In the afternoon Jenni taught a sashiko taster workshop. I was quite worried - all that accurate handstitching - but I loved it and can't wait to get started on another project (but I must do a UFO first). We learned that our stitches should be twice the length of our spaces and that they represent grains of rice. Sashiko (little stabs) is worked on a double layer of fabric without a layer of wadding between. It was traditionally used to strengthen and even to repair fabric and it is possible to find garments with one pattern worked over another. The pattern we learned is called Shippo (Seven Treasures) and is worked, not in circles but in diagonal curving lines across the fabric, starting and finished with a little knot. With the addition of four tassels to hold it closed the sashiko sampler piece became a furoshiki - a cloth to wrap - for a small pin cushion in a contrasting fabric. I filled mine with fine sawdust and lavender flowers and it's a lovely treat to use it. Jenni told us that furoshiki are used to wrap a gift and the recipient would return the wrapping to be used again - how very environmentally friendly that is. She also said that a Japanese friend of hers uses a furoshiki to keep all her underwear in when she travels which I think is a lovely idea - much nicer than a plastic bag.
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