Sashiko for Beginners--USA Only

USA ONLY--but feel free to copy any info for your own International or other-regional version.

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Sashiko Embroidery is a simple but infinitely beautiful and complex form of embroidery from Japan, using sashiko threads and needles on a relatively loose-weave fabric and just running stitches in one color thread on a solid color fabric to create intricate or simple combinations of patterns. Usually Indigo Blue fabric and White Thread. (see the pics in the links)>

A Tutorial

http://www.shiboridragon.com/Sashiko-Patterns2.htm

http://www.h7.dion.ne.jp/~atelierj/wafabrics.html scroll down past the fabrics on this one

or...good ol' Google: http://images.google.com/images?q=sashiko&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi

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For this swap, for one partner, we will make a small set of coasters--4"x4" , OR a pillow cover, OR table mat, no larger than 18" . They will have an embroidered top and a backing to cover the back-side of the embroidery. see the tutorial

You can add tassels or other trim if you feel ambitious!

The point of this swap is to learn about this Japanese craft, and practice, so make something as nice as you possibly can, something you'd be happy to receive in return. Traditionally indigo blue fabric and white thread are common, but if you want to check your partner's profile for favorite colors, that would be nice.

The fine print: Swappers must have a rating of at least 4.9, Newbies to Swap-bot who are experienced stitchers are welcome, with a PM to me to explain your experience, It's for beginners in Sashiko, not embroidery in general please! Non-beginners are also welcome, but know thatyou may get a beginner partner doing his/her first Sashiko embroidery.

NO FLAKERS! I will check the list before assigning partners and ban if necessary. All participants must have logged in within three days of the sign up date to avoid banning--too many people who sign up early disappear just before partners are assigned, and people get flaked on--not fun!

Because it's a blue and white suggested color project, you can start as soon as you sign up, but I'm giving a month to make the project in case you want to please your partner with a favorite color.