Introductory Sashiko Lecture and Workshop | January 24 12-2 with Blake Brenneman

January 24 | 12 - 2

Blake Brenneman is a bookbinder, paper maker, and sashiko artist specializing in handmade one-of-a-kind pieces. He teaches classes--both for groups and private lessons--and has expertise in book restoration, aesthetic rebindings, and custom journals and sketchbooks. Drawing on a rich background of art history, business, and as a magician, Blake combines traditional techniques with modern, small-batch sensibilities to create truly unique, utilitarian pieces of art. He lives in the greater Washington DC metro area with his wife and their beloved dog.

Blake will bring students an understanding and appreciation to this art form that is unique and inspiring! 

Class Objective:

To teach the art of sashiko while sharing its history and heritage. This will allow for each student to develop a personal style while still respecting and appreciating the art form.

Supplies List (Purchase ahead of class)

• Sashiko Needle
• COSMO Hidamari Sashiko Thread
• Magnetic needle minder
• Pre-printed sashiko pattern
• Scissors or thread snips
• Ring Thimble 

(Please note: Cottonwood offers Sashiko kits that contain all of the requested materials)

Class Outline:

Foundation

• Personal Introduction
• Artistic Philosophy
• Expected Takeaways 
• Jewels and Germs
• Theory and History
• Practical applications

Middle Game

• Our Tools
• Needle
• Ring Thimble
• Sashiko Thread
• Why these tools?

• Technique
• The Running Stitch
• Rhythm

• Getting to know the art form (To be discussed while the students are stitching while also allowing for questions/ discussion)
• At its core what is it?
• Who created it and where? 
• Why?
• When has it been popular?

Endgame

• Where can we go from here?
• A note on Kogin-zashi
• Sashiko in Pop Culture
• Kisane
• Tradition vs Innovation
• A few ideas on how to integrate sashiko into your work

About R. Blake Brenneman, @theredclubbindery or The-red-club.com

Artist Statement:

Inner complexity and outward simplicity are the North Stars that guide my work. There is boldness in attempting perfection, even in its simplest forms. With books, the building of the process stays consistent: folding signatures, sewing pages, making book cloth. Yet, the most visible parts of each book allow limitless degrees of expression and creativity.

In the pursuit of that understated boldness, I layer Japanese sashiko--elegant, traditional stitchwork designed for mending and elevated to art by generations of artisans--with Western bookbinding methods. In bookbinding, there is always a dichotomy between aesthetic and function. At each crossroads of creativity, at each step in the process, I build layers of the utilitarian and the exquisite. Bookbinding allows me to encapsulate a universe within stitched pages; and each book created becomes more beautiful in the hands of the person using it. 

Each of us leaves an indelible impression upon every book we hold; the bookbinder is just the first. 

"Each of us leaves an indelible impression upon every book we hold; the bookbinder is just the first." -- Blake Brenneman