LOST, Again - But Found in the Trash

I can't even begin to explain where I've been, so I'll spare you the details.  I'm now in another state, and state of mind.  Savannah, GA, to be exact.  I have been spending lots of time organizing my studio and checking out Pinterest.  Thanks to my friend Annie, I have discovered another form of Sashiko that I had to try.  It enabled me to get out of my left brain and let go of it all - just mix this and that, pay no attention to color, hue, intensity, uniformity, details of any kind. What a freeing experience.  It pushed my happy button!

My inspiration is the work by Japanese artist Akiko Ike, featured in Quiltmania.  She calls her style 'chiku chiku' for the sound the needle/thread make during stitches. Her work is more reminiscent of the historic use of this technique: fishermen in old Japan would use sashiko stitching to reinforce and add strength and warmth to layered garments. 

This link is in French, but I think you will understand the photos. What do you think???  http://misst.canalblog.com/archives/2014/05/04/29775556.html#utm_medium=email&utm_source=notification&utm_campaign=misst

Another great link on same subject:  http://aquilterbynight.blogspot.com/2012/04/remarkable-hands-of-japan.html

So, wouldn't you know...I was about to toss the old valance and scraps in the trash!  Ha!  Now they are hanging in my window to hide the darn blinds.  I used what I had for thread, which turned out to be embroidery thread.  Not such a good idea, but for a sampler, it worked.  Here it is!

Since I mentioned her name, I must share Annie's work with you.  Here's a sample:

Please visit her site.  https://www.flickr.com/photos/bohemiannie/with/18127342004/