Pincushions with beautiful Japanese sashiko* embroidery work. The cushion is made from vintage Japanese indigo-dyed cotton fabric and the base of the pin cushion is solid bamboo finished with urushi (lacquer). Each pin cushion is beautifully unique because of the variety of fabrics and the patterns of sashiko stitches used.

For the sashiko embroideries of these pincushions, the chosen patterns are of rice-stitch and rice flower motif which had originally been created in Shonai region of Yamagata since it is one of the major rice producing areas. These patterns are adorable while having the dignified beauty in them.

The cushion is stuffed with sheep's wool from Iwate prefecture. The raw wool contains a suitable amount of oil which acts as an anticorrosive, protecting the needles from rust.

There are three pincushions available, all unique pieces - select preferred pattern from A (rice flower), B (rice) or C (rice flower).

Please expect slight variations in size, the tone and grains of the bamboo cup will also vary.

[SHORTDESCRIPTION]

• Measurements: Approximately 9cm H × φ 8cm / 3.54" H x φ2.95"
• Materials: 
  [Cup] Bamboo, Urushi finish [Fabric] cotton (vintage indigo-dyed)
  [Thread] Cotton sashiko thread (indigo-dyed and natural) 
  [Stuffing] sheep's wool from Iwate prefecture, Japan
• Each pin cushion is completely unique
• Handcrafted in Japan
  

WAHT IS SASHIKO?
*Sashiko is a type of traditional Japanese embroidery/stitching which dates back to the Edo period (1603–1867) - a technique that was born out of practical necessity in northern Japan where many people were extremely poor and winters were too harsh for cotton to grow. To extend the lifespan of clothes, a worn-out piece was stitched with layers of old cloth to increase strength with this durable embroidery. 

To learn more about Sashiko we highly recommend

ABOUT THE MAKER
ITOTSUZURI tells the story and culture of Shonai Sashiko* from a design point of view through their creations of precious textile crafts with sashiko work. ITOTSUZURI adopts the traditional and cultural background and aesthetic into a modern lifestyle while considering the ways for craft making towards establishing the Sound Material-Cycle Society in the age of abundance. 
*One of the three major styles of sashiko, originated in Shonai region in Yamagata prefecture.