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making journal

Sashiko 1

Sashiko 3

Sashiko 2 

When I was cleaning out my sewing room the other day, I found a length of beautiful navy-blue linen in a box and remembered that I'd bought it a while ago to try sashiko quilting after being inspired by a library book. The book had been long returned, but I found some cream embroidery thread and some wool fabric with which to back the linen, and started stitching. At first I got frustrated, the lines of my stitches were wonky and I kept stopping to unpick them every row or so. But then I decided that I liked the slightly random effect of my uneven stitches, and just went with it. I like the way the stitches look hand-drawn and a bit organic. One day I would like to try the very neat and geometrical sashiko embroidery- there are lots of beautiful examples in this flickr group.

I turned my pieces of simple sashiko-quilting into two padded cases: one for pencils and a small one for coins, etc. I've included them in my first (small) shop update for the year. It's good to open my etsy shop again after a nice long break- I am starting to get some new ideas for it this year, and am feeling excited about the year ahead. Thank you for your support with my humble needlecase-fundraising. In addition, I will donate 15% of anything sold in my shop this week to the International Red Cross working in Haiti.

Unrelated: I am honoured to have been nominated for one of the Poppies– an award ceremony taking place at the lovely Poppytalk handmade blog. The category is for 'Favourite Handmade Crafter' so thank you!! If you feel like voting for me (or anyone else, of course) you can do so here. Thanks again for your support.

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29 responses to “sashiko”

  1. Sarah S Avatar
    Sarah S

    I’ve always wanted to give shashiko a go too – add it to my long list of things to do when I get more time (not sure when that will be…).
    Your last post reminded me that we’re pretty blessed here in NZ, so I used your link to Unicef, thanks for that.

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  2. tinyhappy Avatar

    thank you, sarah- good one!

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  3. gretchen/juneatnoon Avatar

    I really like the wonkiness too. Although I love order and “perfection,” I also really am drawn to the “imperfect” and organic–and it’s a good thing, since my stitches are never terribly orderly! 🙂

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  4. Charlotta Avatar

    Beautiful…off to vote for you.
    Have a great day…eve…morning?
    Char

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  5. Francesca Avatar

    I’m so looking forward to your new ideas this year, Melissa, you got my vote.

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  6. Denise | Chez Danisse Avatar

    I quite like your “hand-drawn” sashiko.

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  7. julie Avatar

    Another craft I didn’t know! I like the look of yours.
    And I have voted for you 🙂

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  8. Heather Avatar

    As much as I am charmed by the ‘wonkiness’ of your work, you may like your work better if you use ‘real’ sashiko thread next time. Purlbee explains the differences here: http://www.purlbee.com/sashiko-tutorial/

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  9. Lucy Avatar

    I adore the “wonkiness”. I think it’s a beautiful piece of work.

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  10. Cat Avatar

    I just found the most gorgeous book on sashiko stitching the other day. Have just placed my vote for you too!

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  11. heleen Avatar

    I honestly prefer your embroidery Melissa, the others look almost machine done, a bit too perfect for my liking 🙂

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  12. Anna Emilia Avatar

    It is like a flock of shooting stars on black sky. Very beautiful.

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  13. Margaret Oomen Avatar

    your stitches are so lovely
    congratulations on the poppies
    I do hope you win.

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  14. Marina Avatar

    I’d never heard of sashiko before – I’m inspired! I do like the simplicity and honesty of your stitches, and they remind me just a little bit of a loon’s markings. Very pretty.

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  15. Hadley Avatar

    I voted for you, pretty lady! ❤

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  16. Tone Rasmussen Avatar

    Hi there!
    Lovely handycraft. I must say we miss you and your creative ideas at the sewing meetings here in Sandefjord! But it’s great to see your blog!
    Congratulations on the nomination! I’ve voted for you and hope you’ll win!
    Have a great year and happy greetings to you and your family

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  17. celine Avatar

    this is so beautiful! And thanks for the link to that pool! I have always admired Sashiko, but I don’t quitek now how to do it. You have inspired me to go to the library.
    I like it a little wonky as well. It gives it great character.
    congratulations on the poppies nomination!!

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  18. Shin Ae Avatar

    I’ve been meaning to try Sashiko embroidery! There is just something so peaceful about it. I like your wonky lines; I think they inspire meditation.

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  19. steph Avatar

    I love the wavy stitch lines !

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  20. Liesl Avatar

    I love the beautiful simplicity of Sashiko. 🙂

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  21. fleur Avatar

    Ooouh, I love sashiko. I’ve even done a coverlet (a blanket) once. It gives great results!

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  22. Madli Avatar

    I also like how your sashiko looks slightly irregular, it is a hand-made technique after all. I like the purses a lot, it is the simplest design and it is beauty in it.

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  23. Amy Avatar

    Oh I am really loving this flicker group. I had not heard of sashiko before. I may need to look further into it! Thanks for sharing!!!!!

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  24. cathleen Avatar

    You, Melissa, are my all time favorite creator of all things lovely. I think I voted for you six times now…is that allowed? Your little sashiko-quilting is quite charming. I am doing a bit of winter gardening with needle and thread. It soothes my cottage gardening heart since I can’t be out working in the snow. Haven’t done embroidery in years and I have you to thank for inspiring to pick up my linen and hoop again. Now…I must go vote again!

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  25. tinyhappy Avatar

    thank you, cathleen, for such a kind message. and thanks for the votes!
    happy winter-gardening. 🙂

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  26. SmitoniusAndSonata Avatar

    I definitely prefer yours . Delicate and perfect on that beautiful blue . Free range Sashiko !!

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  27. Ivy Avatar
    Ivy

    Love and truth shall prevail over lie and hatered!

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  28. Karol Avatar
    Karol

    Thought I would add that you are not supposed to be working with a hoop, it is so much easier to just hold it in your hand. And sashiko or high quality low-sheen perle cotton works very nicely and is easy to use with great results.

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