January 31, 2025

◆ Kogin Circle 2025[2]

◆ Kogin Circle 2025[2]
It's February 1st in Japan, so I'd like to start using my Instagram account. I'll introduce the logo first, and then the account.

◆Introducing the club logo <br>Last weekend, with the advice of my second son (he's 4 years old and loves Kogin patterns, haha), I created a logo. I put the following thoughts and ideas into it. This will be used as the logo for our Instagram account.
I combined four of the same patterns (enjoying traditional patterns) with different lines (freedom of materials) and different colors (freedom of colors and ideas) (freedom of design development, not just one person).

・You are free to use any materials you like.
・Design is free
・Enjoy traditional patterns
・You are not alone. Have fun with your friends and help each other.
・Every work and every word is respected

We hope you will feel safe and secure when participating.

◆How to join a club
We have also had some questions about this. Please see below for how to join a circle.
・If you have an Instagram account : Follow the circle's account ▶︎The account is here
This account is private to ensure safety and security within the circle.
・If you don't have an Instagram account : Please email us ① your name (just your last name or just your first name is fine), ② your favorite mod, ③ what you would like to challenge, and ④ any questions or concerns you have (you can omit this if you have none).
Satonobo Email address: satonobou0515@gmail.com

What to do in the account (planned)
·self-introduction
・Share questions ・Share answers to questions ・Share findings ・Share production progress ・Share surveys, etc.

I plan to organize the above, but I also hope that you will feel free to comment on the posts, connect with like-minded people, and make this a fun online community. Also, if you have any ideas or things you would like to do in the 11 months or so of club activities, such as things you would like us to do or a Q&A session on ZOOM, please contact us at any time.

◆ Circle image (planned)
We have received a variety of questions, so we will cover them here.
First of all, there are no lectures in the club, and you are free to create your own work as long as you enjoy using traditional patterns. You can proceed at your own pace and there is no forcing. However, you only need to have the motivation, so please join us when you feel like "I'll give it a try!" Of course, you are free to choose how often you do Kogin embroidery. For example, do you need to do it every day? → It's up to you. I have time from April, so I would like to start activities from April? → Of course it's possible. I want to take a break in August. → Of course! I myself am taking classes until March, so I will be able to work slowly until April, and I think that the children's summer vacation will also be relaxed.
Even when you are not actually moving the needle, you can expand on the image of the work, use your brain to answer questions and advice from other members, and I think it is possible to participate mentally in such ways, and I think that such times can be healing and exciting. While valuing your own way and pace, enjoy the time you have without the needle! The most important thing is to enjoy it comfortably!
This club is just that, a club, and I hope that you will use it to enrich and stimulate your life. And if you can feel that you are growing through the challenge, I think that would be wonderful.
Because it is an online circle, we are unable to meet face-to-face on a regular basis to discuss or share progress, but we can discuss and share progress at our own convenience, regardless of where we live or what time of day we are living. We hope to make the most of this advantage.

◆What does Satonobo do?
My main role is management and communication. I manage the circle's account, share the charm of traditional patterns on this blog, act as a relay point for the exchange of information such as questions and consultations from circle members, and share my own experiences as a member. Members have a variety of experience with Kogin embroidery, and some members will take this opportunity to start Kogin embroidery, so I can imagine that they may not understand the meaning of a question, for example. In such cases, I would like to create an environment where people can feel safe and proactive in asking questions, rather than saying, "I don't know, so I'm embarrassed and can't ask." I think there will be times when I will be the one asking questions or asking for advice, so please support me.
We would like those who take time to think to think slowly and express things slowly, and all members will respect the pace of such people. On the other hand, we would like those who work quickly to proactively share their observations and advice. This is our first time doing this kind of activity, so we may cause inconvenience or worry, but we will make appropriate adjustments and do our best so that by December we can say, "That was fun!" Let's all keep in mind that all members should be fair and have fun!

I hope that the members will respect each other, inspire each other, and have a wonderful time with Kogin, just like how the women farmers of Tsugaru used to gather with their Kogin embroidery and chat while inspiring each other to create wonderful works. Thank you to everyone who will be participating until December.
(Needless to say, the circle is open to all genders and ages.)

▶️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