Captured these while a bunch of kids came with their sensei (teacher) to do some snowsliding on the snow heaped just outside my window, in the hokkaido university campus.

Just stay there, I will carry you up the hill!

Hmm… let us try this way…

The problem is here…

Solved! Ok… once more!

You are too heavy to be carried uphill!

The final joy on the way down the snowhill…

These selected photographs are simple, but I feel there is something strong about it. The elements in it, a man, a dog, and a crow says so.

Probably they are the three who learned to adapt to changing environments. The dog and the crow, have always followed the man through his adventures.

How is this year winter treating you so far? Here in north Italy it seems milder than usual.

I will demonstrate by stitching a border pattern.

Fabric and thread -
		I have chosen aida (11 count) fabric for the project. I used wool so that the pattern gets a good coverage.
Planning the pattern-
In order to acheive a reversible pattern, I have two things to keep in mind:–Stitch the pattern horizontally. This will keep the top and bottom of the edges neat. –Start each new row with a new thread. This will avoid me from finishing out with the thread mid way, thus keeping the reverse side neat.
Making the pattern workable -
The horizontal graph image of my pattern will look like this. But, I face a problem of having long stitches. Those areas are marked in red in Fig 2. So, I will make some minor changes to keep the stitches within the 5 square limit:–On either edges, I have made an addition to the pattern to break down the long stitches that would have occured in the rows on the reverse side. –I have also made a gap in between the diamond so as to break the long stitch in the front side into two smaller stitches.
Beginning and ending-
		I now begin to stitch on the fabric using the wool. Each intersection of the graph line would be each stitch point. I take each row at a time. I start each new row with a new thread, so the ends would look like this.
The finished pattern
- the front and the reverse.

Stitch to know:
darning stitch

Fabric and threads:
1. Even weave fabric are the best to do pattern darning, as it makes the counting of each row easy and helps to bring out perfect geometrical designs though this is not at all a must. To avoid frustrations, try to choose a fabric that is not too tightly woven and has enough space for the needle to pass through.

2. Use threads that are not too slippery or light weight, so that it does not sag after the stitch is done. It is best to use a bit thicker thread than the background thread to give the pattern a good ‘coverage’. Else, use a thread of the same thickness as that of the background.

Deciding on a horizontal or vertical pattern-
A pattern can be done either horizontally or vertically.

In pattern darning, threads show up substantially on either sides of the fabric. So, we have to look at the back side of the fabric with the same importance as the front. Longer stitches (more than five or six squares) should be avoided, on either sides. Longer stitches can cause a nuisance and catch on things. They also tend to loosen easily, spoiling the even tension in the design.

While looking to chose a pattern, see if any long stitch occurs while doing it vertically or horizontally. This will help you to decide on how to work a pattern.

Making patterns ‘workable’
For patterns that might be impossible to work on, a minor change could do the trick. For example, a diamond shaped motif  can be too wide and cause long stitches. This can be corrected by interrupting it in the middle with a small dot. So, one long stitch can be broken into two shorter stitches with a short gap in between.

Pattern darning can be done with an intention to make it reversible too. This means that the back of the design will look as good as the front, but not exactly the same. This applies to fabric which might be used either ways, like a towel.  To make a design appropriate for a reversible effect, we can add a minor change to the entire design.

Technique  of sewing
1. Darning stitch is the only stitch that we use in this embroidery. We can go either horizontally or vertically to do the patterns. The stitches are done row by row. Usually the back and forth method is used. In others, where the design runs from end to end of a fabric, it is preferred to start new rows from the same side of the fabric and end at the same side. This minimises the chance of running out of working thread in between the design.

2. While doing the running stitch, we tend to ’sew’ or run the needle through the fabric several times before pulling it out. Though this is fair to speeden the process, it might distort the fabric too much when it comes to pattern darning. So, it is best to ’stab’ and not ’sew’. Take each stitch at a time and pull the needle out completely for each time it passes through the fabric.

3. Take each row at a time, be it horizonatal or vertical. Do not think of how each stitch falls on the entire design.

4. Try not to pull the thread too tight or keep  too loose. Keep an even tension so that the thread falls smoothly over the fabric.You can try to pull the fabric slightly after the compeltion of each row, so as to loosen the tension of the stitch in that row.

 
How to begin and end
There are a few ways to hide the ends of the stitch so as to keep the back side of the fabric neat and reversible. You may use whichever suits you the best.

1. Tie a knot to the end of the working thread and push it through the fabric at a small distance away from the area of the design. Now start working on the design. Be sure that neither the knot, nor the thread from the knot to design is covered by the design. Once the design is completely done, cut off the knot. Take the remaining thread through a needle and weave it into the back of the pattern. This method is especially good for single motifs or self contained spots and patterns.

2. Another way of hiding the ends under the worked thread is the one used in ‘blackwork’ embroidery style. Here,  three or four smaller running stitches are made over which the longer stitch is made.

3. If you are working the thread from one end of the fabric to the other, you can start and end the stitch at the edges, where it is possible to hide it under the hems or seams. This method will also allow you to work each row with a new thread.
 

How to turn
1.When we work back and forth a design, it will be useful to pay attention to the way the turn is taken. If we have to turn by going down the fabric and coming up again with a single fabric thread away, it tends to pull out and look unattractive. However, patterns with diagonal, zig zag or irregular edges can be manged to be worked on back and forth easily as the working thread will pass under atleast two fabric threads between the end of one row and the beginning of the next.

2. Make sure not to pull the threads too tightly while starting a new row. A hint would be to pull the fabric slightly after finishing each row to loosen the tension in the stitch.

3. To overcome the problem of turning in designs with straight vertical edges, we can get a bit tricky. Try working every alternate row of the pattern. This way, we can pass the working thread under atleast two fabric threads before beginning with a new row. Then, we go back and work on every row we skipped. The difference will be shown only at the edges, but that is not too bad to bear.

 
embroidery sample: pattern darning

About Pattern darning
The darning stitch is used in an embroidery technique called ‘Pattern darning’. Using rows of straight running stitches of long and short length, patterns are created. This embroidery type is one of the oldest and has been found to be used across cultures from Egypt, Iceland, Japan, India, and the mediterranean regions. It is a very easy technique to follow, especially if done over an even weave cloth.

The visual effect of pattern darning is that of satin stitch, but it differs in its stitch technique. While satin stitch concentrates on each motif or pattern at a time, pattern darning involves carrying the thread for the entire width or length of the design at a time. The lessons will make this point clear.

History
In Egypt, some 12th century textile examples prove the use of such embroidery. The Mamluk period (1250-1517) shows the extensive use of pattern darning over clothing of various sorts. Silk was a more popularly used thread than cotton or linen.

In Iceland, pattern darning is known as ’skakkaglit’. It was used to work on many church embroideries and have been used during the early 14th century. Textiles from 15th century to the 17th depict the use of this embroidery style as well. Wool was the prefered thread over linen.

In Japan, this embrodiery style is known as ‘Kogin’. It was found to be done with white cotton thread over indigo hemp or linen fabric. Kogin originated during the feudal period of 16th to 19th century. Kogin is used even today for embroidering quilts.

Interstingly, a 15th century towel from Germany depicts the use of pattern darning as an effort to imitate the popular Italian Perugian towels where the patterns were woven into the towel. The pattern on the german towel were similar to the egyptian pattern darning patterns.

Patterns used
The patterns used are geometrical patterns. Yet, there have been examples where stylised and geometrically inclined figures of birds, animals and humans have been used.

Stitch used
Darning stitch

Lessons
Pattern darning : non reversible 
Pattern darning: reversible
Pattern darning: reference

Acknowledgements
Carol Hanson,www.dragonbear.com 
Filum Aureum, Newsletter of the Needleworkers Guild 

Wherever we go, if time and distance permits, we try to make a visit to the local cemeteries. Cemeteries around the world have distinct styles, and talks a lot about the people of that region. They have a lot in common too…

With all due respects to the life that passed by, here are a few from our collection of >> Cemeteries from Around the World <<

Cemetery at the Alps: at Valsavarenche, Aosta, Italy

Turkish Cemetery at the Island of Rhodes, Greece

Cemetery at Kadamattom, Kerala, India

Samurai [of the Nanbu Clan] Cemetery at Hakodate in Hokkaido, Japan

 
Snapshots from the famous European Cemetery at Certosa, Bologna, Italy, which have many artistic and environmental graves:

Past fuels the Present.

An italian lizard and its family have its home here.

Lizard among the Succulents on the grave.

and am sure you would like this photograph taken by Sarah, titled “Resurrected”:

Cemetery at the Alps: at Valsavarenche, Aosta, Italy

Each bird seems to be in its own mood… and as you watch them, the mood slowly grows into you… Click on the images to see a larger version and get close to each bird!

Orchestrated nest building… the cormorant parents seem to be moving as in an orchestra, holding the long twig with their beaks. Both male and female actively participate in the nest building process.

Do you know that, in Japan, these cormorants have been traditionally trained to catch fish? The tradition is known as ukai. The necks of the cormorants are tied to the boats, tight enough to prevent swallowing. The fishes are later retrieved by the fishermen.

Location of the Periyar National Park, Thekkady:
Periyar National Park, Thekkady [maxlat=9.65;minlat=9.20;maxlon=77.30;minlon=76.60;maptype=G_MAP_TYPE;overviewmapcontrol=show;zoom=9]

They’ve given the stages of Reverse Culture Shock like this:

1. acceptance & integration: state where a student has established a routine and accepted the habits, customs, foods n characteristics of japan.
2. return anxiety: where he realize how much his experiences have changed himself
3. return honeymoon: excited immediately upon arrival in india. parties to welcome and renew friendships n family ties
4. reentry shock: family n friends may not understand or appreciate what he has experienced, nor may they seem very interested. india n his hometown may’ve changed in his eyes.
5. reintegration: realises +ve n -ve aspects of both countries and have a more balanced  perspective of their experiences.

Of these, reentry shock is the most treacherous. was prepared for it too, psychologically, as i was aware of it beforehand but still it felt awkward once in a while. it may seem weird but thatz how it is.

So it was in august that i went to india after 1 n 1/2 years. and things were fun..

sense of time. gathering @ kochi

me: i’ve been waiting here since 5:45 !!
he: what time did we fix to meet? 6:00, rt?
me: ya and do you know whatz the time now?
he: it is 6:30 yaar. we’re on time!
me: huh??!!

dress sense. @ my friends home

he: dey, arent u changing this tshirt when you’re going out?
me: huh? mmm? means?
he: didnt u bring any shirt?
me: no, whatz the problem with this da?
he: ohh, never mind!

zebra crossing @ kottayam

me: mummy stop! itz red!!

mummy n me stops there
people cross the roads
cars n lorries n buses pass by

me: mummy itz green now! letz cross

but
cars n lorries n buses pass by
therez a policeman watching nearby

me: whattt???
mummy: hahaha. so letz wait for the red signal n cross!

aunty on phone, inviting to their new home

me: oh! i cant wait to see ur new home!
aunty: but remember, we dont have those hi-fi computerised toilets at our home. if you need, you’ve to bring one of your own. (unfortunately sometime back i had bragged to them that in japan the toilet seat warms when you sit, one can adjust the heat, water jet n blah blah..)
me:

It was like this for some days for each n everything. Back in time i was expert in jumping into those crowded running buses and now i found my talents lost. I even felt it was awkward how i kept my foot in the bus. I twitched n twisted n turned so that i was satisfied how i stood in the bus. and then my shoes will be over someone’s feet!

So i dont have to say what happened to the green tea and the chopsticks i brought home!!

and oh god, i was saved cuz i was aware, never did i start stories saying “in japan..”. (other than the hi-fi-toilet incident. that was enough!! )

Anyways reintegration came soon to my rescue. Indian toilets found me or i found them who knows.. (or was it the spicy food :) missing it now). Was allergic to japanese toilets when i came back after a month. Needed to go to the nearby spicy tajmahal restaurant to treat the allergy lol.

In school, he was that kid who used to make superfluous audio effects. One day he bleated mehhaahhh like a sheep during the chemistry class, the teacher was startled;  she asked him to "remain" at the back of the class. Little did he or she realize then that it was all written in the books. That his animal is the sheep. That he was born in the chinese year of the sheep..

SARAH: (April 24, 2006) Folks, the subject (the kid) is none other than Roxy! Hey Roxy, common admit it now. You liked to bleat and bleated you did in the classroom, and got punished for that!

Gong Xi Fa Cai ! It’s the Chinese New Year on January 29th, 2006. So when you see someone, greet with a Gong Xi Fa Cai Gong-She-Fa-Sai the newyear greeting, literally meaning "congratulations and be prosperous". In chinese calendar, one of the schemes for counting the year is the 12 year cycle, from 1, 2, 3 to 12. Then again from 1. Each year is represented by an animal. 2006 is the Year of the Dog. If you meet a chinese person and ask him his animal, you could get his year of birth too (as you could possibly guess his age-range)!

India-China talks
She: These Indians, they stink! they wear the same shirt to the lab 7 days a week. They stink!
He: These Chinese, they eat white onion and never had a shower in life. They stink!
She: Not all Chinese
She: Ya, not all Indians
Both were happy.

Japan-China talks
She: Your japanese books say the army did a great thing at nanjing. Burn those books
He: Your chinese books say Mao did a great thing in china. Burn those first
She: Oh ya?!
He: Oh ya!
No, not so happy.

It is sad to see so many chinese living here in Japan hate Japan so much. They have voice against whatever japan did. But they don’t have voice against tyrannies in their own country. Of course, once upon a time Japan’s political mindset was different, the defense was on the bad side and bad things happened. Japan’s mindset today is totally different from the yore. Since WWII it has only extended its hands for help. Yet people want to punish her for the sins of forefathers. Why don’t they first look at their own base and start rectifying from there? The number of chinese killed cuz of Japan won’t come any near to the number of people killed during Mao’s dictatorship (tens of millions of people). China has a bit grown out of its stringent communist measures of the past though people still have a lash even on their inner thoughts. Seems it will take years when human rights will weigh over unrealistic ideals.

Nevertheless, China has a great tradition of its own, though much is not obvious to people outside. Many of the traditions, art forms, even Kanji the writing system in Japan originated in China. One day, after my studies, I wish to go there and roam around inhaling the aroma of those unknown worlds. Yes I love china despite of what is said in the above piece of writing. Every country does have some insipid elements of its own. That doesn’t but define the whole of it. It’s whether you look at the thorns or roses.

Ok, enough. Hopefully, I’ll go for the chinese newyear celebrations here. i.e. if anyone invites me

Recommended book: Wild Swans, Three daughters of China by Jung Chang (banned in mainland China)

Epilogue: Gong Xi Fa Cai bow bow !! He used to howl and bow bow too. Later he was named as pattikutty (puppy-dog) by some of his classmates.

Seijin no hi ¹, the coming of age day, is celebrated by japanese people on the 2nd monday of January to mark the transition to adulthood. Adult in Japan is legally defined as 20 years and above. So this day is celebrated with special cerimonies. "During the Edo period (1603-1868), boys had their forelocks cropped off, and girls had their teeth dyed black. In the past boys marked their transition to adulthood when they were around 15, and girls celebrated their coming of age when they turned 13 or so. It wasn’t until 1876 that 20 became the legal age of adulthood. " says ChinaDaily. Yesterday when I asked about the day to Tanaka sensei, she told me jokingly that now it takes time for them to mature. Nowadays, males generally wear suits to their coming-of-age ceremony, but a lot of females still choose to wear traditional furisode （as in this photo）–a special type of kimono for unmarried women with extra-long sleeves and elaborate designs.

So yesterday, bicycling on my way to the lab, bumped into a lot of these colorful kimonos and no need to say, that made my day

^{1. seijin no hi: seijin = adult. hi = day (pronounced like he). adult’s day}