You are probably tired of hearing this… but here we go. I have been saying that I do not consider myself as an “Artist”. I humbly accept your admiration of our work as “Art”, but we do not consider our Sashiko as “(Fine) Art”. I have explained the reasons here and there, and the primary reason is that Sashiko exist(ed) in the ordinary - beauty in using it. ☆ To be honest, I am tired of those who call their stitching “Sashiko Art” and then excuse themselves from learning. [How dare you tell me what to do in Sashiko] is a true statement, but for me, freedom with ignorance is a form of cultural appropriation. If they call their stitching Sashiko, I want them to learn the Japaneseness behind it. So, I try to balance what I do in between Art and Non-Art.  ☆ However, Sashiko masks in Covid-19 changed my perception a little bit. A Sashiko mask may be a form of Art. I am making a Sashiko mask because of how it looks, not because of how practical it is. I wanted to make people smile. I wanted to share the joy of stitching. For that, Sashiko is now categorized as “Art”, and I do not have to put my twisted prejudice. I will keep learning, but Sashiko mask is changing my perception. Well... Please understand how difficult it was(is) to defend my own culture when people kept saying I was overreacting. (Before 2019 Spring, I wasn’t particular about calling myself an Artist. The nasty SNS discussion a year ago changed my perception). So, Sashiko may(can) be an Art. I will dig my new learning more.  ☆ - - - ☆ 「刺し子はアート（芸術）じゃないよね。用即美の、民芸の、もっと身近なものだよね」と凝り固まった視点から刺し子と付き合っています。今も基本、考えは変わりません。ただ、刺し子マスクを作る過程で、「あれ？刺し子はアートなのか？」と微妙に考えが揺らいでいます。飛沫防止目的のマスクであれば、刺し子をする必要はない。むしろ刺し子は駄目かもしれない。でも、刺し子をすることによって”何か”を伝えたい。この”何か”こそ、人間がアートを通して世間に訴えることなんじゃないかと。もしそうであれば、あぁ、僕もアーティストなのかもと、ふと思った次第です。まだまだ勉強は続くなぁ。それでも、用即美の、日常の美であるという大前提は変わらないですが、刺し子がアートかもしれないと少しだけ思ったので記念に。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #Handmade #Mask #SashikoMask #Meditation #Art #MaskFashion #SashikoArt #SashikoStitching #Asanoha #FabricMask #AnyoneCanmakeMask #刺し子 #マスク #刺し子アート https://www.instagram.com/p/B-7H972JZZ4/?igshid=ch9qsgzr1iuk

I completed the second Sashiko mask. It isn’t easy to be a home-school teacher & business manager & artisan. Well… I am not as good a home-school teacher as I wish to be. ☆ Sashiko mask takes about 5~10 times longer to make in comparison to the regular fabric mask. So, I made quite many fabric masks first, then Sashiko mask is more like a leisure. “Leisure” is a keyword. First thing first, but something unessential to survive is somewhat essential in the long run. ☆ No Japanese made a mask with Sashiko traditionally when they needed to practice Sashiko. At least, I have not seen any Sashiko mask from the Sashiko history (Please let me know if you know one). It is interesting how we alter the culture. We now “enjoy” making Sashiko masks - many of us face the change in culture. I have never seen so many people wearing masks in the US. A culture alters its form. It is how the culture is supposed to be. However, “change” doesn’t mean ignorance to the origin. Please respect the origin of Sashiko as well as the origin of beautiful US culture.  ☆ - - - ☆ やっとで二個目の刺し子マスク完成です。米国でも外出時のマスク着用を促されるようになって、他のマスク作りに忙しかったりして、なかなか刺し子マスクは作れませんでした。それにしても……自宅待機期間、まじで忙しい。というか、「やりたいこと」と「すべきこと」とそれ以外の日常が絡み合って、なかなか前に進めてません。徹夜してでもやりたいこともあるのですが、でも今免疫能力を下げるほどアホなこともなく……。お子様が大きくて、家族総出でオンラインストアを充実されている方をみると羨ましく思ったり。恵子さんの言葉を思い出します。「目の前にあることを、目の前のできることを、愚直に。」家族との大切な時間を楽しみながら、隙間時間でできる限りの努力をしようと思います。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #Handmade #Mask #SashikoMask #Meditation #ArtInCrisis #MaskFashion #Boro #JapaneseBoro #Asanoha #FabricMask #AnyoneCanmakeMask #刺し子 #マスク #布マスク https://www.instagram.com/p/B-2DyMlJDIn/?igshid=1bw6xj4dcwmvf

Okay. I overcame my panic-mode. It is my worst-nightmare to share the incorrect & harmful information due to lack of my caring (mindful learning). I concluded that the advice from the medical professions is based on the misunderstanding of who I am. They may have thought that I would use it as a replacement of N95 to prevent COVID-19. Although I wish they had read my many previous posts, it is my responsibility to state clearly what I mean by sharing the DIY fabric mask. So, please read below. ☆ 1. The DIY mask is NOT a medical solution at all. It will NOT replace the N95 mask. (I have written everywhere). 2. Sashiko is unnecessary for a “protective” mask. If your project is for continuous protection, please find better fabric & forget about the design. 3. The DIY mask requires the proper care such as sanitizing & handling carefully. I will share the procedure more later. 4. DIY mask will not give anyone safety. The necessary precaution is still very much required (Stay home, wash hands, keep social distance.) ☆ Above said, I believe that “the DIY mask is better than Nothing” in a situation where I need to protect myself from someone coughing or me spreading the COVID-19 directly via droplet. For very short term usage, with very careful operation, with proper sanitation. Again, not a solution, this is an alternative where we cannot have the N95. The DIY mask is NOT encouraging you to go out & have fun with others. Stay the F__ at home. ☆ Please remember being mindful. It is easy to imagine why I share the DIY mask if you follow this account. I am a Japanese in the US. It explains a lot. I appreciate many comments, buyt please read my previous posts. Please, PLEASE read what I write instead of reading what you want to read. ☆ It is true that we all have to be careful in using "it". I have a responsibility to explain the risk & benefit of DIY masks. I thought I was doing harmful things to others… but I believe I am not (Thank you!). Regardless, it is your decision. Please take care of yourself. I want to do everything before it comes to the worst. ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #Handmade #Mask #SashikoMask #Meditation #Imperfection #HandmadeMask https://www.instagram.com/p/B-BcOVSp1GT/?igshid=186vgt1syyn6k

Boro is not a word for patchworking. It is a result of (mandated) patch-working (they probably didn’t want to). Boro is not a word for “visible-mending”. In fact, they wanted to hide the mending (invisible mending). ☆ A Word can be interpreted differently. However, it is important to respect the origin. Otherwise, everything can be based on “person’s interpretation”, then eventually, “Law”. I see many people call Boro & Sashiko “Art” (which I am still not ready yet). If so, we do not want “Law” to control what we do, right? ☆ The Sashiko mask helped me to expand my perception. However, “Boro” mask is a bit too much. The Boro we offer is not dirty, but I dare not to make a mask out of it. As an analogy, it may be similar to patchworking severely used underwear together and cover your mouth with it… I mean, they are clean, of course, but would you like to use it if you have a choice? ☆ Boro is beautiful. I agree with you. However, the “Boro-inspired” patchwork doesn’t look like the Boro we can see as “authentic Boro” (like in a museum). I guess this is because many people are missing the point. Boro is not a word for the technique or style of patchworking. I have been sharing more information regarding this. If you are interested, dive into our website to read more. ☆ - - - ☆ 刺し子マスクの写真が沢山目に入ってきて、なんだか嬉しい今日この頃です。アフターコロナには、刺し子マスクがファッションの一部とかになったら面白いなと思いつつ。ただね、「襤褸マスク」は、どうも心が受け付けません。パッチワークマスクならまだわかるけれど、「襤褸マスク」だけはどうもいけない。「あぁ、この人は襤褸のことを何も知らないままBOROという単語を使っているんだな」というのが見透かせてしまうからかもしれません。襤褸は綺麗だし芸術にも近づいている何かだと思うけれど、でも、マスク……は違うぞ。マスクを使い続けて、結果襤褸になるのが王道。襤褸を使ってマスクを作るのは、流れを遡っている気がします。（健康なら）お尻からご飯食べちゃ駄目。 ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #Handmade #Mask #SashikoMask #BoroMask #MaskFashion #Boro #JapaneseBoro #JapaneseBoro #Boro #Patchwork #VisibleMending #InvisibleMending #刺し子 #マスク #刺し子マスク #襤褸 https://www.instagram.com/p/B_croz_JD0I/?igshid=y9qhnv11ho2v

I introduced a Sashiko stitched fabric facemask @Sashi.Co a couple of weeks ago. I appreciate many reactions & inquiries for the availability of the Sashiko facemask. I do not plan to sell the Sashiko facemask for now. Instead, I made a kit for YOU to make the Sashiko mask. I included all of the fabrics I used in the video (Live Streaming) as a basic set, and everything you need to enjoy Sashiko as a Full Set for those who would like to try Sashiko. I do not teach Sashiko in this kit (Please consider taking the Sashiko Online Class for the learning of Sashiko’s core), I will keep following up with the information, materials, and tips for you to enjoy the Sashiko Facemask. The new blog article is available @ upcyclestitches.com (the link from the profile). ☆ The mask is not the medical solution. The fabric is the best fabric for Sashiko stitching (in our experience), but not the best for the filtering purpose. It is more like “Better than nothing” and “Let’s enjoy the process to make a new necessary item”. We ask our child to cough to their elbow when they sneeze. The mask is the sneeze - just with your own beautiful Sashiko Stitching. ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #Handmade #Mask #SashikoMask #Art #MaskFashion #MaskArt #SashikoArt #SashikoStitching #Asanoha #Shippou #FabricMask #AnyoneCanmakeMask #刺し子 #マスク #遊び心 https://www.instagram.com/p/B_N8YVhJy6Y/?igshid=45qcb3ykc393

Sashiko Masks sample from one of my students (well… she is more like a friend. She took my workshop 2 years ago). Natural Dye Sashiko thread & Indigo Dye fabric with beautiful hand-stitched Sashiko. I understand she is not making the mask for sale for now. Selling a Sashiko Mask is simply too “much” for this crisis. However, I believe, the Sashiko masks can communicate something important in this crisis - a playful mind and a surprise to remember who we (humans) are. ☆ Many people are making fabric masks to donate. Others are making masks for sale. Some ask me my opinion about that. To be honest, I understand both activities - it is not good or bad. If one has enough stability & free time, then donating the masks is a wonderful choice. If one has to provide for the family, selling a mask to someone is a responsible action. It is all about the priority and capability. I am not selling our Sashiko masks simply because it may be “too much” for now, and I would like to spend more time with family now. ☆ I offer what I can do. She did not use the “Sashiko Mask Kit” I introduced yesterday, but she used the same outer fabric and similar inside fabric. Natural Dye Sashiko Thread is hand-dyed by Keiko. Since it will be washed so many times, Natural Dye may not be the best choice for Mask, but why not? It is beautiful. ☆ - - - ☆ ななさん (@na.na_45) の刺し子マスク、許可を頂いてのご紹介です。肖像権の許可も頂いてありがたい限りです。制作にかかる時間、原材料、目的、効果等、諸々現状に沿ったもの（必要かどうか）ではないのですが、見れば見るほど格好いいし、欲しい人は沢山いるだろうなぁと思うのです。アフターコロナでは、マスクが当たり前の世界になるかもしれません。ファッションアイテムとして根付くのも面白いかなぁと思ったり。ただ、刺し子の原点である「布の補修」という意味合いでは、マスクとは相性悪いんだよなぁ。まだまだ固定概念が抜けません。 ☆ 歴史的にみて、非常事態の時に文化慣習は大きく変わります。刺し子そのものは変わらないですが、受け取られ方は変わっていくのではと思っています。3年間、ずーっと英語で苦しんできた（いる）刺し子についての紹介を日本語でも少しずつ始めたいと思っています。って、ずーっと言ってますね。ごめんなさい。学校再開しないとなーんもできん（笑） ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #Handmade #Mask #SashikoMask #Art #MaskFashion #MaskArt #SashikoArt #SashikoStitching #Asanoha #Shippou #FabricMask #AnyoneCanmakeMask #刺し子 #マスク #遊び心 https://www.instagram.com/p/B_CyY0CpBkS/?igshid=avo7v4djokah

Some asked me if I would make a “Boro” mask. It is an interesting observation, here is my insight. Long story short, I don’t think I can make a “Boro mask” today. In my belief, one of the significance in “Boro” is the process of using it & mending it. For that matter, soon or later, the Sashiko masks I introduced may become like a “Boro”. This is how the authentic Boros are made. In the extreme situation, the Japanese kept using & mending. ☆ I may make a mask with patch-working all of the cut-off fabric from me making masks. Some consider it “Boro”, others call it “Boro-inspired”, and I consider it “Boro-to-be patchwork”. ☆ However… Since I know many stories regarding Boro, both sentimental and scary, I may not show off my “Boro” mask even if the mask I am using becomes like a Boro. I have some good Boro pieces, but I would not make a mask out of it for me or for my family. It is a bit “too much”, even as a “fashion” - Here is an analogy for you - would you make a mask out of your spouse’s heavy used outside-working pants? It is well washed & clean, but… isn’t it a bit too much? I feel the similar way to make a mask out of a Boro piece. (It is more like a psychological barrier. Not good or bad). ☆ - - - ☆ 刺し子マスクへの反響、ありがとうございます。お洒落とは程遠い所で生活しているのですが、少しでも今の日常に「楽しさ」を伝えていられたら幸いです。刺し子マスクを紹介する中で、何件か、「襤褸マスクは作らないの？」という質問を頂きました。えぇ。作りません。というか、その発想すらなかったです。そうか……襤褸を知らない人は、襤褸を口に当てても何も思わない程、襤褸はアートになっているんだなぁと。ほとんどの襤褸は「素敵だけど欲しくない」という感受性があるので、マスクにすることはマジで考えてませんでした。 ☆ 今使っている刺し子マスクが、襤褸っぽくなる可能性はあります。ただ、そこまで行く前に使わなくなるかな……とも思っています。マスクを作る時に出る布のハギレを使ってパッチワークをしたマスクを作る事もあるかもしれません。僕は刺し子屋なので、あんまり考えてないけれど、そういう選択肢も勿論ある。でも、流石に”襤褸”を意識（意図）したマスクは……嫌だ（笑） ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #Handmade #Mask #SashikoMask #Meditation #ArtInCrisis #MaskFashion #Boro #JapaneseBoro #BoroMask #FabricMask #AnyoneCanmakeMask #刺し子 #マスク #布マスク #襤褸 https://www.instagram.com/p/B-zWzu_ptpi/?igshid=n45s5qn774yh

Thank you for many comments on the “Sashiko fabric mask” post. It is my intention to share the beauty of “process of making (caring)”, not only the result of fabric mask as an “Art” or “Fashion”. ☆ Again, I received many “advice” on the previous post. It is getting kind of funny rather than shocking at this point. Did a fabric mask itself insult them in the past…? We all here understand that fabric mask is NOT the replacement of N95. If we can get N95, use N95. However, it is a crisis that a hospital don't have enough N95. If we are healthy and have a privilege to stay home, then let others have N95. When we really need to go out for a short period of time, like grocery shopping, then wear something you can protect others from yourself. It is similar to the politeness we tell our child: “cough into your sleeve”. The sleeve is your mask.   ☆ I am NOT advocating the effectiveness of the fabric mask. I know it is not as good as a mask. It is one of the reasons I do not list a mask on the web store (Thank you for your inquiry) - some may misunderstand the mask in the crisis, and I do not have time to follow up the customer on how to properly use it. (I respect those who are selling the mask with good follow-up. I wish I could do that). Instead, I am trying to share the enjoyment of “making” the mask, with/without Sashiko. The Sashiko mask is beautiful as a Result. However, what I would like to communicate is “Process” on top of the Result. It goes the same to viruses. When I care for others, N95 for medical professionals and Fabric masks for me, I accept if I get the virus. We act responsibly for our best, getting sick is no one’s fault. I do my best in the process, and I accept the result (hopefully staying healthy). Try Sashiko. It helps you to calm down. The Sashiko Fabric mask itself may not help us much from the virus (better than nothing), but making a Sashiko mask will help us from getting sick from “something”. ☆ #Sashiko #JapaneseSashiko #Handmade #Mask #SashikoMask #Meditation #ArtInCrisis #MaskFashion #FabricMask #AnyoneCanmakeMask #刺し子 #マスク #布マスク 長くなり過ぎてしまいました。日本語はコメント欄に。 https://www.instagram.com/p/B-rp-FyhD_A/?igshid=ocai9pwdjqzy