"'Traditional' Japanese sashiko conjures up images of white running stitches on indigo, often in intricate traditional patterns." While Susan Briscoe's book Japanese Sashiko Inspirations uses traditional techniques and designs, the 25 projects she presents have a bit more of a modern feel to them.
She does however begin the book by briefly talking about the history of the craft and the way it has developed and changed through time...
The next chapter, "Getting Started" is the one I really need, it explains the equipment and materials needed, talks about transferring the designs onto the fabric and goes into the stitching technique. The photos and instructions are clear and easy to follow.
One concept that I really like in this book, is that for each main project it gives a "Technique Taster" - a way to play with the stitches before jumping in with a larger piece of work.
The circular "marumon" designs are some of my favourite...
And at the end of each project she shows where the inspiration for the work has come from.
The "Sensu Tablemat" is really pretty, but I could never imagine using it as a placemat... I'd spill something on it for sure... It could look really pretty hanging somewhere I think...
Throughout the book there are quite a few designs to play with...
These greeting cards are just lovely! It's something that I would frame if I was ever given one...
The author, Susan Briscoe, is a quilter so at the end of the book we are treated to delicious eye candy of some of her gorgeous, much more ambitious work.
Japanese Sashiko Inspirations: ISBN-13: 978-07153-2641-1
And for any Brisbane locals that are interested, I have heard whisperings that Susan Briscoe is coming our way in early 2011 to teach workshops... I'll keep you up to date if I hear anything.
***Update - Susan was kind enough to leave a comment to say that she'll be here in March 2011 - mark your calendars! ***
Lastly, I couldn't finish this post without telling you where my own sashiko inspirations came from. While I was living in Japan and was seeing beautiful work around me, it was actually Sharon of Handmaiden fame that inspired and encouraged me to give it a go. While my fabrics, threads, samplers and patterns are still waiting to be taken out and used, I look forward to playing with them one day. You can see some of Sharon's beautiful work and tutorials here.
5 comments:
Oooh I need that book!!! I have been about to try some sashiko stitching but I missed the start of a tutorial so this book will be perfect for me :-)
So inspiring Melanie, especially as i have just started getting back into some needlework after many years..I always love a beautifully photographed book too...
Such a beautiful book. I think I could even do this needlework. I was good at it when I was in school. Time is what I need. Another thing for my retirement..
I think I bought a piece of fabric that had those ball-type patterns when we went to Japan! It's stunning. Still waiting for me to have framed.
These designs are great. Is that last one a quilt? Imagine how much work would be in that!
I'm coming to Australia in March 2011 - you can check out more info for now via Bev Perel at Maleny Magic Patchwork.
Thanks for the nice comments about my book. That placemat is washable - some of my sashiko has HAD to be washed, especially the cushions, because I share my home with 2 cats!
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