Ｓａｓｈ ｉｋｏ Ｊａｐａｎｅｓｅ traditional stitching

Outline Description History The pattern of Sashiko Other developments of Sashiko (Sashiko-ori) Materials In order to make stitching ( for today’s workshop )

We can observe woman’s handiwork around the world fabric embroidery(Norway) Hawaiian quilt knitting embroidery(Thailand) Amish quilt

Ｗｈａｔ ｉｓ Ｓａｓ ｈｉｋｏ？ Sashiko is one of the handiworks in which pattern are stitched. Traditional Sashiko was indigo-blue cloth with white stitch. The famous Sashiko-techniques are Kogin-zashi, Hishi- zashi, Shonai-zashi shown below. Kogin-zashi Hishi-zashiShounai-zashi

History of Sashiko At first, Sashiko was done to protect from the cold, to make stronger clothes and to recycle old clothes. In old times, farmers were poor, so they couldn’t buy new cotton. Especially during the Edo and Meiji Periods, farmers treasured cotton, so farmers layered old clothes and sewed them together. Farmers used old cloth from futons and jackets to make new things like kitchen towels, bags or something.

At the beginning, layers of Sashiko were used for a practical reason, that is to make clothes more durable. Over time, they started thinking about patterns and how to make it beautiful. Sashiko also fulfilled the function of making clothes decorative. In Japan, there are 4 distinct seasons, so the natural scenery is varied, therefore many beautiful patterns inspired by nature were created. So many stylish and good designs remain now.

Asanoha Sippo Fundo Kagome Seigaiha Zenizasi Komezasi Kakinoha The patterns of Sashiko

Other developments of Sashiko (Mikawa-cotton & Sashiko-ori) Aichi Prefecture is the first area in Japan to grow cotton plants. So this area is enthusiastic about cotton cultivation. Mikawa-momen cotton fabric has been a traditional product of Mikawa region in Aichi Prefecture, Japan for 500 years. Sashiko-woven fabric is patterned like a bumpy surface Sashiko. With its patterned bumpy surface, Sashiko-woven fabric boasts outstanding durability, non-flammability heat retaining properties and moisture absorbency.

This fabric is soft to the touch, as is evident from the fact that it has long been used for martial arts uniforms which are worn directly on the skin, yet strong and resistant to friction, and become more comfortable in texture over time. Uniforms worn in martial arts such as judo and kendo were worn by firemen during the Edo period. Presently, these qualities make this fabric also ideal for bags. The 42 nd G7 summit was held on May 26th–27th, 2016 in Mie Prefecture, in the middle of Japan. Sashi ｋ o-ori bag were given to VIPs as a souvenir.

Sashiko Artist Itsuko Hotta She started Sashiko in 1978 after she came across a book by a Sashiko artist, named Eiko Yoshida. After a few years of studying by herself, she studied in classes by Asanoha-kai, a Sashiko group in Nagoya. She received a hand craft instructor license in Sashiko in 2001 and has since won the Silver Award in the Sashiko category in the Creative Handcraft Exhibition in the same year. She had her first exhibition in The works of Hiroko Hotta

Aizome (indigo dye) Indigo blue is the oldest dye used by human beings. Aizome uses a knotgrass plant whose color is known to the world as “Japan Blue”. The cloth of Aizome effectively protects someone from insects and bacterial growth and has no smell.

Mino washi (Mino paper) Mino washi is a type of Japanese paper created in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. In 1985, it was designated a Traditional Craft by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The origin of Mino washi can be traced back to the Nara Period in the 8th Century in Japan, when the high quality paper was first made in Mino Province in the middle of Japan. In 2014, this paper was listed as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

In order to make stitching [note] You need to start sewing from the back. ① Sew A to A’ cut string. ② Sew C’ to C cut string. ③ Sew B to B’ cut string. ④ Sew D’ to D cut string. ⑤ Sew E to E’ cut string. ⑥ Sew F to F’ cut string. ⑦ Sew A to E skip to D’ on the back and sew from D’ to B’ to F’ skip to E’ on the back and sew from E’ to C to D, skip to F on the back and sew from F to A. ⑧ Sew from C’ to D’ skip to F’ on the back and sew from F’ to A’ to E’, skip on the back to D, sew from D to B to F, skip to E on the back, and sew E to C’. ⑨ Finally sew the circle from A to A.

People who create handsewn products are special. When we sew, there are no negative thoughts, just pleasure in our labor. I wish all of you will enjoy this workshop.