On the 27th of July 2012 I started my quest to collect, graph and stitch as many of the Hishizashi patterns that I could find. Today I am posting No 97 - No 100. I have kept to my schedule of 10 patterns per month, which when I began never thought I would achieve. But there you go.
What have I learnt?
- There seems to be a group of basic patterns with a myriad of variations.
- I have found the names of the some of patterns.
- They can be stitched out on linen fabrics.
- That although they can be stitched out on linen or other even weave fabric the finished pattern looks best on the original hemp.
- The unmercerised thread look the most effective but other threads can be used.
- The traditional pieces combined only a few patterns or were one pattern repeated many times.
- Although I have found the names of two (2) Japanese pattern books I can find non of these books for sale, anywhere.
- That the 2011 tsunami has disrupted (or perhaps destroyed) the lives of many who stitched in this geographic area and they are un-contactable at this time.
- I love stitching these patterns and my admiration for these women who originally stitched them has grown beyond all bounds.
Pattern No 97
Pattern No 98
Pattern No 99
Pattern No 100
