Yoko Saito: Floral Boquet Quilt

You know I'm not one to resist the latest book by Yoko Saito.

This one is called Floral Bouquet Quilt - ISBN978-4-14-031183-7.

Although all her books are beautiful and have tons of taupe quilts, I really like this because of the focus on flowers and the number of small pieces it has.  Not a lot of full sized quilts, but many bags and small household items like place mats.

Page 6 has a small wall hanging quilt with a bunch of different vases.  It is so beautiful.  More simple than the Modern Objects quilt I'm working on, but not all that different in concept.

On p. 26 there is the most adorable bunny rabbit ever to have been made by fabric.

If you don't have this book, it is worth the shelf space in my opinion.  

My copy (purchased in California, USA) was $37 USD.  Looks like if you get it in Japan it goes for 1900Y which is something closer to $24 USD.

Modern Objects: Block 2 teaser and OMG Liberty of London

If you loved the first Modern Object block.... the next one isn't far off.

Again, a partner blog will be hosting the link to the free pattern.  

I'm using Oakshott fabrics since they have bold modern colors and lend themselves well to the clean lines of the modern objects.

Check out the photos you can find of how people use Oakshott:  Beautiful.

On the topic of Liberty of London fabric:

I was reading about the recent events at Quilt Market over at Monkey Do blog.

It seems that they will be introducing a quilting weight fabric that is more affordable (applause!!)  but still has that incredible look that they are famous for.

It's called Liberty of London Lifestyle Fabrics.  I am too excited for words.  Anybody who has bought Liberty of London fabrics for around $36 USD / yard...should be excited to know this new line will probably cost a little less than half as much.

Does that mean I can buy twice as much of it?

Patchwork Quilt Tsushin #168

The latest issue of Patchwork Quilt Tsushin came in this week at Kinokuniya in San Jose so I rushed over and picked it up.

It has a lot of Grandmother's Flower Garden quilts in it, as you might guess from the cover.  It also has tons of stained glass quilts.  I've never been compelled to make one of those types of quilts.  I'm not totally sure why, since there is a ton of applique involved, but perhaps making all that bias isn't attractive.  

Sometimes I pick up this magazine and I feel like I want to make every single quilt inside of it from cover to cover.  This issue is not bad by any means, but I didn't get that feeling.  If you are REALLY into working with hexagons, this might be a good issue for you since there are some interesting hexagon settings shown.

Handspun Yarn and an interesting reason why taking photos in good light was a challenge this weekend

Above is a photo of the hand spun yarn that I navajo plied from the school kids that I mentioned in my last post.  

The fiber is from 3 different sheep breeds:  Targhee, Merino, and Polwarth.  I am not sure I would have spun all of these together into one yarn, but they look actually really cool.  The children did a really nice job.

I'm thinking I'll make some friendship bracelets out of the yarn for them with maybe a little felted wool bead similar to these ones I made for my son's class.

For the blog photos, I try to use good daytime light on the weekends to photograph my current projects for posts upcoming the next week.  Taking good photos for me only really happens during the sunny parts of the day and I usually only get a chance at that on Saturday or Sunday when I don't have other things going on.

This past weekend, I was trying to take some photos of fabrics I've been playing around with, but the light was not cooperating.  

Why you say?  Why during the afternoon was there no light?  

Well, if you got to experience the solar eclipse yesterday, I probably don't have to tell you that it was very cool (although not the best for quilt photography!).

We live about 4 hours south of the total eclipse, so we did not see the full ring of fire, but it was still very odd to see how dark things got.  We enjoyed seeing the phases of the moon blocking the sun with our 100% protection eclipse viewing glasses that my DH ordered.  

The kids really enjoyed it and ran up and down the street educating our neighbors on what an eclipse is, and letting them borrow our special viewing glasses.

His photo really captured what we saw.

Making New Friends: Cherry Schacht Matchless

This week I visited a local third grade classroom to demo how wool becomes yarn.  My quilting girlfriend teaches at the school, so it was a neat opportunity for me.

The kids were so excited to be part of the demo and to answer all the tough questions I had for them.  It was an incredible experience and I loved it.

They were so adorable that I kinda want to either become a third grade teacher, or travel the country explaining to nine year old kids how to take a sheep and turn it into a sweater.

I took with me my new spinning wheel - a Schacht Matchless in cherry wood.  It's a beautiful tool and I am enjoying not only using it to make yarn, but the way it looks in my house and even the smell of the new wood.

I created a little wool quiz for the kids.  If you are ever planning on such a demo, let me know, I'd be glad to share the game with you.  I printed it out on 3x5" index cards.

On quilting topics...my attention is shifting to the baby quilt that I'm hand quilting right now.  My sister's new baby is not so new anymore.  The goal is to finish it before her first birthday which is less than a month away.

Will I finish it??  Good question!

A visit to Flora Grubb

On Mother's Day I was spoiled in many different ways.

A picnic in Golden Gate Park is always my answer to the question, "What do you want to do on Mother's Day?"

There were lots of other mothers there, and this year we decided to get comfortable on an old quilt in the rose garden.  They had amazing roses there with my favorite one being the scentamental rose.  I'll have to share the photos I took there with you soon.

We then headed over to my new favorite spot on planet Earth, a nursery called Flora Grubb.

I had intended to visit here before but never actually made it there.  This time, we were caught in traffic again but arrived about 30 min or so before closing.

I will confess that I made off with a fair number of plants anyhow.  Let's just say that it's a good thing we didn't have more space in the trunk or much larger plants would have found their way home with me.

Their aesthetic is  completely modern and minimal.  The plants are succulents, air plants, the list is long.  I'll have to photograph the adorable little ones that came home with me.  They are so pretty.  I've never tried to grow them before, so wish me luck.

Quilt Otaku Modern Objects: Norwegian Bowl

You know I'm bad at keeping secrets so thankfully that part is over.  I have been cooking up a little series of free applique blocks for you.  Here's the big reveal.

Norwegian Bowl is Block #1, and you can head over to partner blog Pink Chalk Studios to download your free pattern (PDF). 

I asked Kathy of Pink Chalk Studio to host the pattern for me because I love the modern aesthetic of her blog and the fabric that she has in her shop. 

I have been a huge fan of her work ever since I made her Pencil Roll pattern.  If you don't follow her yet, you probably need to add her to your list.  If you are in search of solid fabrics, her site is one of the better sources out there.

About the blocks:

There will be a total of 12 patterns in the first series of modern objects. 

Finished blocks are 6 inches in size as designed.

Each of the Modern Objects will be inspired by a modern designer that has been influential in the evolution of the genre.

About Block 1:

For this block, the inspiration comes from Norwegian designer Grete Prytz Kittelsen.  She passed away in 2010, but in her life she created numerous stunning modern objects.  Enamelware similar to the block above (Lotus Leaf design) was produced by Catherinholm. 

Once you finish your block:

Please post a photo of your finished block to the Flickr group for this series.  I cannot wait to see what all you creative needle artists do with this pattern. 

Block shown above was created using Oakshott fabrics.

This block will almost make itself since pieces are simple, there are not many of them, and the block itself is quite small.

Do be kind and observe copyright guidelines.  Use the pattern for your own personal purposes, and do not sell the pattern or the quilted items that you create with the patterns.

You will need to know some basics of applique in order to make the block.  If you are interested in a tutorial, give me a shout.  It certainly isn't rocket science, and I'm here to help.

A little treat for you

I mentioned before that I have modern design on the brain.

After designing all the modern house blocks, I felt there should be something next in a similar style but with a twist.

There are some free applique patterns in the works for you.

Keep an eye out...the first one is coming soon!

The complexity of these blocks is dramatically reduced as compared to the modern house blocks, so that should make for super-fast sewing time.

And in celebration of Mother's Day, I would like to thank my own mom for being so sweet to me and our family.  Having a mom is a huge blessing, I probably don't have to tell you that.  

I started reading through historic blog posts that mention my mom and she is either giving me fabric or other quilting goodies when I talk about her, or helping me finish projects.  Thank you Mom! xo.

I also want to wish the other moms out there a very happy day.  Raising kids is something that most of us really do devote our souls to and is more of an art than a science.  Perhaps Mother's Day is the perfect excuse to get out and have an annual picnic.  Enjoy the day.

Sheep Shop Yarn and Fiber

When I was in Monterey, I picked up this fiber at Monarch Knitting from Sheep Shop Yarn.

The colorway is called Sprite.  It certainly has some energy to it.  Untortunately, this South African company went out of business some time ago.  Too bad too, as I used to enjoy their yarns very much.

Back in the 1980's, this color was so 'in'.  I can remember having leg warmers in this color when I was in 5th grade.   I never got rid of my ski jacket that also has this color in it.  My hope was that it would come back into style again.

In the knitting and spinning universe, I sometimes see these neon colors again these days.  I have not seen a lot of them in quilt fabrics.  I think it would be really fun to see some of them made out of Oakshott fabric.  Maybe they will eventually do a neon line.

Until then, I'll spin this into something very light weight.  Probably for a lace shawl.

Quilting in Monterey

This weekend our family friends took us for a vacation in the Monterey, California area.

We had a lot of fun and spend some quality time together, away from the noise of real life.  

My favorite part was taking photos at Point Lobos, which is land set aside for conservation as a state preserve.  Tons of animals, including sea lions and their babies.  Cute, although they still smell like sea lions!

You can see many photos of this place online, they will give you a feel for how dramatic it is.  Hiking around is not difficult, but it was a little tricky for our 3 yr old at times due to uneven ground and rocks.

Not far from there is the town Monterey, where we ended up playing around a little bit.

Here's the scoop:

1)  Quilting: Back Porch Fabric 

(photo above)

Great selection of fabrics.  Very friendly staff.  Tons of Kaffe Fassett Fabric.  Quilts hanging up on the walls are clean looking and inspirational.

Best Find: awesome selection of batting, my favorite kind was there for the taking - Quilters Dream in request (super thin) loft.  Also loved some fish themed fabric by Anna Griffin.  Lastly, near the counter, they have hand blown glass seam rippers.  I didn't buy one since I would lose it, but they were beautiful.

2)  Knitting and Spinning:  Monarch Knitting and Quilts

Large shop, excellent collection of various kinds of yarn, tools, books, and supplies for spinning.  Not a huge selection of fiber that is pre-dyed, but lots of un-dyed fiber and huge selection of acid dyes.  The shop itself has 2 dogs that seemed to spend a lot of time there, very cute.  Staff was extremely friendly and informative.

Best find:  Kromski Spinning Wheel Oil - very long nozzle for getting in those hard to reach places of your spinning wheel.  Super cool.  $8.

3)  Lunching: Victorian Corner

Cozy lunch spot with American food, sandwiches, salads, and they offered us a choice between both breakfast and lunch menus.

Best find: Meatball Sandwich - home made sauce.  Don't miss it.  2nd generation family business, yummy food, friendly service, great for families and super cute vibe.

Liberty of London Fabric...just a little more

Have you tried eating Sushi made out of laser cut seaweed (nori)?

The shapes the cut it in look exactly like Sashiko.

I have to figure out how to get some of this.  Too fun.

Am I avoiding a confession that I picked up a little more Liberty of London fabric from Purl Soho?  Ok, maybe, but hard to hide that fact with that glorious photo up above.

They also have a solid green fabric on sale right now in my younger son's favorite color.  Almost an evil color actually.

Do you collect Liberty of London fabric?  Could you pick a favorite?  What do you to to catalog it?  Have you ever accidentally bought the same fabric twice?  I am not sure if I've done that with Liberty (thank goodness, due to the price tag).

Book Report Time: Quilts Japan Issue #146

I have a subscription to both Quilts Japan and Patchwork Quilt Tsushin.  Both of these are the two most popular quilting magazines in Japan.

Each issue has many gems in there and patterns galore.  My favorite part is usually the fold out paper that has tons of applique designs on it. 

Kinokuniya will ship to addresses in the U.S. for subscriptions of these.  Not sure about other countries. 

Issue #146 of Quilts Japan does not disappoint: 

• Pages of Hawaiian Applique
• Adorable 3D stuffed fruits on p45
• Incredible vine and leaf applique on p52
• An advertisement on p66 for a book in English called Flowers Hearts & Garlands.  Why do I need to read a Japanese magazine to find out about a book this awesome?  Sigh, I need to get out more.
• Beautiful house quilt on p104 with a very interesting block setting

If you love hand work like I do, this issue is certainly for you.  If you really don't like Hawaiian applique, you may want to skip it, as there is quite a lot of it in here.

Roll in a Day Photo Project

I mentioned that for this 2nd round of "Roll in a Day" - a photography project where you shoot an entire roll of film in one day and post all the photos, even the bad ones - I decided to join in on the fun.

I loaded my camera with some Illford HP5Plus and ran around clicking photos.

We went all over town that day, as we usually do on the weekends.  Check out a slide show here that includes all the photos I took, even the bad ones. 

The shot above is one of my favorites of the day.  DH with our older son.  They look very much alike those two.

Other photographer participants have started posting their projects to the Roll in a Day flickr group. 

While bouncing around on flickr I noticed a group of quilters in love with Liberty of London fabrics.  You know I had to join that group right away.

I also did a flickr search for the word "scanography" where people put all sorts of things on their flatbed scanners to create images.  At times, this includes their own faces!  Some beautiful things here though.

Did you notice that Purl Soho got more Liberty prints in?  I have not ordered any yet but this one called Red Willow Rose is making me think hard about that.  

Socks of Evil Deeds

 I call these socks my socks of evil deeds.

Always the villain uses purple and acid green in their costume in order to try to gain the upper hand on either Superman or Wonder Woman.

These are knit out of Twisted Limone yarn and were really quick and fun to complete.

For some eye candy, check out this beautiful modern quilt over at Lily's Quilts.  The saturated colors are awesome, they just pop.

Having a bit of unexpected car trouble this week.  Sigh...pressing on.

Modern Design and Quilting

Lately, I have had modern design on the brain.  Specifically, modern household items.

I'm in love with the designs of Heini Riitahuhta from Finland. 

Her pottery is divine and was featured in a Japanese crafting and lifestyle magazine recently called Giorni.

I managed to pick up a couple of pieces and find them very inspirational. 

There is a Japanese web site called Koruja Matka that looks like they carry her buttons.  I may ask my Japanese girlfriend to translate the site to at least figure out their address.

Anyhow, this love of modern household items has me all excited and in process of designing small modern quilt blocks.  A little series with more simple design as compared to the modern house blocks that I created.  I will confess those house blocks do have a fair number of applique pieces.

My little sister used to do hand applique with me and when she picked out a block, I think she had something like a limit of 10 pieces max.  Let's see if I can design these so that even the serious time-challenged applique artist can whip them up in an hour or two.

Quilter's Notebook

I am still making small chipboard notebooks that hold scraps of fabric and notes about projects.

I'm a sucker for these little books.  I started using zebra duct tape as the binding tape.  Really fun.

When Moleskin comes out with a new notebook, I always want those too.  They are small, affordable in general (around $10, although maybe expensive for a notebook), but so very handy that I have a little collection of them.

One for quilting notes, one for spinning notes, one for 'firsts' about the kids - first steps, first lost tooth, etc.  We had a first recently where my older son went to a friend's house to play.  I had not really thought about it much, but it was the first time I actually let him stay at a friend's house without also staying there.  He was so excited and proud and had such a blast.  

I know I have said this before....as incredible as growing up is, it's all flying by too fast for my taste.  Where is my slow-motion button when I need it?  We are having so much fun with these small kids.

Roll in a Day / Day in a Roll project

Today was "Roll in a Day / Day in a Roll" day.

A bunch of photographers run all over the globe with their film cameras (read: NO digital!).  They shoot a single roll of film during the course of a single day: April 21st, 2012.

The flickr pool is located here.  It looks like they will probably host this event monthly if you want to jump on the bandwagon next time around, it's easy enough.  As my dad says, "It's only film!"

I couldn't resist joining in on the fun since I love photography and my DH participated in the last round of it.  I will confess I was a tiny bit jealous of all the fun he had.

So I jumped into the fun with both feet.  I loaded my film camera with some black and white film, so will need to wait for a lab to process it.  I'll let you know when I end up posting it. 

I did during the course of the day happen to encounter some interesting things:

• A knitting shop having a crazy sale
• Two of my best friends
• An awesome teenager rock band
• A merry-go-round
• A couple of macaw birds
• Some very beautiful light
• A plain horse with wagon on Mulberry Street (ok ok, I didn't actually see that)

I couldn't help but pick up a little yarn during bullet item 1 above.  I'm planning to make hats, not that anybody would wear them in this crazy heat we are having!


The small quilt I'm hand quilting also inched forward a little during a viewing of Star Wars Eposode 6.  Yub-yub!


If you want to see a really adorable quilt idea, check out Julie's post on Herding Cats over at My Quilt Diary.  Her design of this is very Escher-like, and just beautiful. 

Who's going to the Seven Sister's Quilt Show next weekend in San Luis Obispo, California?  Probably not me, but would love to be there.

Modern Quilting

I am still here stitching away by hand with my needle and thread, and my Japanese Taupe Fabrics...creating modern house quilt blocks. 

This is the 10th block, and is inspired by what is called the Sax House in Oakland, California.  The home itself is designed to look just like a saxophone.  Can you see the instrument in the design?  I'm not done with the embroidery yet.  I think that will put the finishing touches on the block.

I never though that a popular blog like Quilt Inspiration would notice my work, but it turns out they did this week.

They just posted a little piece on my modern house quilt blocks which was very generous and kind of them.  You can see the article at this link.  The cool part is you can really see how the blocks were inspired from the photos I took of the real house.

I'm so honored!

Now, to come down from cloud 9 and get back to my stitching.

Quilting and Photography

I took a few photos of my Oakshott fabrics before I washed them.  What a neat and tidy little stack.  Ahhhh...organization.  So comforting.  Spoken like a true control freak.

But if I didn't love order, I certainly wouldn't be quilting in my spare time, now would I?

The photo above looks a bit impersonal I think, sort of like something you might see in a catalog.  I couldn't resist trying a plain white background though since the fabrics were so colorful themselves.


If you ever want to take a photo like this, it is actually super easy.  Here's how:


I opened up the curtains and put a chair in front of the natural light coming in.


It happened that there was an old and HUGE calendar from last year hanging around.  I used the back of it which was white, and sort of draped it over the chair.  You could also just use a huge piece of white paper or poster board.  I would not use fabric since any small crease will show.  I then put the fabric stack right in middle and started clicking away.  


You know I love photography, and helping folks take better photos for their blogs is something that has always been on my mind.


I wrote a guide for crafters who do quilting, knitting, and sewing to inspire and help people take better photos.  It's free and it's posted here if you're interested.


If there is a blog out there that you think has exceptional photos, let me know, I'd love to see it.

Sheep Shearing

This weekend my quilting/knitting group and family enjoyed a sheep shearing event at Hidden Villa in Los Altos, California.

The event included sheep dog herding, sheep shearing and explanation of how to do so handspinners can enjoy the wool.  They try to shear the animal in a single pass in order not to have any short pieces of hair that would mess up your yarn.  Very cool.

They also had a felting project for the kids to take some wool and felt it around a rock to make a big wooly paperweight.  They even had a station where the kids learned to spin yarn.  My kids of course already knew a lot about it.

It was a great photo opportunity and we shot some video as well.  I would highly recommend this event to anybody who knits, spins, takes photos, or has kids.  A little video clip of the shearing itself for you here:

Hear more about it from my friend Sue's blog - So Sue.  She did a really informative post about it.  The folks there said you can even buy yarn from these sheep at the Los Altos Farmer's Market.

Sue also recently nominated me for the The Liebster award, and so did Bridget of the Nickel and Dime Ranch.  I will have to decide who to pass along the blog love to next.  Thanks for the award.  It's fun to feel loved!!