Inspiration
A few years ago, while we were out shopping at Japanache, we spied some vintage Fireman jackets. Of course, they only fit Glen!
I am very used to this scenario, from our many trips in Asia and my usual solution is to make it myself!
I have been into Sashiko for a while now and as part of my research into different styles, I have come across vintage Japanese jackets that had various uses. The ones that I have admired and made a mental note to reproduce are Fireman and Kendo jackets.
Creation
I normally only work on used items of clothing and re-fashion them. However, there is nothing in Australia that comes close to the fibre or texture of a Japanese Fireman or Kendo jacket, so I ordered a brand new Kendo jacket online.
I drew my inspiration for my Sashiko designs from the images in the gallery above. I hardly ever draw a sketch of my designs, apart from in my head. With Sashiko, I like to swerve into Boro, so if my creation grows organically, then that is a good thing.
I started with a basic Kendo jacket design, back and front, with diagonal squares at the bottom and squares with a star fill at the top.
I then worked the collar with small stars.
Followed by more stars along the top of the arms.
I then added stars at every intersection, before working on the main character on the back. This was actually created with dense chain stitching.
The last thing I added were the geometric motifs.
While in Myanmar, I bought some hand-made cotton fabric and my Mum used it for the lining of the jacket.
Overall, I am fairly happy with the results. I am going to Japan in April and at the top of my list is a vintage jacket of some kind that I can Boro Sashiko.
