Monday, November 19, 2012

Sashiko Stitching

I find the Japanese technique of sashiko fascinating. Sashiko is simply a running stitch. However, what appears simple belies the difficulty of making stitches even and creating a design with stitches only.

Hundreds of years ago in northern Japan, fishermen and farmers' wives used sashiko (translated as little stabs) to repair and insulate clothing. Later, as cotton became available, sashiko was done on indigo fabric using white cotton thread. First utilitarian, now sashiko is an art form to decorate quilts, wall hangings, pillows, clothing or wherever your imagination leads you.
 
Sashiko stitching creates striking designs that can vary from geometric patterns, to family crests or stylized motifs from nature like flowers or animals.
 
I enjoy making gifts using sashiko. I think of the person to whom I'm giving the gift while I stitch - like incorporating symbols of love and longevity in a wedding gift for Brian and Loren, the cranes for Sarah and Al. For Martin and Ghislaine, I reproduced their golf carts which they used on their wedding invitation.
 
During the cold winter months, I recently made a wall hanging which I named Dreaming I was in Hawaii. Stitchng the sea turtle, shells and waves helped me pass the dark days. While white stitching on indigo fabric is traditional, there is now a huge variety of colored sashiko threads and the fabric on which one stitches can be any color - only limited by what the creator wants to create. 

I've recently taught sashiko classes here in Rochester, New York. My students are eager to learn and help me expand my own understanding of sashiko.











7 comments:

  1. Aw, this was quite a good post. In concept I have to place in writing similar to this moreover - spending time and actual effort to make a excellent article? but what / things I say? I procrastinate alot and no indicates often get something carried out. sewing machine price

    ReplyDelete
  2. A shoddy buttonhole can ruin a garment, therefore its very important to buy a sewing machine that has a built-in buttonhole. High-quality sewing machines

    ReplyDelete
  3. If you're a knitter, you are either a hobby knitter, making a hat or blanket here and there for gifts, or you knit for the challenge of advancing your skills with every new item. virkade runda dukar

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!. cheap sewing machines

    ReplyDelete
  5. A debt of gratitude is in order for each other instructive site. The spot else might just I get that sort of data written in such a perfect means? I have an endeavor that I'm quite recently working on, and I have been watchful for such data. Singer 44s vs singer 4423 Embroidery

    ReplyDelete
  6. This substance is composed exceptionally well. Your utilization of arranging while mentioning your focuses makes your objective facts clear and straightforward. Much obliged to you. Singer 4432 vs 4423

    ReplyDelete