Big stitch, revisited

Sashiko stitched mat, 13" x 22"

I always come home from trips with lots to share, but after a few posts, I often drift away from the subject.  Yesterday while waiting for a flat tire to be repaired, I was catching up on some blogs on my iPad and was reminded of this piece that I brought home from Japan last January. 

For years, I'd wanted to visit the Tokyo shop, Blue & White, established by American, Amy Katoh, 35 years ago.  Her very popular book, Blue and White Japan, a decorating book which celebrates the blue and white Japanese aesthetic, was published in 1996 and from my first thumb-through, her shop was on my bucket list.  For some reason, I'd always seem to forget about it until I got home, when I'd experience a 'doh!' moment and wonder if it was meant to be.  I mentioned it to Molly before my last visit and she told me that I had actually been in that neighborhood on my last trip, killing some time until she had finished her work, not too far away. 

 
I didn't make that mistake in January.  Although it's much smaller than its reputation had led me to believe, it's a charming place that will be on my 'must' list on any future trips.  Chock full of beautiful, handcrafted items, it's one of those places that you must roam through several times to make sure you didn't miss something.  I did lots of that while waiting to meet Molly there and as I pondered possible purchases, this woman who works at the shop was quite engaging.  Once Molly, my translator, arrived, the three of us really had some laughs.  I have since gathered that she is a regular fixture at the shop ~ perhaps the manager? ~ and she's a big part of my good memories of that morning.

Of all of the drool-worthy items in the shop, I couldn't stay away from a small pile of these rough-stitched mats.  Each one had it's unique charms, but in the end, I brought this one home.  And the bowl.  They looked so good together!

The vintage fabric scraps which make up the patchwork top aren't pieced.  Shibori, ikat, aizome ~ all kinds of traditional Japanese fabric scraps, in varying shades of indigo blue ~ have been layered and then stitched through in a rough running stitch. 

Backing (right side of photo, folded over)

The backing is a loose weave fabric, almost a netting.  And the edges of the larger pieces were finished in a rough overcast stitch.

What sealed the deal for me, though, was this small, unexpected patch of pink.  With a kokeshi doll!

Molly left with a small piece, too.

So, what did I read at the car dealership that reminded me of this?  A post on Keiko Goke's blog, featuring many shots at Blue & White, including a window display of gorgeous, large pieces of this style of sashiko. *Hyperventilating a bit*. I've lingered over these shots several times already.  Is that the artist featured stitching in one of the photos?

A Quilter by Night recently wrote a post on sashiko classes she attends at Blue & White.  It's author, Cynthia, is an American quilter, transplanted to Tokyo a year ago.  Her work and observations are always a good read.  Maybe she can add some context to Keiko's post for us.

Blue & White, the shop, also has a blog which regularly offers interesting posts on their goings-on.  If you're a fan of Japanese textiles and handcrafts, I think you'd enjoy it.

Comments

[Rachaeldaisy]

Those little mats are works of art. So beautiful. That shop sounds so wonderful.

[Kate]

The mats are appealing on so many levels, and such a deviation from my (generalised) perception that Japanese quilting often overdoses on perfection.
These are perfect because of their imperfections. Love it. Want one!!

[LeeAnn]

Thanks so much! Your mat is very inspiring. I'm going to add those blogs to my list right now. Lucky you, with your trips to Japan!

[blackbird]

Beautiful!
And that shop!
And that outfit!

[Sujata Shah]

Oh this mat is amazing. I love those big stitches. Can't wait to visit tho blog. Thank you!

[Maria]

Wonderful post! I am so jealous. I gave that shop a miss because I thought it would be too touristy. Big mistake I see!
Time to plan my next trip.

[Kay]

The thrilling piece of information for me was that the mats are not pieced. Revelation!

Thanks as always for sharing.
xo Kay

[jodi]

Oh, wow! I've been loving Sashiko for a while now and thoroughly enjoyed your post! I, too, have nearly hyperventilated, just from looking at your little placemat! I've tried to follow Keiko's blog but can't figure out how to translate it. thanks so much for sharing this!

[Cynthia]

What a beautiful post about a beautiful place. With your photos and words, you've captured the feel and spirit of the shop perfectly. It is indeed one of my favorite spots, a treasure in the neighborhood for sure. You sure picked out a gem of a "boro" - I love that spot of pink too:). Thanks for sharing, Jan!

[Jenny M]

On our last day in Tokyo(five years ago)whilst visiting my BIL, his wife arranged a quick visit to this very shop before my husband & I left for the airport. I bought some fabric there which is now incorporated into a quilt that I have made to remind us of our wonderful trip to Japan.
Thanks for reminding me of my fleeting visit to that unique shop.

[Lynne Gill]

A bit late in commenting I'm afraid but I just had to! I could scoop those gorgeous little mats right out of my lap-top! The texture just begs me to stroke them. I think they would look lovely even with modern blue/white fabrics, but of course the very aged-ness of the boro is what makes the whole thing so iconic. I am going to make some mats, and I have always kinda turned my nose up at coasters and pot holders as being rather contrived 'uses' for quilting.

Lovely, lovely post, thank you!

[Kate]

That's where I first attempted quilting!! Not a bad start.., we lived within walking distance, when azabu juban was just a set of local shops (before the station was put in)
We went to Nagano skiing last year, and I managed to pop in. Unfortunately, Amy was away for a wedding. We are heading to the slopes again in jan,with a few days in Tokyo. I'm def'ly going bak to see Amy, and try and get to yuzawaiya - not sure if its still around?!?!