You can read all about this ethnic group indigenous to Japan, and Russia (Shakhalin) here.
Some years ago I bought a book, written by Sanae Kogawa (小川早苗) about the beautiful garments of The Ainu.
Apart from pictures of the stunning robes, the book contains good instructions for the complicated process of making fabric from the soft inner bark of the Elm tree.
Also on how to appliqué beautiful patterns with cotton fabric on top of the elm tree weave, and how to add decorative embroidery stitches.
My friend Pamela of Hokkaido Kudasai and her stitch group have started on a small embroidery project. I felt it was time for me too, to make use of the stitches.
Today's stitch is in Ainu language called I E SHI NIN NI NU CHI E SHI RI KO CHU. It is a bit long and difficult for me, so I will give it the nickname of Ainu Running Stitch. Any complaints, let me know.
Yes, you start with a Running Stitch,
preferably of long stitches.
With a thread of contrasting colour,
come out just below the middle of the first
stitch (on the right).
Insert the needle right above the
stitch, and take a slanted
stitch as shown in the picture.
Take a new slanted stitch,
thereby making a 'fake' whipped
stitch.
to the end of the line.
Your
Homework
will be as usual: Add stitches to these samplers
10 comments:
I know exactly where I want to try this stitch! Thanks for the instructions!
It does make a nice running stitch.
Now that's a truly new variation on running stitch! And it seems to me that playing with comparative thread weights would produce even more interesting results...
Yes, that is a beautiful variation of running stitch. Good choice and tutorial.
Another great stitch.
As you may have guessed, I love Ainu designs. I haven't seen that book but it looks like a good supply of inspiration.
This is a very nice running stitch variation, thanks for sharing. I hope to find my stitching mojo again after these difficult months, so I can give it a try. It's on my to-stitch-list!
I’ll have to try this stitch. I want to do more Ainu stitching. I bought that book at the art museum in Sapporo when they had an Ainu exhibit.
Yes, a beautiful running stitch, your instructions on your stitching is always great. Must try it. Thank you.
Aren’t Ainu stitching and appliqué just beautiful. I’d love to make something similar to the jacket that Julie once made using Ainu designs.
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