Sashiko (Japanese embroidery) starter's kit.

Complete Olympus Sahiko Starter's Kit, which includes the following:

• 100m skein of cotton thread for sashiko in white.
• Package of sashiko needles (2).
• Special leather thimble for sashiko.
• Set of 6 templates of 14cmx18cm with magic marking (disappears when washing), with 6 traditional motifs to embroider with the sashiko technique.
• Cotton fabric strip printed with different kasuri-type motifs, to make patches like the ones included in the precious "boro" garments.

You can find patterns, ideas and uses on our Pinterest board, Sashiko.

The sashiko was used to patch and reinforce the garments that were wearing out. Although it was intended to be practical, over time a number of patterns were developed so that while the garments were repaired, they were also embellished.

This sewing technique, which arose out of necessity due to the lack of materials, gave rise to boron. This was the name given to these garments, often fishermen's and farmers' coats, which were formed by joining each small piece of fabric that covered holes and tears, by means of sashiko stitches. This textile art is very appreciated today by collectors, although it contains in its essence that origin of scarcity and hardship, and the ability of the Japanese people to overcome it.

The boro garments used to be made with indigo dyed cotton fabrics, or with pieces of kasuri (or ikat) fabrics, or decorated with the katazome technique. The gathering of these small scraps into one garment, joined with long rows of stitches, or sewn together to form patterns with exposed stitches, resulted in a beautiful mosaic that perfectly reflected the essence of the Japanese word "Mottainai", which expresses regret for any wasted resource.

Characteristics:

Brand: Olympus

Material: various

Country of origin: Japan