Blogs

This is (more or less) a copy of the newsletter I wrote with a metaphor about these dolls. Since then I've been asked for the story about them, and if there is a pattern for them.

Here is the 'about' part, and at the end of it I will try to tell you how to make them. They are very simple if you don't take the task too seriously.

This is how to use this new mending tool called "Stitch Dome" to make a woven mend.

You can also use these directions for woven mends with darning mushrooms and eggs, it's the same steps.

How to Stitch Olympus Sashiko Samplers  (The Nagomi Series)

 Nagomi refers to the Japanese concept of wellness resulting from emotional balance, ease and calmness of attitude. These are qualities many of us feel when Sashiko stitching because of the simplicity of the stitching technique coupled with the timeless designs that emerge gradually (and easily) from the stitches. There are 6 designs called "Sashiko Flower Cloth" in the Nagomi series.

I love boro stitching. I love the feel of pulling thread through cloth.  I love the 'rule-less-ness' of it, and the minimalism of it.

I love picking bits of cloth for their colours and textures and then stitching them together until I have a new big piece of fabric. 

Scrap fabrics, a needle, some thread, that's it. 

So you enjoyed sashiko stitching a sampler. And then you enjoyed stitching another one.

But what to do with them?

Cushions? Already have enough? Table centres? Ditto. But they are awfully nice to use as a light towel to throw over a fruit bowl or fresh baking.

Here are some other ideas...

How to stitch "Peaks" sashiko design

This is how to stitch the sashiko sample called "Peaks".  It is an excellent beginners sampler to learn the kuguri-zashi sashiko technique.