After our sewing classes, I had to tell you about our sashiko classes!
At C'est du Joly, sashiko is not a passing trend: for several years we have been investing in this creative art and offering supplies to practise it as faithfully and correctly as possible, without distorting this centuries-old art.
I also wanted to write this little article because I see so many sashiko classes ‘springing up’ in Brussels and Belgium. I am delighted to see this traditional art valued and rediscovered, but I am also saddened that some people who know practically nothing about it start selling classes or workshops on the subject and pass on many errors through lack of knowledge alone, rather than a desire for profit. It is such a shame!
So I wanted to share our vision of sashiko, as well as what you can learn by joining our classes.
Ready to find out more about our classes?
Right this way!
A little history
I love embroidery... I think everyone knows that 😂.
Embroidery has been one of my creative hobbies since I was 5.
At that age, I had an accident at nursery school. Afterwards I was not allowed to look at screens or do physical activities... How do you keep a lively 5-year-old ‘quiet’ when they cannot read yet or watch television? With colouring and embroidery!
So I learnt cross-stitch on large pieces with ‘big’ holes and blunt needles. I loved spending hours in the armchair with my thick wool yarn and pre-printed canvases. Mickey Mouse, a butterfly, a kitten, a puppy, a pony... dozens of embroideries took shape under my little fingers.
Then I continued with counted cross-stitch and more complex designs... I also learnt traditional embroidery from older ladies who had been taught in Catholic schools by nuns. In their day, they embroidered their trousseaux, and they took the time to teach us this art. I am still very grateful to them.
In the 1990s, my mother discovered sashiko through patchwork and quilting and started using the technique. It was not at all fashionable then. Finding supplies was difficult... but never mind, we always managed. We learnt and found designs...
In the mid-2000s, I discovered Japan, and it became the country closest to my heart. These 20 years travelling through the Land of the Rising Sun have taught me so much: perfection in imperfection, awareness of passing time and savouring every moment, perfecting one's art to become a Living National Treasure... Japan has had a great influence on me. The sashiko that accompanied me throughout those years has been deeply shaped by this search for tradition, meditation and precision of movement...
When I felt ready to pass on what I had learnt and share this art that brought me so much wellbeing, I announced our first sashiko class!
The bedspread my mother embroidered for my 40th birthday
The guiding principles of our sashiko classes
As with sewing, we want to welcome you into a workshop where you will find skill and kindness.
We offer more than an enjoyable activity: a pleasant opportunity to share knowledge, placing sashiko embroidery in its geographical and historical context.
For me, it is essential that you leave the class with the knowledge needed to understand what you are doing and why you are doing it that way, while learning the right movements.
Then it is up to you to practise and sometimes adapt, combine and bring different techniques together to create your own creative world!
On the plane
In a café in Japan
Our sashiko programme
1. Introduction to sashiko
Do you dream of trying Japanese sashiko embroidery but have never dared to start, or have you tried and been disappointed with the result? Then our introduction to sashiko embroidery class is for you!
You will learn your first sashiko stitches, opening up endless creative possibilities.
You will also receive all the supplies for this class: cloth, a needle and thread, which you will take home with you.
No prior knowledge is required. We start with the basics so that you develop good habits and methods from your very first sashiko stitches.
This class is open to teenagers aged 12 and over.
During this 2-hour-30-minute class, you will learn:
- the geographical and historical context of sashiko
- which supplies are used for sashiko embroidery (thread, needles, fabric...)
- how to start and finish your work neatly
- how to embroider the stitches correctly
- how to create your first design
- how to complete your piece
Together we will make a project for you to take home.
The class includes: 2 hours 30 minutes of embroidery guided by an experienced teacher All the supplies needed for the workshop, which you will take home
2. Creating my own sashiko design
You have taken the introductory sashiko class or taught yourself sashiko embroidery.
You would like to create your own designs but do not dare to start? Would you like to customise your clothes but do not know how?
Then the level 2 sashiko class is for you!
You will learn:
- which tools and supplies to use to transfer sashiko embroidery designs
- the traditional methods used to transfer designs
- how to create two traditional Japanese designs: asanoha and shippou.
After this class, you will be able to transfer any sashiko design onto fabric.
The only requirement is to know the basics of sashiko.
My Agathe jumpsuit by Cha Coud, decorated with designs created specifically for this project.
My Japanese apron with sashiko-decorated pockets and designs created for the occasion
3. Boro techniques
Have you taken the introductory sashiko and design-creation classes, or learnt sashiko embroidery, and would you like to mend your clothes and accessories using boro techniques?
Would you like to customise your clothes but do not know how? Then the level 3 sashiko class is for you!
You will learn boro mending techniques.
The only requirement is to know the basics of sashiko: how to embroider and draw designs.
4. Coming soon... Stitch variations and decorative stitches for mending
I would like to prepare this for the start of the new term 😊
How do I sign up?
There are two ways to sign up:
- In either of our two shops, where you can also ask any questions before registering and see our workshops.
- Or through our website
Where do the classes take place?
Our classes take place in our workshops at:
- Ixelles: Avenue de la couronne, 357 1050 Ixelles
- Or Woluwe Saint Lambert: Avenue Georges Henri, 328 1200 Woluwe Saint Lambert
Teacher
At present, I am the only sashiko teacher 😊, although my colleagues are training and may join the sashiko team.
Would you like to learn sashiko or improve your skills?
Join us!
The classes are available here.
And if you are looking for supplies for your sashiko embroidery, you will find them here.
Needles at the ready!
