Sashiko Update

When I started looking for sashiko patterns last year, I borrowed a book from a fellow crafter via my local Good Karma Network. “The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook” seems to top all the review and sales lists, but I found it lacking when it came to clear instructions, and all the patterns shown were small images, with instructions to draw them up with graph paper from scratch! Nope, not really inspiring if I have to go to all that effort and THEN transfer the pattern on to fabric! 

 Some searching online came up with a different book,  “ Simply Sashiko” it  features full A4 sized patterns, which can be photocopied ( on my home printer) and taped together as needed for size.  There are really detailed, easy to follow instructions for all steps of stitching, even preparing the thread; and the clear numbered steps on where to start stitching and which lines to follow are a game changer ! I have not seen any reviews , nor does it even appear in many searches, but I highly recommend “Simply Sashiko”. 

They actually had a copy on the counter at GJ’s fabrics last week! It was so to great to finally get over there, I bought some lovely “ scrappy bits” of fabric to use for an upcoming “Outlander” project I am planning. I have been shopping at GJ’s ever since I first moved to Melbourne, when I discovered the store at the back ( car park end, which is technically the front but anyway...) of Barkley Square shopping centre. from there they moved to Sydney Rd ( when Barkley Sq was being redeveloped) and then to the Lygon St store, where the shop was for many years prior to relocating to Fairfield.

Heading up to Jemima’s Creative Quilting today, to buy some coloured threads, and also a Sashiko stencil kit. I finished my Death Star stitching, so planning some new Sashiko once I get the stencil kit. 

Watch this space !