Princeton Embroiderers embark on Shashiko

This month's adventure in stitching, prepared very thoroughly, and taught by Ginny H, is in shashiko, a traditional Japanese stitching form.  Originating centuries ago as a repair technique for clothing, it developed into an art form, the white stitching on indigo background becoming an end in itself, as well as a means of extending the life of clothing.  

Seen as a quilted form, in fishermen's work gear, and monks' clothing, as well as other everyday garments, it has developed into a beautiful form.  The stitch itself, a stabbing movement, shashiko meaning stabbing, is simple to learn, but its application can be as complex and beautiful as the maker can take it.

The outreach to the Robbinsville Chinese Club, led by Ginny for several years, incorporated this stitch into last year's projects, as the group branched out into other Asian stitching directions, and you see here the students' success in their shashiko work.

Today we had choices of many kit patterns, and fabrics, as well as the official shashiko thread, to work with, and we couldn't wait to set to. 

Ginny brought in reference books and fabrics, in addition to the kits.

Many thanks to Ginny for terrific preparation, as always, and generous sharing of her expertise and knowledge.  The group had a great afternoon.

Speaking of great, here's an update on the latest work from Florence K, who is on number nine of the bat mitzvah bags she has created in needlepoint for great granddaughters.  They are really heirlooms, wonderful to see and handle, and here she is, with number 8 finished

 and number nine still on the frame.

Inside are messages about the girl's family, and the stitcher! Florence tells us that these are the last bat mitzvah bags she plans on making!  It's a privilege to be around this great stitcher, and to be able to record this work on our guild blog.