February 4, 2025

Kogin Circle 2025 [Production Step 1]

◆ Kogin Circle 2025 [Production Steps 1]
It's been four days since we started our club activities. We expect that the applications from those who have decided to join will settle down in about a week, so we plan to post our next post this weekend. We will use the comments section of the next post as a self-introduction section. Below is what we would like you to write in your self-introduction, so if you prepare a little in advance, we think you will be able to fill it out smoothly.

◆What you would like us to introduce to you : 1. Your name or business name, nickname (if it is your real name, you can just provide your last name or first name)
2. Your favorite mods (1 to 3)
3) What you want to try (trying a large piece of fabric, trying something without a pattern, trying Kogin embroidery for the first time, anything)
④ Questions or inquiries (If you can't think of anything when filling out the form, feel free to omit this. We are always happy to answer any questions or inquiries you may have.)
⑤Other (Favorite materials, hobbies other than Kogin embroidery, interesting facts about yourself, etc.)

At the moment, our circle has members from countries other than Japan (Italy, America, etc.). The translation function doesn't seem to work for some content. If you can introduce yourself in English, please do so! Of course, it's fine to introduce yourself in Japanese only.

◆Production procedure <br>The circle has started, so I think I should start production right away. But what should I do? I think some of you may be wondering. Please rest assured that we will take our time to prepare.
Today, I would like to answer a question I previously asked here: "I have never stitched together Modoko by myself, so I can't take the first step. I'm wondering if I should stitch a large Modoko at first. I would be grateful if you could tell me the general process." I would like to share with you the process I took when I worked on a large piece in the past. Since it was a long time ago and you may remember it later, today is the first part.

Example of production procedure (in the case of Satonobo)
① Consider the materials ▶︎ What I felt when making the large piece was that unless you are in a situation where you absolutely want to use this fabric and this thread, I recommend using materials that you are accustomed to stitching with and that you like the feel of stitching with. If you are in a situation where you absolutely want to use this fabric and this thread, I recommend that you first familiarize yourself with the compatibility of the fabric and thread. There is a certain compatibility between the thread and fabric, such as the friction between the thread and the fabric, the ease of threading, and the stretchiness of the thread, and if you can master that compatibility, your kogin time will be even more enjoyable. I believe that the feeling of stitching is directly related to motivation, so when I made the piece above, I practiced with the fabric and thread that I would actually be using in order to get closer to the material. I feel that this time had a positive impact on my production time later on.

2) Consider the colors (should I use one color of thread or multiple colors?)
▶︎When I create a piece, if the processing of the item has been decided beforehand (blanket, lap blanket, wall decoration, etc.), I set a theme and consider the colors while keeping in mind the view that will be seen by my eyes when it is processed. The above work was requested to be a blanket to be draped over a futon, so I imagined the scene of its use, for example, would the pattern near the face be better if it was subdued, or would it be okay if the part around the stomach was interesting? Also, although I did not prepare a design, I had fun playing with the design when it is folded, controlling the liveliness of the pattern while stitching.
If you are using multiple colors, you only need to decide on the color of the fabric and the color of the first thread, and then select the threads as if you are adding colors to the fabric that is being completed in front of you. If a theme such as "sea," "mountain," "winter," or "festival" has been decided beforehand, you can sit (immerse yourself) in that theme and select the threads.

③ Think about the design, think about the main mods to be used, and choose ▶︎ You can make a design or just go with the flow! The functionality of traditional patterns will help you!
Below is a part of the design plan I drew in pencil when answering your question. When actually creating a piece, I would draw a frame in the shape of the fabric I was using, and think about how I wanted to express the main pattern on the fabric, such as how big an area it should be, or whether I should make the pattern cross horizontally, and so on. When it comes to design, thinking about it while walking can be a pretty enjoyable kogin time. (A study at Stanford University also found that walking improves blood circulation and supplies more oxygen to the brain, which promotes creative thinking.*)
If you are going to stitch after creating a design, it's a good idea to draw the design by hand or create it using a computer app, etc. If you are going to stitch without creating a design, it might be a good idea to start stitching by thinking about the pattern placement of the pattern that you definitely want to use.

④ Prepare the fabric and thread ▶︎ Use basting thread to prevent the fabric from fraying, apply anti-fray liquid, cut the thread if you are using one thread per layer for fringe finishing, etc. The larger the piece, the more beneficial it is to cut the thread beforehand to prevent distractions. Regardless of Kogin embroidery, there will be times when you are in the zone, and I recommend that you prepare thoroughly to support yourself in that state. Of course, being interrupted when you are in the zone can give you new perspectives and discoveries, so try to approach it with as positive a feeling as possible!

⑤Prepare yourself <br> On the day that I received the cloth about the size of a tatami mat and the indigo-dyed Kogin thread from koginbank, I cleaned the floor thoroughly as soon as I got home, spread out the cloth, and prepared myself to make something by saying, "I'm going to cover this entire surface with thread." (laughs) I think it was about six times the size of the largest cloth I had ever made, so I had no confidence or reassurance at all, but I think that once you decide to do something, you just have to go ahead with it.

⑥Poke the first line that will become the reference point
When I made the blanket, I did not stitch in units of Modoko, and the center of the overall design was at the center of the fabric, so the starting point for Kogin embroidery was to stitch the first row as the reference point.
We will stitch the basic step of Kogin embroidery ( the central step of the diamond shape in Modoko). This step, called the step, is the foundation of the design as shown above, and Kogin embroidery is done step by step (up or down), so if you count this basic step incorrectly, you will continue to go wrong, and it may seem like a lie, but just stitching this one basic step determines the whole piece. In other words, if you think carefully about this step and stitch it, you can stitch all the way to the edge of the fabric. In my case, this step took me a whole day. It was also because I wasn't prepared. (lol) The photo below is of the first step. The work you can see at the top is one I stitched a little to get used to the material and check the design.
If you are putting together modoko or stitching a pattern on a modoko basis, I don't think you need to worry about sharpening the needles. In this circle, I would like to challenge myself to create a large piece of work using traditional patterns, so please decide the difficulty level for yourself and have fun! Please contact me any time for consultation.

I feel like I have more to say, but today's post has gotten too long, so I'll end it here for now. Feel free to ask questions or share your experiences as friends! We'll also be gradually warming up our Instagram account, so if you have any ideas, please keep them ready so you can comment right away!

◆How to join a club
・If you have an Instagram account :
Follow the club account ▶︎The account is here
*This account is private to ensure safety and security.
・If you don't have an Instagram account/don't want to participate through Instagram :
Please let us know by email 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

◆Reference ※ Harvard Business Review article 2021.03.26 https://dhbr.diamond.jp/articles/-/7522?page=2

▶️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