#upcyclestitches

[sashico]

Has anyone realized that our entity name has no word “Sashiko” in it? Keiko’s project name is “Sashi.Co” and my company’s name is “Upcycle Stitches”. There are reasons behind it. We carefully choose the name without “Sashiko”, and it is our way to pay respect to Sashiko. I know it isn’t the best idea in “marketing strategy”. However, advertising ourselves as if we are “the (only) Sashiko” is against the Japanese aesthetic. ☆ From all of my 30+ years of experience in Sashiko, I came to a conclusion that “No one should(can) own Sashiko”. When I started sharing the Sashiko in English, I already knew the potential of my voice - I don’t know many Japanese-Native Sashiko artisans, with many years of experience, who do not need a translator to express their experience. A potential equal to a risk. I do NOT want anyone to consider our Sashiko is “the absolute (only) Sashiko”. We do not own Sashiko. There are numbers of great Japanese Sashiko artisans/teachers in Japan who do not wish to speak up. It is another form of Japanese aesthetic. ☆ I would rather be buried in the ground with the Sashiko if I had to go against the Japanese aesthetic. However, I learned that many people care for what we do & what I say. So, this is the in-between point. I know I can do better in terms of “marketing” and “making profit”. However, please understand that I am the Japanese after all. Going along with the western “strategy” isn’t always the best way to go. ☆ - - - ☆ 米国での活動では、「@UpcycleStitches」という名前でビジネスをしています。Sashikoって入ってないんです。でも、刺し子を紹介したり販売したりするのであれば、Sashikoという言葉を商売名に入れるのは基本中の基本。ここに実は「刺し子には絶対的な正解はない」というアンチテーゼが含まれています。日本人じゃない方が、Sashikoという文字を使い、あたかも全ての刺し子を代弁するような商売をしているのを見てきて、とても嫌気がさしていて。日本人で背景もある僕が「これが刺し子だ！」と言ってしまうと、僕の声だけが残ってしまうリスクがあります。それは嫌なんです。僕の声”も”残したい。日本人の美徳が喧騒にかき消されてしまわないように。☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #CulturalAppropriation #TraditionalSashiko #SashikoStitching #SashikoJacket #SashikoStory #UpcycleStitches #日本人の刺し子 #刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CLrw59bJoVF/?igshid=1tzjeicr7yu2a

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The supplies we recommend are a bit more costly than the other similar choices. Please know that there are reasons for that. I am pretty confident to say “I won’t let you disappointed”.  ☆ The thimble is good for years (or more than 10 years). Needles are good for months (or even years if you listen to the needle well). Threads are consumption, but it will provide a much more comfortable time & better results. If you like Sashiko, you will spend a LOT of time stitching. I want you to reward yourself for stitching so many hours. ☆ Your purchase will directly support the artisans who keep making the supplies. We purchase supplies from those whom I would like to support. Thank you very much for finding & supporting us. ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoThread # #SashikoNeedle #Needle #SewingNeedle #SashikoStitching #UpcycleStitches #Thread #Thimble #SashikoThimble #刺し子 #日本の刺し子 #刺し子針 https://www.instagram.com/p/CMBF4SqHoqe/?igshid=vtyu48cmvfd

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Sashiko Traditional Patchwork Jacket by Sashi.Co & Keiko Futatsuya. Made to order in 2019. Sold. Made to Order. Designed by Keiko Futatsuya. (patch-worked with multiple Japanese traditional designs.) Production time: 10 ~ 14 months. All hand stitched. This may remind you the Sashiko Jacket introduced on the book “Fisherman’s Jacket in Awaji”. It is NOT from the book, and we aren’t really related to Awaji. However, we had similar culture & mindset in different places in Japan. This was made in 2019 by today’s Sashiko Artisans. Estimated Order Price: $3,900 ~ 4,500 (Depends on the Vintage fabric we use). DM me if interested. Please follow @Sashi.Co to learn more about cultural stories of Sashiko & Boro #Sashiko #SashikoJacket #SashiCo #UpcycleStitches #Mending #Upcycle #SlowFashion #JapaneseBoro https://www.instagram.com/p/CLs2XroHNub/?igshid=mkxrmel1lpan

[sashico]

Patchworking (stitching swatches together) is not only for the “Artistic” purpose. In fact, the primary reason to patch the small swatches is to give them the second stage to be spotlighted. A small piece of (vintage) fabric can be just a waste by itself. However, by stitching together & doing Sashiko for strengthening the material, it can re-obtain the role as “cloth”. It looks beautiful - but the “artistry” is secondary. Bringing the fabric from a pile of trash to the most fashionable cloth is what we may be able to contribute to this society. It is beautiful not only because it is “artistic”, but fabric and we appreciate each other. Can you hear it? ☆ - - - ☆ 古布と一目刺しの相性の良さは抜群で、おそらく恵子さんが作る作品で一番人気なのも、一目刺しのパッチワーク作品だったりします。恵子さんの感性が作り上げるもので、刺し子も、どの古布を使うかも、どう組み合わせるかも、傍からみると芸術の域に達していると思われるかもしれません。僕自身恵子さんは芸術家肌だなぁと思うし、英語圏でこういう作品を紹介すると、必ず「芸術だ（アートだ）」との称賛を頂きます。 ☆ でも、恵子さん本人は自分のことを芸術家だとはこれっぽっちも思っていません。恵子さんが願うこと。それは「（使われなくなった布達に対して）もう一度、世に出してやるからな……」というものです。自分の感性に合わせて布を選び作品を作るのではなく、そこにある布に合わせて自分の感性をあわせていく。特注を頂いても、ご希望を伺うことはできても、具体的な指示をお断りしているのは、そういう裏話があります。ここに柿の花刺し、ここに米刺し……とご希望を頂いても、「布が嫌がる」のであれば、それは布に従うのです。そこに加えて草木染の色（布に合わせて染めた結果が今の大所帯）。 ☆ もう一度……という言葉の奥に存在する、恵子さんの意地みたいなものが、昔の刺し子をしていた人達が抱いていただろう思いと重なり合うからこそ、僕はこれだけ物語が書けるんだと思います。一目刺しでワンピース作った時は、どうしようかと思ったけどね。 ☆ #Sashiko #UpcycleStitches #SashikoStitching #JapaneseSashiko #Hitomezashi #SashikoArt #KeikoFutatsuya #TraditionalSashiko #刺し子 #一目刺し #日本人の刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CFpMauqpZah/?igshid=c8j02ki2beud

[sashico]

Sashiko and Art. Especially since I think in Japanese in my brain, I am still indecisive if Sashiko is the Art. I am still learning, but there is one thing I can share. It is our hope to encourage people throughout our Sashiko.  ☆ If the definition of Art is “an expression of human creativity in visual form”, then our Sashiko can be part of the Art. However, for us, “Self‐Assertion (expressing our specific vision via creation)” is secondary. That’s another reason I do not consider myself as an activist. What we would like to do is Not to lead people. We would like to support them from behind.  ☆ By sharing out Sashiko, if we could encourage that we all have the ability to appreciate & care for others, then it is then our “mission completed”. Keiko wants “(old) fabrics” for the 2nd life. I want to protect those people like Keiko. After this crisis of pandemic is over, I would like you to come visit us and touch our stitching. It has something more than visual - and that’s the potential I would like to encourage others.  ☆ - - - ☆ 20代後半までは数字で。その後は言葉で、答えを模索するような左脳人生を送ってきているのですが、刺し子を通して残したいことや伝えたいことは、思いっきり右脳型の現象だったりします。ぶっちゃけてしまえば、このアカウントは、右脳型の恵子さんの刺し子を、左脳型の僕が映像や言葉にしている場所です。どちらがいなくても成り立たないのですが、右脳の創造性を説明することほど無毛な挑戦はないので、結果的に「面倒なアカウント」になってしまってという状況です。「刺し子は芸術家どうか」という議論にはまだ答えは出せてませんが、一つだけお伝えできることがあります。それは、僕も恵子さんも刺し子を通して、「誰かの力になりたい（勇気づけたい・励ましたい）」と思っていることです。「針と糸と布で何ができるんだ」と言われるかもしれません。僕自身そう思ってましたし。ただ、針と糸と布だからこそ、誰かを後ろから支えてあげられることもあるのかなと。 ☆ ここ1週間程、「なぜ刺し子なのか」を振り返る時間がありました。そして思い出したのは、僕たちの原点は、「応援すること」なんだなと。いつかまた、コロナが収まったら、恵子さんの作品に触れて頂ける機会を作れたらと思っています。僕の言葉よりも素直に思いが伝わると思うので。 ☆ #Sashiko #UpcycleStitches #SashikoStitching #JapaneseSashiko #Sashikotapestry #SashikoArt #KeikoFutatsuya #TraditionalSashiko #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CHszQRSplMv/?igshid=1v9dohmffdq8n

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The Kasane (No knots finishing in Sashiko) have not come out after the project was completed. I am glad that I could confirm it with my students in the US, in English. Some Sashiko teachers may teach you “The Kasane” does not work… Well, it is not Kasane that makes it unavailable. It is about learning the proper technique, and the thread they use. ☆ There are reasons why we call it Sashiko Thread (Please be mindful who you are purchasing the tread from because I see many “Sashiko Thread” without the characteristic of Sashiko thread). Learning the proper posture & rhythm may take a long time, but using the appropriate thread can/may almost immediately improve your Sashiko look. Among many selections, I am using only 3 kinds of Sashiko thread. They are all tested for a few years & we have been using it for decades.  ☆ Thread DOES Matter in Sashiko. If you don’t know what to get, please try to use what we offer. It would be great if you could support us by purchasing from our business. It is a large skein. A skein is 145 meters - so it is 7 times longer than the one you may find online. I appreciate your caring to our business & the Japanese people behind the screen. ☆ Oh, it was such a fun to have a guest in Live Streaming. Check the archive on @Sashi.Co & The Youtube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/sashico). ☆ #Sashiko #SashikoThread #Thread #SashikoYarn #Yarn #CottonYarn #SashikoOnlineClass #SashikoClass #LearnSashiko #ThreadforSashiko #HandStitching #SashiCo #UpcycleStitches https://www.instagram.com/p/CLUvR7kna6y/?igshid=8env1qu5c99

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I completed all the shipping for Sashiko Fukubukuro 2021 (If your destination is outside of the U.S., please bear with us a little bit more. I am communicating with Keiko - @Sashi.Co to make sure everything is as I had intended). I appreciate all the kind notes. I am very happy that I can communicate the existence of “human (me)” beyond the package & screen. I am here to support. Please let me know if you do not receive a package within 1 week or so (USPS may delay the package, but I will do everything to get it delivered). ☆ This year, I decided to prepare the designated website. Nothing “new” or “special” content on the web, but it is a web page I summarize the links & videos in which I have made in the last few years. It is a good way to start with “everything” I want a Sashiko stitcher to have. A good start is always important (I am not saying it is must). ☆ Fukubukuro will be still available until 24th of January. It is a great package to get a good amount of thread and/or get everything you need to start. Our materials are not “easy-answer” because the fabric doesn’t tell you what to do, but it is a great starting material to learn how the Sashiko artisans would practice Sashiko. (The basic tutorials are already on Youtube/Website and I summarize it on the designated website - which I plan to make it public in Summer or so). Thank you for choosing and supporting us, and then willing to learn from us. ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoNewYear #SashikoStitching #SashikoFukubukuro #UpcycleStitches #Fukubukuro #SashiCo #刺し子 #刺し子福袋 https://www.instagram.com/p/CKDEbyYny4w/?igshid=1tyrowmzx7mn3

[sashico]

Asanoha (麻の葉) pattern is my favorite. You may realize how much I stitch Sashiko with Asanoha patterns, and you may even wonder why I stitch so much Asanoha - not other patterns. There is a reason behind it as well.  ☆ Enjoying a variety of patterns is a great way to appreciate/celebrate Sashiko. When I have a specific design in my mind, I always wonder which pattern is the great idea to make it more beautiful & enjoyable. However, “the ordinary” is not always about the “result” - it is more about a process, and the process tends to be very repetitive and monotonous.  ☆ I would like to see if there is anything I can see after stitching the same pattern for more than thousands of hours. I don’t know, but that’s probably what the Japanese people did in the past. Stitching the same pattern (or the only lines) as a process of stitching. It is another reason I do not consider myself an Artist (yet). A monk in Sashiko may be more suitable way to describe what I am doing now (I am not a monk at all, though).  ☆ - - - ☆ 「麻の葉ばかり刺してて面白いの？」と疑問に思われることもあるとは思うのですが、「どういう柄が出てくるのかという結果」よりも、「ただひたすら針を動かす運針」の方が、今の僕にとっては大切な刺し子の要素なので、麻の葉ばかり刺してても十分刺し子の魅力は楽しめています。なんなら、麻の葉柄じゃなく、直線だけでも良いくらいなんです。（直線は運針の乱れが目立つので避けがち）。 ☆ 様々な柄を組み合わせて素敵な作品を作るのが「刺し子屋」としてのお仕事です。家業もそうだったし、恵子さんもそう。でも僕は、どちらかというと、「針を動かし続ける事によって見える世界」を論理的に見てみたいという願いがあるのです。結果じゃなくて、運針という行為の先にあるもの。「走ること」もそう。「瞑想」も一緒。「何が得られるか」ではなく、「その過程��得られる何か」を見るのが好きなんでしょうね。昔から変わらず。 ☆ #Sashiko #UpcycleStitches #SashikoStitching #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoClass #Unshin #TraditionalSashiko #Asanoha #麻の葉 #刺し子 #運針 #日本人の刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CFM_hzwpbrT/?igshid=1jfpwo5dup9a0

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It would be a good idea to check what colors you can expect in the Fukubukuro Bag before they become available on our store. We have mainly 2 kinds of Sashiko thread (1) Natural Dye by Keiko @Sashi.Co and (2) Synthetic Dye from long established thread companies. Both of them are great quality & we use them in everyday’s Sashiko. There are differences, though, between Natural Dye & Synthetic Dye. If your preference is “Earth Color” and “Soft Color”, please consider choosing the bag which contains the Natural Dye Sashiko Thread (I believe each bag specifies what will be in it in terms of thread). If you have a question about Fukubukuro, please contact me via Comment, DM or Email (please read the article first). ☆ All of the colors, both Natural & Synthetic can be checked on our webstore. https://upcyclestitches.com/store/ ☆ Please check our article why I keep saying “Thread Matters” in Sashiko. It really does. https://upcyclestitches.com/why-sashiko-thread/ ☆ Thank you! ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoStitching #SashikoFukubukuro #UpcycleStitches #SashiCo #SashikoThread #NaturalDye #刺し子 #刺し子糸 https://www.instagram.com/p/CJi1mPPn1a2/?igshid=ezxa00whiamj

[sashico]

[This is an announcement for “Fukubukuro”] ★ 久々に日本語を先に書きます（笑）。毎年ご好評とご期待を頂いている刺し子の福袋。今年も無事準備することができそうです。昨年までは、福袋が売り切れるなんてことは考えておらず、「年末年始通して販売するよー」と、ご購入の希望を頂いた方には全てお届けできておりました。今年も同じノリで企画準備してたのですが、ふと、「もしかして準備する数、足りない？」とギリギリで思い立ちました。「ご購入を希望頂く方全てにお届けしたい」というのが恵子さんと僕の願いです。諸々の諸条件を加味して作るので、どうしても上限は出てきてしまうのですが、万が一希望数が上限を上回るようであれば、「できるだけ公平な感じ」で販売できたらと思っています。僕の都合で12月26日の夜9時に販売を開始するのですが、その時間の都合が悪くて購入できないという人もいるでしょうし、できる限りの事はしたいと思っています。もう数日しかないのですが、どうするかを決める為に僕の日本語の半分個人のアカウントで、アンケートを取らせて頂いています。ご検討頂ける方＆ご興味を持って頂ける方は、@sashiko_dad の投稿かストーリーよりお知らせ下さい。諸々の詳細は「”刺し子福袋”と透かしが入った写真の投稿」からご確認頂けます（あと、後々、このアカウントのストーリー等でも紹介します）。どうぞ宜しくお願いいたします。 ☆ - - - ☆ I am very grateful that we can offer the “Fukubukuro” again to welcome the new year of 2021. Thank you very much for your support in finding us, choosing us, purchasing from us, learning with us, and caring for us. For the details of Fukubukuro, please check my business account, @upcyclestitches to learn more about both cultural & materialistic perspective & get the latest update. The stories about “What is Fukubukuro” and “what is Sashiko Fukubukuro” can be found via the Upcycle Stitches account and/or from the web - upcyclestitches.com  ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoNewYear #SashikoStitching #SashikoFukubukuro #UpcycleStitches #Fukubukuro #SashiCo #刺し子 #刺し子福袋 https://www.instagram.com/p/CJH54TgJmhm/?igshid=1cyopabmqjxo6

[sashico]

I have shared this photo here and there. It may not be the first time to post on Instagram. I apologize if it is not something new to you. However, the image often communicates the message more than words. ☆ Again. “Boro” is not a word for Visible Mending. The patches are inside. ☆ Please do not get me wrong. I enjoy “Visible Mending” myself, and “Boro”s are beautiful. I have been enjoying “non-traditional” denim mending for more than a decade. I just want to say that “Boro” is not someone’s word to express their self-assertion ☆ I believe mending culture exists(ed) everywhere in the world. Often, it was from poverty. So is Boro. Celebrating the word “Boro” for what they did not want to do is a bit too much, don’t you think? ☆ This is a “To-Be-Boro” Jacket I am “wearing” today. It is folded in a drawer so I can wear it again in winter. It is a culture of 2~500 years old with limited documents (They did not want to leave). So, we can only synchronize our “caring”. Again, don’t get me wrong. I am happy that people are celebrating their visible mending as “Boro”. Just “(Try to ) care” the origin behind (especially if one is making teaching/selling/publishing for commercial purpose). ☆ - - - ☆ もう何度も紹介している襤褸（になりつつある）ジャケット。僕がNYCで刺し子を紹介する際に襤褸の話は避けて通れないだろうということで、「実物が何よりも語るよね」と、恵子さんが作ってくれ、今はそれを引き継いで僕が紡いでいるジャケットです。 ☆ 襤褸は素敵だ！は大歓迎です。実際僕も素敵だと思うし。ただ、「カラフルで自由な芸術性を求めた襤褸」は、その原点を無視されているようで、やっぱり嫌なんです。本来、きっと、襤褸を作った人は、襤褸を作りたくなかったわけで。その葛藤があったからこその美しさで、そこに到達する為には、思いを重ねるしかないんだろうなと。 ☆ #Sashiko #Art #Craft #SashikoStitching #JapaneseSashiko #Boro #InvisibleMending #UpcycleStitches #JapaneseBoro #Artist #Artisan #刺し子 #襤褸 https://www.instagram.com/p/B_rzSB7JIwj/?igshid=gudrkf8q4mhu

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“Sashiko isn’t Art (for me)”. This may be a strange statement for you since many adore Sashiko as the art, but I do not consider Sashiko as the Art (yet). You may disagree with me, but I have many reasons why I say Sashiko isn’t Art. Then, you may wonder, “Would it be okay to consider Sashiko as the Art? (is it okay to disagree with him?)”. Yes, absolutely. You can consider Sashiko as the Art, and you can disagree with me anytime you want. I may have a different definition for the “Art”, and the definition involves many layers of cultural perspective. I understand the “Art” is a great compliment for the work, and I humbly accept the admiration for what we do.  ☆ However, there is a boundary for that. Please do not use the word “Art” as the excuse to not to learn. Most of the angry comments I receive is about me destroying creativity (by sharing my honest insight). They often say, “Sashiko is the Art, so we can do ‘whatever’ we want. How could you limit our creativity”. Sashiko “can” be the art, but “whatever” can also wash out the culture. Don’t jump into the conclusion. Don’t let yourself be satisfied with taking the easy route. The beautiful concept “Art” shouldn’t be an excuse to avoid truth and difficulty.  ☆ - - - ☆ 運針会のお問い合わせを頂きました！日本時間の12月21日（月）の午前中（10時くらい開始）で、3時間半程度の運針会を計画しています。少人数のズームを使った講習で、刺し子の運針の一つの形をお教えするものです。運針は難しいものではありません。誰でもできます。そのコツ（リズム）をお伝えするのが運針会です。英語の刺し子クラスでも毎回お伝えしているのですが、運針会は「始まり」だと思って頂ければ嬉しいです。「柄はなんでも良いけど、とりあえず刺し子したい」というジャンキーな感じの刺し子をご経験頂ける一歩になればと思っています（そこから回復することも勿論可能なので）。 ☆ #Sashiko #UpcycleStitches #SashikoStitching #JapaneseSashiko #Hitomezashi #SashikoArt #刺し子 #運針 #日本人の刺し子 #運針会 https://www.instagram.com/p/CIYZ2mWJZ3S/?igshid=euc22eo2ugpc

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Since my childhood, I had been wondering, “what if people no longer need Sashiko?”. I was raised as an heir of a Sashiko family, and I see that “Sashiko as the business” is far away from the ideal “business”. Think about it. Who would purchase a jacket or a tapestry costs about a good used Subaru? An Art piece of painting, or jewelry, some of them are valued more than millions. I do not know many “Textile Art '' pieces which receive the same value as the other forms of Art. (Plus, I am not considering Sashiko as the Art, yet). We spend an unbelievable amount of time in Sashiko, yet it is not easy to get the minimum wage for the stitching hours. My father was struggling all the time in my memory. However, thanks to those who appreciate what we do & purchase our “expensive” pieces, we are here now. One said, “this is wearable art” after the purchase, and their words encouraged us so strongly. ☆ Now, the trend made the worry the opposite . People are wishing to learn Sashiko more than ever - but the Sashiko (& Boro) on the trend is something different from the Sashiko I was carrying. I realized it too late (same theme post from yesterday’s post). ☆ Many Sashiko related suppliers had closed their business in the last 30 years. They were(are) typical Japanese artisans - that we (customer) had to beg for their product for purchase. Their focus is “artisanship” rather than “money”. One told me it is okay to bring his artisanship to the grave (if it has to). I wish I would be like them - strict artisan - but I also know there are many caring people who wish to know the Sashiko. What I (Atsushi) do is a business - to support my mother (Keiko)’s playfulness in Sashiko. A year ago, in nasty conversation on SNS, I realized that “I” had to be the loud voice to protect my identity. I am scared. Many people will judge me (because I don’t spoon feed). However, it is the Sashiko that define who I am. ☆ 長くなりました。日本語はコメント欄で。 ☆ #Sashiko #Art #Craft #SashikoStitching #JapaneseSashiko #Boro #InvisibleMending #UpcycleStitches #JapaneseBoro #Artist #Artisan #刺し子 #襤褸 https://www.instagram.com/p/B_p55AQpS8w/?igshid=h44n2t18z6b9

[sashico]

“Sharing the Sashiko” is my goal. In order to keep sharing, establishing the “Sustainable Sashiko” is very important. Not only the “Sashiko as Sustainable Fashion/Practice”, but also a “Sashiko as Sustainable Business” where we all can continue practicing with supporting suppliers & craftsmen in the industry. That’s the only place where money plays an important role. ☆ In the Edo period (more than 200 years ago, when Sashiko came on the surface of history), the Japanese merchants had established the philosophy of sustainable business. We call it - “Sanhou-Yoshi”, a business good for 3 directions (Seller, Buyer and Society). We are not only merchants but also the artisans. Therefore, I added 2 more directions - good for suppliers & artisans. In short, I would like to operate a business where everyone, including the people who lived in the past, will be happy doing so. It is my core principal in the Sashiko business that I do with my mother. Therefore, I keep saying, the art/freedom/innovation over someone’s pain is not what I would like to do. Sashiko is a hand-stitching practice to mend. If one needs an answer within a few minutes, then Sashiko isn’t for them. I try to care for as many people as possible, so everything slows down. However, it is okay. It is supposed to be slow to take care of everyone.  ☆ - - - ☆ 近年、「持続可能（サステイナビリティ）」という言葉を耳にされることがあると思います。範囲がとても広いので一言では説明できないのですが、ことビジネス（商売）に関して言うと、日本は江戸時代から持続可能な経営哲学を持っていた様に思います。それが近江商人の方々の「三方よし」の精神です。買い手よし、売り手よし、世間良し。背負う責任が少ない今、なんとか形にしたいと思っている商売への向き合い方です。 ☆ 刺し子を商売にする以上、それは製造業です。商人から違った考え方をする必要もあるかと思います。理想論だとは思うのですが、上記の「三方よし」に、作り手よし、記憶（伝統）良しと、2つの良しを付け加えたものを展開していければ……というのが、母と息子の二人の商売ですが、経営哲学としてあります。関わる人全てが幸せになれる商売＆製造業。きっと形にできると思うんですよね。 ☆ #Sashiko #UpcycleStitches #SashikoStitching #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoPhilosophy #TraditionalSashiko #SanhouYoshi #刺し子配信 #刺し子 #日本人の刺し子 #三方よし https://www.instagram.com/p/CHAnTULJz9f/?igshid=u7hgcgp4o4hd

[sashico]

Only 5 days ago, this big piece of white fabric had no stitching. This week, I had a good amount of time to talk to Keiko & other friends in Japan - about Sashiko while stitching Sashiko. I believe it is one of the original scenery of Sashiko that we would see if we could time-travel, talking and stitching. The only difference today is that we share the same moment over the Internet. ☆ “What is so fun to stitch so much?” - a quite frequent question. It sounds crazy to have 1 million stitches by hand, but we would do. I am trying to verbalize the answer to “what is so fun?” but I cannot come up with it yet, not even in Japanese. My answer is always, “You would understand it when you learn how we stitch”. There is something in Unshin - the rhythmical stitching in Sashiko. ☆ - - - ☆ 母親と話しながら刺し子をして。お会いしたことが無い皆様とお話しながら刺し子をして。僕は米国にいて、画面の向こうは日本で。イノベーションの恩恵です。過去に戻りたいんじゃないのです。過去を残しておきたいんです。「考えることを諦め検索に頼る人たち」には、一部を切り取られてしまうこともあるのですが、インターネット無き世界に戻りたいと言っている訳ではありません。 ☆ 1週間前は真っ白だった布地に、針目を敷き詰めることができました。楽しく話をしながらの刺し子なので、文字通りあっという間の刺し子です。ここに模様を作り、冬の間の間仕切りとして活躍してくれれば良いなと思っています。 ☆ #Sashiko #UpcycleStitches #SashikoStitching #JapaneseSashiko #Asanoha #TraditionalSashiko #TraditionalSashiko #SashikoDesign #刺し子 #運針 #日本人の刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CG40Q0HpxWq/?igshid=1r21nk2rit19t

[sashico]

When I was a child, the “tradition” was more strict. Some artisans wouldn’t consider what I do (Sashiko on the Denim) as the authentic Sashiko. Today, it is rare to hear their voice over the Internet. Not only are they old and polite, they only share their “voices” to those who physically visit them for their mastery. They are very kind to us who visit, but not kind enough to make a visit and share. It is rare, and therefore very precious. ☆ On Instagram, I met an eldery lady who shares her insight, “Sashiko Sampler (Hana-Fukin) is not the Sashko.” As you may know, many Japanese enjoy colorful & pictorial patterned Sashiko on the white cloth (dish-towel). She says she doesn’t like it, and they aren’t Sashiko. Many may disagree with her saying “many japanese already enjoy it as''Sashiko”. Her perception is wrong. Sashiko is merely a craft so it should be more free in interpretation.” Some may consider her as a haters, and she leaves negative comments. ☆ Is she wrong? I personally enjoy Sashiko Sampler. So, I am not standing on the same side with her. However, I feel the strong need to listen to her. It is easy to say “This is reality.” and ignore the haters/negative comments. However, is it the real voice that we unintentionally & already re-painted? In fact, the number of artisans who raised me was like her. The internet changed the way we communicate. We used to respect eldery much more - regardless if they are right or wrong, their wisdom was valuable. Here, the same thing. Many are looking for the knowledge of “how to”. However, the core of Sashiko can be passed down by learning wisdom. It is another important part of my job to listen & introduce those “silent voices”. ☆ - - - ☆ ここ数日、思うことが重なったので、久々にブログにしてみるつもりです。@sashiko_dad で概要を紹介しつつ、長文になるだろうブログもそこで一緒に紹介できればと思っています。 ☆ 2012年。刺し子の未来を憂いていた時に頂いた言葉。「淳が必要なのは、刺し子への覚悟だけ」。覚悟が決まると未来を憂う余裕すらなくなるんですね（笑）。 ☆ #Sashiko #UpcycleStitches #SashikoStitching #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoSampler #TraditionalSashiko #刺し子 #刺し子ふきん #日本人の刺し子 https://www.instagram.com/p/CEAKkHZhchd/?igshid=1olonkbj7n0i0