I was trimming blocks during the ceremony and I kept jumping up to take photos of the TV -
The tone was ceremonial, private, solemn. There was no hint of "performance" or "entertainment." Visiting dignitaries watched on monitors in a nearby but separate space.
The TV commentary was very minimal, and scripted.
And on the opposite end of the regal spectrum.... during the ceremony I finished the last few log cabin blocks for David's quilt, and I trimmed them all up.
Out of 80 blocks, about 5 of them really are a hair too small, by 1/8" or so, but I think it's going to be ok.
I think I will always remember finishing these up on the day of the new Emperor's Enthronement ceremony. My friend Christina suggested naming it Reiwa - a good idea I think.
David helped me decide on a layout - I moved all our furniture out of the way! I knew all along I wanted to use the Sunshine and Shadow setting.
If option A, I will bind it with a light binding:
And if Option B, a dark binding (see how nice this looks against the dark floor):
I made a quick decision. Any guesses? ;)
xo
Cynthia
Such a regal pageantry. Your blocks look awesome and the name will be perfect. I'm always enjoy when you sharing your wonderful cultural experiences.
ReplyDeleteI loved looking at all the fabrics used, and "rewound" your blog to look at the Entronement photos twice. Such an interesting experience, and yes--this quilt will always remind you of this. I still have the quilt I worked on Inauguation Night Bush v. Kerry, and I'll never forget crawling around on the floor while listening to the returns come in.
ReplyDeleteI'm partial to one of your layouts, but I'll hold back from commenting until I see which one you choose. Stunning quilt!
It's always so interesting to see all the ceremony attached to an inauguration or enthronement in various cultures. Are the official eras determined by a particular number of years or some other event? So nice to see all the quilt blocks individually and to study the various fabrics you selected. I know which version I'd use, waiting to see what you've chosen.
ReplyDeletelove the log cabin blocks & great that your hubby had an input to the layout. I do like option A, but I think you may have gone with B?
ReplyDeleteFascinating! and obviously so much better and different than what is going on here in the US....
ReplyDeleteHhhmmm, which setting did you pick? I'm guessing the first? for a Man's quilt?
I love these blocks by the way! and how cool that you'll attach them to the ceremony and yes, great name.
I love both settings! Option B.
ReplyDeleteHow do you pronounce Reiwa- Re-Wah? Such a formal and solemn event. Fun to witness it almost first hand!!
Oh, those blocks came out so nice. I can hardly wait to see them all together. One of my early quilts was a log-cabin block and a few of the blocks were a bit small. It was then that I decided rather than to redo them, I would try putting them together as planned ... and that was my first lesson that fabric is forgiving. They went together without a problem and that quilt is still being used and loved.
ReplyDeleteWell, I liked option A until I saw option B. I'm guessing you chose that one, as it looks more antique to me. How fortunate that you are in Japan at the beginning of a new reign and that you could witness the ceremony. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool experience to be able to witness this ceremony--all the pageantry and dignity. We could learn many things from this.
ReplyDeleteSuch great log cabin blocks. I really like option A for a guy's quilt, but I do agree that option B looks more vintage. Curious to see what you chose. :)
You are having such interesting experiences in Tokyo -- things we never hear about or barely get a glimpse of here in the U.S. The people of Japan must be sturdy people -- or at least the emperor and his wife -- to stand so long without moving.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on finishing the blocks for your log cabin quilt. I'm interested to know which layout you'll choose. I love log cabin blocks but then have trouble deciding the layout, there are so many options.