Most of the photos I share on this account feature Sashiko that I have stitched or Sashiko created by someone I have taught or have a relationship with. Next month, when I visit Japan, I will meet other Sashiko artisans who have been practicing in Japan, and I am excited to share (some of) their work, showcasing the Sashiko being practiced there today. I believe the tour (retreat) I offer in Japan serves this purpose meaningfully as well.
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It’s a bit embarrassing to be so honest, but the results from the second half of 2024 and the forecast for 2025 are more challenging than I anticipated. I take responsibility for being too optimistic about my work, focusing too much on stitching and sharing, and not enough on advertising and marketing. You may have noticed that I’ve started publishing more blog articles, YouTube videos, and newsletters. It’s a bit daunting to see such a drastic change. I may be too naive to navigate this competitive society, but I also believe that what I do is important, and I’d rather not rely too heavily on the business side of things over sharing the Cultural & more deeper aspects of Sashiko.
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I recently wrote an article about “Supporting this Sashiko Retreat” to explain my situation, hoping to update it more sustainable. Many Sashiko artisans in Japan aren’t introduced because they don’t have a platform or the means to share their work & stories. I’m doing my best to introduce them – and this Sashiko Japan Retreat (Tour) is the best way to do so as I can visit them, have stronger connection & be “friends” among those who love Sashiko. Your support is greatly appreciated to help keep our effort sustainable. Thank you in advance!
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日本への一時帰国が近づいています。楽しみは沢山あるのですが、やっぱり一番楽しみなこと＆嬉しいことは、私や恵子さん以外の刺し子に触れられること、そしてもっと紹介できることです。同時に、展示会等を通して私達の刺し子を知って頂けることも、やっぱりとても嬉しいのです。今日の配信でも軽く話したのですが、実際に見て頂くこと、刺し子に触れて頂くことで伝わることがきっと沢山あるので。
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展示会は無料で作品をご覧頂けます。展示会場は広くないので、交流を目的に11/17に近くの区民館を借りています。リスクを避ける為、交流目的の会（対面井戸端会）には事前登録が必要となりますので、ストーリーのハイライトから「刺し子展示会」をご確認の上、ご登録頂けましたら幸いです。刺し子の楽しさが広く多様に伝わること、楽しみにしています。
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2024-10-24 11:09:29
❤️ I recognise myself too well in wanting to share the work, values and stories more than advertising.. it’s such a hard balance to navigate this. And focusing on marketing etc physically hurts when it’s so contrary to the motivation for the work. Finding out how to balance it so the finances etc don’t get in the way of the other work is an ongoing daily struggle and I hope we can all manage to find ways to break through the existing mental and societal blocks to find ways to share real value without too much stress, anxiety and sacrifice
お互いに歳とったなぁ〜😂
Japanese people are so generous in sharing their ways, the traditional ways. I have learned of many people who are well known for their art and they began the journey in Japan. Sharing is caring, and you do it well