Creating artwork with the hearts of grandmothers - Saiin, elderly care facility
soraKyoto Stitching activity "Hitome Hitome
Hello! I will be in charge of articles related to welfare from now on. As the first part of this series, I have been closely following the activities of Hitome Hitome, which offers sashimi making at a day service in a "welfare facility for the elderly in Saiin" in Saiin. We interviewed Ms. Mizuno, a volunteer at Hitome Hitome.
Hitome Hitome" is a brand name of Sashiko. Female users, whose average age is 86 years old, put their heart and soul into each and every "Sashiko" piece.
On the day we went to cover the event, there were five people in attendance. There is no fixed membership, but it seems that familiar members always gather together. Some are quietly working on what they did last time, while others are enjoying talking with each other. Watching the interaction between Ms. Mizuno and the users, it is clear that there is a strong relationship of trust between them. Everyone's atmosphere was warm and relaxed from start to finish.
What is "Sashiko"?
Sashiko is a traditional embroidery originally passed down from generation to generation in cold regions. The charm of this technique is that it is easy to do with just a needle, thread, and cloth. At Hitome Hitome, stitching is made into brooches. Users are in charge of the stitching, and Ms. Mizuno uses a stand and pins to turn them into brooches. One brooch is made in an hour at the earliest. The brooches are sold as gifts in return for photo books or at events.
Sashiko is a traditional embroidery originally passed down from generation to generation in cold regions. The charm of this technique is that it is easy to do with just a needle, thread, and cloth. At Hitome Hitome, stitching is made into brooches. Users are in charge of the stitching, and Ms. Mizuno uses a stand and pins to turn them into brooches. One brooch is made in an hour at the earliest. The brooches are sold as gifts in return for photo books or at events.
I took the opportunity to try my hand at stitching. I hadn't tried sewing since elementary school. A user kindly taught me how to do it next to me. There were colorful fabrics and threads ready for me to choose from. At this point, I was excited. First, I sewed the edges of the circle by Nami stitch. After that, I go and sew the inside with my favorite design.
The user who taught us was particular about how to sew multiple layers of new ball-knots, and named the pattern using many of these stitches "Bonbora-san" and taught us how to sew the pattern. I was so engrossed in the class that I unintentionally lost track of time.
I hope it will continue."
Volunteer Mizuno is a student at Kyoto City University of Arts. During his graduation project at the university, he thought, "There is a limit to what I can create from my imagination. I wanted to create something while listening to the users' voices." He was introduced to the project by a professor at the university, which is how it all started. Mr. Mizuno describes the satisfaction of this activity as follows.
I am able to do things that I would not be able to do if I stayed inside the school. I enjoy talking with the grandmothers, and I am happy to be able to create something with them as a work of art.
Mr. Mizuno is also involved in operating Hitome Hitome's SNS and making flyers for their works. With the end of her student life in sight, she said she would be glad to have a successor. I would recommend this program not only for those in the welfare field, but also as a first step for those who want to make art their career. Why don't you come and have fun creating artwork with the grandmothers?"
Incidentally, there is also a kit for making this sashiko brooch easily. It may be a good idea to make them as a hobby or introduce them to recreational activities at facilities. It is effective for improving and maintaining ADL because it uses both the mind and the hands.
| Seiin "Hitome Hitome" Senior Citizen Welfare Facility TEL電話番号：075-812-6711 Adress：〒615-0001 18-3, Saiin Kami-Imada-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto HP：https://www.saiin-essassa.com/ instagaram : https://www.instagram.com/hitome_2/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/hitome_saiin/ |
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- 『介護美容』という高齢者の方々に美容の力で自分らしさや生きる力を届け、笑顔ある暮らし方を支援するお仕事をしています。このお仕事をしてく中で、地域の方にこんなサービスがあるのをもっと早く知りたかったとお声をいただきます。趣味は身体を動かすことです。ヨガと筋トレをして健康な身体づくり頑張ってます。最近は映画を観ることもハマってます。なにかおすすめあったら教えてください。
