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FAQ

 

Frequently Asked Questions
 
If you have any questions not answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We will update this page with more Q&A’s when and if they come up.
 
For questions about shipping, returns, and other policies, view our e-store policies here. For questions about the Block of the Month, please visit the Block of the Month page here. Otherwise, scroll down or click on any of the questions below to jump to the answer.

TECHNICAL:
What is sashiko?
How much sashiko thread do I need for one sashiko kit or quilt block?
Why do some of the fabric kits no longer come with thread or transfer paper?
 
WORKSHOP:
When and where is Sylvia’s next workshop going to be?
I am enrolled in an upcoming workshop. Will there be a material list or itinerary available?
 
ORDERS & RETURNS:
Can I add items onto my order after I’ve successfully completed payment?
Do you take special requests for designs or products?
What is your return policy?
 
TROUBLESHOOTING:
I’m having checkout problems and need help.

What is sashiko?
Sashiko is a centuries-old Japanese art form in which a simple, large running stitch of heavy white cotton thread against a dark background can outline the most intricate design. Most of my quilts feature sashiko designs combined with traditional appliqué.
 
How much sashiko thread do I need for one sashiko kit or quilt block?
The amount of thread you need varies depending on the complexity of the design. Usually we cannot give you an exact answer, only an estimate. If you were buying between one to three sashiko kits or quilt blocks, one skein of thread may be enough (though we can’t guarantee this). Often you will only need between two to four skeins of sashiko thread to complete an entire quilt, depending on the size and complexity of the sashiko designs.
 
Why do some of the fabric kits no longer come with thread or transfer paper?
You usually won’t need more than two to four skeins of sashiko thread and one sheet of reusable transfer paper to complete an entire quilt. We’ve stopped including thread and transfer paper in kits that are part of a major series (such as the Exotics or Tropical Flowers series) as many customers buy several designs at once. Purchasing supplies separately is more cost-effective in the long run as you will not be spending extra money on supplies you may not need. This also allowed us to drop the price on some of these kits. We still include sashiko thread with stand-alone kits in the ‘Signature Designs’ series since they are usually purchased by themselves.
 
When and where is Sylvia’s next workshop going to be?
Sylvia teaches many classes at home, on the mainland, and abroad. To keep up with upcoming workshops, visit the Workshops Calendar page.
 
I am enrolled in an upcoming workshop. Will there be a material list or itinerary available?
Material lists and/or itineraries will be posted on the Workshops Kits & Material Lists page when a workshop is approaching—though registered participants will usually be sent this information via email as well.
 
Can I add items onto my order after I’ve successfully completed payment?
If you make an online order but would like to add other items to it after you’ve already paid, please call us as soon as possible with your credit card number and expiration date. We do not retain credit card information from any and all purchases made on our website! We cannot charge the additional cost to your order without this information.
 
Do you take special requests for designs or products?
We are always welcome to suggestions and ideas! Between working on new products or designs and Sylvia’s normally busy workshop schedule, special requests are sometimes difficult to fulfill but we still try to do what we can. We’ve responded to many customer requests in the past, so don’t be afraid to ask.
 
What is your return policy?
We always strive to satisfy our customers. If you are not satisfied with your product, please email us and we will do our best to work it out with you. If you have purchased one of our products through one of our wholesalers and not directly from us, you can still contact us! View our full E-Store Policy here.
 
I’m having checkout problems and need help.
Since the launch of the new website, we’ve had almost no checkout issues. However, to avoid problems that may arise we recommend customers navigate this website via Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. Internet Explorer can work fine most of the time but is not always equipped to work with some websites that have advanced programming. In the past we’ve consistently found that many of the technical issues customers have brought to us are easily resolved by using another an alternate web browser.
 
Failed orders may also be the result of discrepancies in credit card information, such as billing address typos or other misspellings. If your order fails, we recommend trying to place the order again and double-checking your information. Otherwise if you’re still having trouble, you can always call Sylvia at (360) 466-1978 to place the order over the phone.