Kogin Circle 2025[14]

◆ Kogin Circle 2025[14] October Activity Introduction
There were three questions posted in October. The questions were randomly shared from answers given in the survey when joining the circle and from questions sent via message. Members may have been able to answer more questions over the past nine and a half months, so please take a look back at the past questions! Comments are always welcome.

◆Items shared on the club account in October

[030] Questions from members (October 13th)
So how can I stitch without looking at the pattern? Even if I imagine the pattern in my mind, I can't picture it in my head, so I can't stitch. So I don't even know how to set the needle. I guess it's just a lack of experience. Where should I start to be able to stitch without looking at the pattern? In my mind, I just wonder how I can stitch without looking at the pattern??? But I'm motivated to join this club and create something!!
▶︎We have received comments such as, "I'm not yet ready to stitch without a pattern, so I'm enjoying looking at the pattern first," and "...I'll try stitching while looking at the pattern first, thinking about the structure of the modoko..." The following is my opinion, but in order to stitch without a pattern, you should first enjoy it with a pattern, and once you have a grasp of what is called a "joke" in shogi (a collection of moves that are considered to be the best in a given situation, based on past games and research), you will be able to enjoy stitching without a pattern. Start by imitating the pattern, and once you get the hang of it, start to make small adjustments... Enjoy it at your own pace!
The reason I used shogi as an example here is because my family loves shogi and chess, and they told me that there is a set shape to start embroidering, and it struck me that although kogin embroidery and shogi seem like completely different pursuits, they actually have something in common. You too may find something in common with kogin embroidery in the hobbies of your family or close friends. Both shogi and kogin embroidery are made possible by the wisdom of our ancestors, so let's be grateful for the past, open up new worlds, and pass them on to the next generation! (That sounds grandiose, haha)

[031] Questions from members (October 24th)
It's been about 10 years since I fell in love with Kogin embroidery at first sight, but because I was self-taught, I made almost no progress. Recently, I had the opportunity to learn diamond embroidery, and after practicing hard, I'm now able to do some Kogin embroidery, which was difficult for me before, and I'm happy about that. I'm also thinking about trying to embroider some old designs.
▶ Here, like the questioner, there were comments from self-taught members. Some people have realized that practice makes perfect, while others have looked at various works, including old Kogin, and applied them to their own work. They shared their ingenuity and discoveries that are unique to self-taught people. I also commented from the perspective of someone who is self-taught, but through this circle I have come into contact with everyone's thoughts and techniques, and I feel that even though I am self-taught, I am indirectly learning from the information of many people. As always, thank you everyone!

[032] Questions from members (October 24th)
How independent artists can access opportunities to exhibit and sell their work
▶ One of our members gave us a detailed suggestion for an online mail-order shop for handmade items. Thank you! It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to selling your items. I have a feeling that since many artists of Kogin embroidery and other crafts don't belong to any organization, it would be easier to exhibit at events or sell through an online shop.

　This circle is scheduled to end on December 14th. Although there is only about a month left, there is still a lot we can do (including cultivating the motivation to create works for next year), so let's have fun! To ensure safety, please be sure to introduce yourself if you are participating.

◆How to join the circle・If you have an Instagram account: @koginsurukai2025
Follow the circle account ▶︎The account is here ※It is private for safety and security. If any suspicious behavior is confirmed, we will block you immediately.
・If you do not have an Instagram account/if you are 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 mod, 3) What you would like to challenge, 4) Any questions or concerns (optional if none).
Satonobo email address: satonobou0515@gmail.com

◆Related articles
Enjoying Kogin Embroidery Patterns 1

◆Reference materials (PDF materials)
Aomori Prefectural Museum's 1976 "Sashikogin and Diamond Embroidery" PDF page → Click here for PDF page
Please check the PDF in a computer or other environment where you can read it.

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