Before I realized it, Keiko had become a dye artist. I knew she had always been interested in natural dyes, but I never imagined she would take it up so seriously. One day, she started pursuing the colors she envisioned, learning from a master and experimenting with various plants and methods. Her journey into dyeing became a part of her everyday life, and over time, she honed her skills, continually challenging herself to find the perfect shades. Watching her work, I couldn't help but be moved by her dedication. She was like a true artisan, immersing herself in the craft with an intensity that was both inspiring and humbling.
Keiko, with her quiet, almost mysterious demeanor, always carries an air of artistry. She exudes a calm, unique presence that makes you feel like she’s in touch with something deeper, something beyond the ordinary. At times, you might think she’s a dreamer, but when she works, you see her seriousness, her relentless pursuit of perfection. It’s then you realize: she is not just an artist, but also a master craftsman. The naturally dyed Sashiko threads she creates are a testament to this duality—born of both creativity and precision, art and craftsmanship.
Keiko’s approach to natural dyeing goes far beyond technique. Natural dyeing isn’t as simple as just soaking materials in dye. The weather, the season, even the subtle shifts in temperature and humidity can all affect the outcome. Nature is unpredictable, and dyeing with plants is a delicate dance with these uncontrollable elements. But Keiko embraces this unpredictability. She listens to nature, respects it, and works alongside it, always adapting to its changes. This deep connection with nature is reflected in the beauty of the colors she creates, each one carrying the story of the season and the environment from which it was born.
I spent much of my childhood with Keiko, and because of that, I naturally came to believe in things we can't see. The concept of "kotodama," the idea that words carry a spiritual energy, was something I took for granted. To me, it was just part of life. I would watch Keiko talk to the threads and fabrics while she worked, and this seemed completely normal. She would gently say, “Please dye beautifully,” as she dipped the fabrics into the dye baths. And, as if in response to her words, the threads would emerge in stunning, vibrant hues. Later, when she used the same threads for Sashiko, she would murmur, “Please be useful,” as she threaded the needle. It was as though I was witnessing an ancient scene, a glimpse of how Sashiko might have been done long ago.
In moments like these, I feel that the true essence of Sashiko is prayer. Each stitch is not just an action but a prayer—an offering of intention and connection. The act of sewing with care, with purpose, is more than just a craft; it’s a ritual of gratitude, a way of linking ourselves to others and to nature. The threads that Keiko dyes are imbued with her prayers, and when they are used in Sashiko, those prayers continue, carried on in the hands of those who sew with them.
In the "Unshin-kai Project," where we come together to create with Sashiko, Keiko's naturally dyed threads play a central role. Occasionally, she will give us guidance on which colors to use, and I believe that even in these choices, there is a deeper meaning—an expression of her wishes and hopes for us. These colors are not selected at random; they are infused with her intention, her prayer for the work we create and for the connections we form through it.
The threads Keiko creates are more than just materials. They are the physical manifestation of her spirit, her connection to nature, and her devotion to her craft. Every time I hold one of her threads, I feel her presence, and I am reminded of the deep care she puts into every step of the process. Through the simple act of stitching, we are not just creating something beautiful; we are continuing a conversation that started long before us, and will continue long after. In every stitch, Keiko’s prayers are quietly, but powerfully, carried forward.
Sashiko may appear, at first glance, to be nothing more than a simple handcraft. But in reality, it holds far deeper meaning. It is a way of communicating with nature, expressing gratitude, and connecting with others. The threads that Keiko dyes are an essential part of this ritual, and as we stitch with them, we too carry on her prayers, one stitch at a time.