Portable crafts like bead crochet excite me. I always want a craft or a book in my purse. I just discovered another easily portable craft, Sashiko. It is "Zen" for sewers.
Sashiko is a form of Japanese needlework with a fascinating history, which evolved, I have read, from patching fisherman's clothes long ago. Today these decorative running stitches are seen mostly in quilting and embroidery, a white thread on an indigo or navy loosely woven hopsack. I bought some red thread, special long needles with an eye big enough to handle the floss, and a fabric with a pattern already applied. Google the many images you can see or design for yourself. Many have a history.
Fundo (counterweights) is a design developed during the Edo period drawn from the idea of market balance scales. I bought my materials at the New England Quilt Museum. Then I picked up Mary Parker's book from the library to learn more of the history of the many patterns. My fabric had the pattern printed on it with enough backing for a pillow. I hope to put my hand on the sampler for coasters and stitch up this pillow.
The Purl Bee has a tutorial. I will definitely do more.
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Gorgeous! I used to do needle crafts--it's been a long, long time, maybe. . .or maybe I'll just keep on keeping the book in my purse. (It's essential!)
ReplyDeleteLinda, so pretty! The one I am doing is sort of a medium blue thread on white, but I think the white on navy blue is more dramatic. I'm eager to get more kits. You finished this so fast! Really, really striking.
ReplyDeleteI'll never be a sewer, but I love the history of this craft and look forward to seeing more of your work. This is handstitching, right? Lovely.
ReplyDeleteFascinating patterns - I checked out some links on Google. Love the stitching/applique combos. I don't do "sew," so I will continue to admire all that you create.
ReplyDeleteThis is just a running stitch, needle in and out and in and out and of course you can do it!!!
ReplyDeleteOOH ! I LIKE IT ! I too like the idea of handwork, and this is LOVELY. I am beginning to think of myself as a person who goes from one thing to the next, which is why projects are so hard for me to commit to, but maybe this one??? I DO like it a lot and like embroidery too.
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