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
