#patchworking

A patchwork custom dice bag with a sweet strawberry theme! I added a few small embroideries on the pockets because I thought it would be really cute! You can find my other dice bags at the Rogue's bazaar on Etsy

My plan for 2024 is to use as many scraps as I could, turn them into jackets or bags, and probably to stop buying more fabrics 🥲

We are a group of Sashiko artisans after all. While I keet sharing the words, Keiko and her friends keep stitching. Keiko doesn’t really talk much. However, it doesn’t mean that she has less messages. After Covid-19, I want you to see and touch what we makes. It may explain “what Sashiko is for us” 10 times better than reading my words. You may find your Sashiko there, too. ☆ Keiko isn't the only silent voice. I was surrounded by those quiet yet proud Sashiko artisans. They rarely talk in public, yet they never stopped talking off the stage. It is my privilege (once “curse” in the past) to receive those “chatting” - which is now my foundation & wisdom.  ☆ I am NOT here to convince you to agree with me. Using logic & words to argue is already an opposite value-system in Japanese culture. In our culture, we sometimes expect them to “sense” something. It is not a matter of right and wrong. I am NOT saying someone's Sashiko is wrong. I am just here to share what we do - which has the precious word (spirit of sounds) - Sashiko. I am stepping out of my cultural comfortable zone by being logical. I decided to jump into “non-Japanese” field so that I can explain better. It would be difficult to learn what Sashiko is if you decide to jump into “our Japanese” field - because some artisans expect you to “sense” rather than “discuss”. The Japanese ordinary can be more abundant (and messed up) than you may already know - as this Jacket communicates to you.  ☆ - - - ☆ 様々な刺し子の作品や、刺し子の楽しみ方はあれど、こういう刺し子ジャケットを作れるのは、やっぱり恵子さんだなぁと思うのです。何度か僕も挑戦してますが、（まだ）無理。一生無理かも。僕はどうしても言葉に頼りすぎです。でも、昨日書いた事も真実で、まずは議論ができないと話にすらならないのが、僕が移住した先です。一年に数着できる刺し子ジャケット。あと何着世に送り出せるかな。僕の役目は、いかに「継続性と再現性」を確保するかなんです。コロナ禍が落ち着いたら、オフ会したいですね。1年後でも2年後でも、いつか恵子さんの作品に触れてほしいので。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoJacket #SashikoDesign #SustainableFashion #VisibleMending #Patchworking #日本の日常 #刺し子 #刺し子ジャケット https://www.instagram.com/p/CJL0NJvJk-Z/?igshid=1q4us0oumphq

A recent patchwork custom dice bag. The theme was arcane scholar so lots of purple and blue jewel tones mixed with brown faux leathers and tweeds. Then topped off with a golden magic circle in the bottom. It was a lot of fun to do and I’m super happy with how it came out.

Traveling is the astrologer's lot. After all, it is impossible to observe every one of the sky's eccentricities from a single place. But few would ever allow themselves to look anything but professional even when dealing with the natural wear and tear of travel. This astrologer is one of those few. Threadbare cloak, dirt-caked boots, patched pants, and a tunic that has definitely seen better days. If it wasn't for the Astronomer's energetic company, I would have thought him just another worn out vagabond, not a member of the Celestial Observers.

Find it at the Rogue's Bazaar

I respect & admire “Artist”. “Art” makes us human. It is important to appreciate Art and Artist. One can express themselves throughout the art. As you know already, I have a pretty open mindset toward Cultural Appropriation in Sashiko (Please read my website). ☆ What I am concerned about is not the “Art & Sashiko”. I am concerned those who use the word “art” as the excuse to not to learn the basic and deeper perspective (stories). Some modify the original shape, then start telling the others the beauty of “freedom”. If they are well aware of the origin (respect the tradition), then I have no concern. However, telling the others “Sashiko is art so you can do whatever” seems to be just too superficial. Again, don’t get me wrong. “(I perceive) Sashiko is art so I can do whatever” is fine (as long as one has respect to the Japanese culture). However, telling the others “Sashiko is art so you can do whatever you want” is not acceptable. Why? Because there are people who I would like to protect behind that “irresponsible freedom”. In Japanese culture, the essence may be hidden in the back (so one has to really try to learn). ☆ - - - ☆ 「芸術」という言葉。日本だと格式張った感じがして、非日常の言葉として捉えてしまうのですが、日本国外では、もしかしたら日常の、或いは「自己を守るため」の言葉なのかもしれません。蜂の巣をつついている感じはしつつ、でもゆずれない所もあるので必死です。 ☆ 話は単純。昨年一年間で、自称他称含めて「刺し子の先生」がとっても増えました。刺し子を教えることに資格なんてないし、誰が刺し子の先生を名乗っても良いのですが、ひとつだけ超えては行けないラインがあります。それは、「刺し子を尊重してくれているかどうか」。刺し子を教えます！という中に、「刺し子はアートだから自由にしてもいいよ！伝統にこだわらないで！」という表現があったりします。うん。それは伝統柄を一通り刺せるようになってからのお話だと思うのですよ。昨日のジャズの話も然り。芸術が日常なのは良いけれど、基礎や伝統を蔑ろにはしてほしくないんです。求めすぎてますかね？基礎すら無視して伝統をも破壊するのが芸術なら、僕はやっぱり芸術家ではなく、守る人になりたいんだと思います。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoJacket #BoroArt #Art #SashikoArt #SashikoStitching #Patchworking #JapaneseBoro #TraditionalSashiko #Samue #SashikoDenim #VisibleMending #HandStitching #Mending #Upcycle #刺し子 #日本の刺し子 #素敵なオン刺し #刺し子の再定義 #刺し子ジャケット #襤褸 #刺し子アート https://www.instagram.com/p/B7zJNWAp_kx/?igshid=124cbq1w743ih