Susan Briscoe

Susan Briscoe is a sashiko designer, teacher, and author for the last 25 years, and recently opened Scotland's first patchwork & quilting shop specialising in Japanese sashiko stitching! Sashiko is a running stitch technique used to strengthen fabrics before making them

into cloths and clothes. Susan tells us about her JET days in Yamagata, 1991-92.

Arriving in Yuza-machi, Yamagata (a day I will never forget) and finding out that my house was directly behind the town's main kimono and textile store was a pivotal moment, because it led to my neighbours teaching me kimono tailoring, as a kind of informal apprentice. I was exceptionally lucky to meet the right people at the right time.

Before JET, my degree was in Visual Art & Drama, specialising in theatre costume design, but I hadn't done much hand sewing. Being in Yuza-machi, Shōnai, Yamagata Prefecture, on JET changed all that; Shōnai sashiko patterns are recognised as one of the three 'great' sashiko traditions in Japan, with many different designs. Friends and neighbours from my JET AET days had formed a sewing group, which later became Yuza Sashiko (Guild), dedicated to collecting and preserving the traditional designs from the town, but also doing new and innovative work.

When I went out to Japan on JET, I would never have imagined that, over thirty years later, I would be teaching a Japanese textile technique that I had never previously heard of, and would have introduced the beautiful town of Yuza-machi to the international stitching community and sashiko fans worldwide.

I have brought Yuza Sashiko members over to the UK to teach at national textile events numerous times since 2003, returning to Japan to take part in their exhibitions, and helped them make links with international textile tours visiting Japan, who have gone to Yuza-machi specifically for sashiko workshops.

My advice to current and former JETs is - be open to all kinds of meetings and experiences while in Japan. You will discover traditions and skills you have never heard of and your life may take a complete change of direction afterwards. For Japanese delegates - former JET participants make ideal ambassadors for all kinds of Japanese traditions - although I am sure you already know that!

Are you a JET alum with a story to share? Get in touch to be featured in an upcoming Senpai Spotlight.