Kogin Circle 2025[9]

◆ Kogin Circle 2025[9] April Activities Introduction
May is coming to an end. How are all the club members doing? We have gained some new members in the past month. Let's take a look back at April. I'm glad we were able to do it just before May! (lol)

◆Items shared on the club account in April
[Introducing works by members when they were beginners] (April 2nd)
▶︎We introduced the works of members who provided us with photos. There were various types of people who enjoyed the kits and participated in the workshops. Some of the members were beginners, so I think they found it helpful. Thank you to all the members who provided us with photos and memories!

[008-011] Questions from members (April 10th)
I shared a similar question about "stitching without a design".
008-I don't know how to proceed or put together a shape when stitching without a pattern.
009-I would like to know some tips for stitching without a design (such as whether you have put together the same design in your head).
010-I would like to know where to start stitching if I am stitching without a design.
011-What are some tips for trying to do this without a design?
▶︎I was blessed with members who shared their practical experiences with me.
I think comments like "It was easy for me to understand how to count the number of stitches from the center..." are encouraging for members who are not ready to take the first step. I also commented that I would like to give it a try, assuming that you are in a desperate situation where you have to start stitching the fabric with the Kogin information and knowledge you have now, or you will fall off a cliff! When you think about it and don't understand, move your hands, that's how it goes! If you are not a true beginner, I think you can expand your patterns with just Hanako, Mameko, and Yarn Flow.

[012] Questions from members (April 16th)
I wonder whether I should decide on a piece before I start stitching, or whether I should stitch the Kogin first and then decide on the piece.
▶︎This question was very popular! It seemed like most people had experience with both, but there were also comments like, "I make it after I decide, 'I want to decorate this place with something like this'..." It's such a wonderful way of thinking! I want to try that too. Also, "I first imagine the finished shape and atmosphere, then I choose the fabric, cloth, and pattern and proceed...", "...Many of my pieces are left unfinished and left as they are after stitching...", "I'm really bad at sewing, so I can't think about it after stitching, so I basically decide what to make and where to stitch before stitching...", "When I know what I want to make, I stitch according to the project, but when I just want to stitch, I stitch without deciding what to make in particular..."
Here are some excerpts from the members' comments. In fact, it was wonderful that each comment was followed by a comment that gave a glimpse into the ideal and the reality. Many people have piled up things they've embroidered without any thought, and I felt like I'd like to chat with them over tea about what to do with the fabric!

[Invitation] (April 18th)
For those who want to meet members near you
Some members said they would like to actually meet people nearby.
If you would like to meet fellow Kogin members in your area, please write your area (city or region) in the comments section.
I hope that this online circle will create small local connections! 🪡🧵
▶I personally wanted to meet with the circle members and talk about Kogin, and other members were thinking the same thing, so I reached out to them. I think it would be great if a day could come where people who are interested can come together to do Kogin and ask each other questions .

[How to share posts on Instagram] (April 21st)
[How to invite someone to be a co-author]
▶︎Until now, I, the administrator, have been the only one posting on our Instagram account, so it wasn't easy to share the work of our members, but since we shared this, everyone's work has started to appear on the account, and the screen has become more lively! Each post is packed with each member's thoughts and feelings, as well as information about their creations, so looking at our circle account has become more fun than ever. We've also started seeing circle members comment on each post, which makes us feel like our community is growing. We hope you'll continue to support us!

[013] Questions from members (April 28th)
I want to know how to read the design.
I put the design in a clear file, mark each layer with masking tape, and then move on to the next layer after I finish stitching. How do you stitch? Could you please tell me a good method?
▶︎Everyone shares information about the tools they actually use in the comments! The comments are full of various tips, both analog and digital, such as magnetic tools, flyers, rulers, rolled sticky notes, making a PDF of the design and viewing it on an iPad, and marking the end of the design with a pencil! Some members even use the joint posting function to teach other circle members with photos, which made me realize once again that this is a wonderful circle. When I was a beginner, I would get lost when looking at the design, and I would hide it with paper or a book. I feel like my experience of getting lost led me to kogin embroidery without looking at the design, so I think all of my experiences will nourish my future kogin time.

[Members' production scene reel] (April 28th)
▶︎The production process that you all shared on Stories is saved in the highlights , and for the first time, I made a video of the condensed content of those highlights. I left it up to Instagram, so it may seem a bit too fast, but it was my first attempt.

Lastly... Don't forget to introduce yourself, thank you! I'd like to know who is participating, and if my favorite Modoko is there, I'll be so excited. Thank you!

◆Request for cooperation
・If you have photos of your progress or works you made when you first started Kogin embroidery that you can share with other members, we would appreciate it if you could send them to us at any time by email (the address is listed in the explanation of how to join the circle below) or by message on our circle's Instagram account.

◆How to join a club
・If you have an Instagram account : @koginsurukai2025
Follow the club account ▶︎The account is here
*This account is private to ensure safety and security. If any suspicious behavior is confirmed, we will block you immediately.
・For those who do not have an Instagram account/participating without using Instagram :
Please send the following information to the email address below: 1) your name (last name or first name), 2) your favorite modoko, 3) what you would like to challenge, and 4) any questions or concerns you may have (optional if you have none).
Satonobo Email address : satonobou0515@gmail.com

Related Articles
Enjoying Kogin Embroidery Patterns 1

◆Reference materials (PDF materials)
PDF page of 1976 "Sashikogin and Diamond Embroidery" from Aomori Prefectural Museum → PDF page here
Please check the PDF file on a computer or other device that can read it.

▶️Materials Research Blog
▶️Shop (currently being adjusted)
▶︎Digital data sales of PDF kit designs and instructions
・Hinamatsuri 2022 minne sales page
・Minne sales page for Kind-faced Goldfish Nebuta
・Minne sales page for the Brave-faced Goldfish Nebuta
▶︎Goldfish Nebuta Kit (Full Set) koginbank Online Shop
▶️Instagram (We share the simplicity and fun of Kogin embroidery through videos, etc.)
 
Satonobou