Yuji Ide is an individual who conducts embroidery work by making the most of these handle operated sewing machines in his atelier located in Mukaishima Island within Onomichi City of Hiroshima Prefecture. Originally from Gunma Prefecture, he spent about 7 years living in Australia and several countries in Europe before settling in the Setouchi area known for its denim and canvas production so he could "learn how to make clothing." Following some initial training, he went independent and started working for himself. From the window of his space, which was formerly a cafe, there are beautiful views of the islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
"One day, I happened to come across an American person on Instagram who was using an old handle operated machine to embroider, and I was amazed that such a technique existed. Even challenging to find in the U.S. today, I was able to track down a "Singer" handle operated machine, which I purchased and had shipped to me."
Handle operated sewing machines were not widespread in Japan as there was little demand for embroidery work of medium production volume so it seems that very few people have experience with such machines.
