Ōtsuchi Sashiko Bag Kits
'I want women living in evacuation to find joy and hope to live again through needlework'
With this in mind, five volunteers started the "Ōtsuchi Reconstruction Sashiko Project"
With this in mind, five volunteers started the "Ōtsuchi Reconstruction Sashiko Project"
After the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11th 2011, many residents of Ōtsuchi in Iwate Prefecture faced unimaginable loss - their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods swept away.
Amid this devastation, a group of women found a way to reclaim hope. Living in an evacuation shelter, what these women picked up to rebuild their lives was sashiko. Holding a needle and thread in hand gave them the strength to move forward, and they began to make sashiko items as a way to encourage themselves and their families.
Amid this devastation, a group of women found a way to reclaim hope. Living in an evacuation shelter, what these women picked up to rebuild their lives was sashiko. Holding a needle and thread in hand gave them the strength to move forward, and they began to make sashiko items as a way to encourage themselves and their families.
The women, calling themselves 'Sashiko Ladies', had actually never done sashiko before. They helped and uplifted each other as they learned. With each stitch they found strength, healing, and a renewed sense of community, supporting themselves and their families through the most difficult times, whilst healing their spirits through shared time and heartfelt conversations. Even now, they continue to do sashiko with gratitude for each moment and for those who support them.
At first, participants started creating pieces using donated fabric and tools. Today, the project has grown to include online sales, exhibitions at local and national events, and a wide range of activities that continue to support both the artisans and the community.
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In collaboration with the Ōtsuchi Reconstruction Sashiko Project, six beautiful and distinctive sashiko bag kits were planned and developed. The patterns, colours and usability were carefully considered, creating a collection filled with the spirit of wishing for recovery and the joy of crafting.
A Message from the Sashiko Artisans - The Charm of Ōtsuchi Sashiko
"Sashiko, the art of stitching point by point, feels like taking one step forward at a time. With pride in this traditional handcraft and hopes for the future of Ōtsuchi Town, the sashiko artisans pour their warmth and care into every piece of Ōtsuchi Sashiko. Experience the joy and comforting warmth of each stitch and enjoy a soothing, hands-on crafting moment."
"Sashiko, the art of stitching point by point, feels like taking one step forward at a time. With pride in this traditional handcraft and hopes for the future of Ōtsuchi Town, the sashiko artisans pour their warmth and care into every piece of Ōtsuchi Sashiko. Experience the joy and comforting warmth of each stitch and enjoy a soothing, hands-on crafting moment."
Each bag kit includes a tag of authenticity, embroidered in gold thread, connecting you directly, stitch by stitch, with the Ōtsuchi Sashiko Ladies.
