pattern pre-printed. For a project we are working on with other Sashiko Artisans, we created “Pattern Pre-Printed Indigo Dyed Fabric” with 5 patterns – and Amimon is one of those. The pattern will be washed away in the water after the whole process of stitching.
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We have some in stock in our Upcycle Stitches Store. It is just “lines” preprinted – not the dots size which force you to follow the size of stitches… once one gets comfortable with the rhythm, It is much more fun to let the rhythm go – Even if you are new to Sashiko, this fabric is good for you to practice the rhythm & enjoy the Sashiko we have been practicing for decades.
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網文（あみもん）模様の刺し子がもう少しで完成です。とはいえ、進行中の模様も気に入っています。この模様は、より小さな針目と異なるリズムを必要とします。この模様を、私たちが推奨する生地（日本で織られた藍染めの綿生地）に刺し子するのは、いつも楽しいものです。
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グリッドから模様を生地に準備する方法や、カーボン紙などを使って模様を転写する技術を学ぶことの重要性を声高に主張したいところではありますが、模様があらかじめプリントされた生地があると便利だということも認めざるを得ません。他の刺し子職人たちと一緒に取り組んでいるプロジェクトのために、5つの模様がプリントされた「藍染めの模様入り生地」を作成しました。網文もその一つです。この模様は、刺し子がすべて完成した後に水で洗い流すことができます。
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在庫は、アップサイクルステッチズストアにいくつかあります。プリントされているのは、点ではなく「線」なので、針目の大きさに縛られず、自分のリズムに合わせて進めることができます。リズムに慣れてくれば、自由に刺し子を楽しめるようになります。刺し子が初めての方でも、この生地はリズムを練習しながら、私たちが何十年も実践してきた刺し子の楽しさを味わうのに最適です。
(Chat GPT にて和訳。もうこんなレベルまできてるんすね）。
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2024-09-29 18:09:27
