What I teach in my Sashiko class goes far beyond just techniques—it’s a journey of expanding perspectives and deepening one’s connection with the craft. The reason so many of my students describe their experience as “eye-opening” is because I offer more than just instructions on how to stitch. I share a way of thinking, a way of understanding, and ultimately, a way of living that has been shaped by centuries of Japanese culture. Yes, learning the techniques is essential, but it’s not the ultimate goal. The real purpose is to ask, *what will you do* with the skill once you have it? How will it transform your understanding of the world?
Sashiko Is Like Learning to Ride a Bike
I often liken my Sashiko class to teaching someone how to ride a bike. Initially, I focus on the mechanics—balancing, pedaling, turning. These skills are, of course, necessary, but the true magic happens when you take that knowledge and use it to explore new paths. Once someone knows how to ride, they are no longer confined to the limited distances they could reach on foot. The bicycle becomes a tool for exploration, for expanding their horizons, for discovering places they never knew existed.
Sashiko is the same. The foundational techniques—the stitching, the patterns, the materials—are the "bike-riding skills" that allow you to begin the journey. But the true beauty of Sashiko lies in where those skills can take you. If you want to go deeper into the world of Sashiko, to explore its cultural and spiritual roots, you have to be ready for the challenges and discomfort that come with stepping into something foreign. You can’t expect immediate mastery or easy answers. My role as a teacher is not just to provide skills, but to offer guidance and support as you navigate this deeper journey. I want to share not just the how, but the why behind Sashiko—the philosophy, the history, and the cultural wisdom that underpins every stitch.
The True Purpose of Learning: Expanding Our Understanding
This may sound like an exaggeration, but I believe the true purpose of teaching and learning is to expand our understanding of the world, not just to acquire skills or check off a box. In today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven society, there’s a growing expectation for quick answers, instant results, and rapid satisfaction. People want a product, and they want it now. Teachers, especially in creative fields, are often pressured to simplify their content to cater to this demand. It’s easy to see why—Capitalism rewards those who adapt quickly to market trends. But is that really all there is to learning? Is that the full extent of what it means to be human?
If learning is reduced to nothing more than a transactional exchange—“Give me the technique, and I’ll give you the payment”—then we lose something vital. We lose the deeper connection to the practice, to the history, and to the people who came before us. Respect for teachers, for masters, for those who hold the wisdom of a craft, would become obsolete. Why would we need teachers when we can simply ask an AI for the quickest, most optimized answer? In fact, platforms like ChatGPT can already provide instant, tailored solutions based on the questions asked. But does that kind of efficiency replace the richness of human learning?
Why I Won’t Change My Teaching to Meet Demands for Instant Gratification
I embrace the power of AI and the benefits it brings, but that’s precisely why I won’t change what I teach to cater to those who want instant mastery. Sashiko is more than just a set of skills—it’s a cultural practice that has been passed down through generations. It requires time, patience, and respect. It’s about understanding not only what to do, but why we do it. If someone wants to master Sashiko in a matter of hours, without any understanding of its cultural significance, they may end up with the ability to mimic the stitches, but they will miss the heart of the craft.
Preserving the Integrity of Sashiko in a Consumer-Driven World
From a business perspective, I may not be following the most profitable path. In a world where the market favors quick fixes and easy answers, my approach may seem unconventional, even stubborn. But I believe that when it comes to preserving Sashiko as a cultural practice, I am on the right path. Sashiko is not just another craft to be consumed and discarded when the next trend comes along. It is a deeply rooted tradition, and with each class I teach, I am helping to preserve it for future generations.
Many of my students have taken what they’ve learned from me and started their own Sashiko journeys. They are creating remarkable works of art, carrying on the tradition in their own unique ways. It fills me with pride to know that a small piece of what I’ve taught has helped them continue this beautiful practice. This is the true measure of success for me—not the number of students I have or the revenue I generate, but the fact that Sashiko continues to thrive, evolve, and be passed on to others.
Sashiko as a Lifelong Journey
Sashiko is not something to be mastered quickly for the sake of consumption. It is a lifelong journey, one that deepens with each stitch, with each step along the way. And in teaching it, I hope to offer more than just skills. I hope to offer an experience that expands perspectives, opens hearts, and connects people to a tradition that is both timeless and deeply meaningful.
So, when you come to my class, know that you are not just learning how to stitch—you are stepping into a world of history, culture, and philosophy. You are beginning a journey that, if you choose, can take you far beyond the craft itself. And that is the true gift of Sashiko.
The Online Sashiko Class is available through the link below (It will jump to our Official Business Website).
https://upcyclestitches.com/store/2024-Online-Sashiko-Class-Core-&-Essence-p131842067