Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Cherry Blossoms, Snowball quilt

Ahhh spring in Tokyo - so beautiful.  Sakura (cherry blossoms) are in full bloom. 



A group of artists in our park - with some dog walking onlookers, young families, etc.  It seems like everyone is breaking free, out and about (still fully masked at all times of course). 


Meanwhile, inside, I have finished Noelle's Christmas quilt top.  It's just really spare isn't it, but I'm moving forward.  I have a goal to make three Christmas quilts this year. 
 

The alternate blocks really need something deliberate in terms of quilting.  I'm going to dust off my free-motion machine quilting skills (and not be perfectionistic about it).  
 

Next step is to piece the backing.  I adore this print (Scandi 2 snowflake by Makower UK): 



On a bittersweet note, this morning the Olympic relay has started, from Fukushima.  The torch is in the shape of a cherry blossom and is made from materials used in the temporary housing built in Fukushima after the 3-11 earthquake.  




gratefully xo

Cynthia 

17 comments:

  1. It's a beautiful time in Tokyo, both in the park and in your quilting studio!

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  2. I really like that snowflake print. If you run out of christmas prints, I have a couple of boxes full. The cherry blossoms really are posing for photos against blue sky. I hope they make it through the rain because I need another flower fix before the season ends.

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  3. Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures. Some day I’m going to get to Japan in the spring- wish they had a good quilt show then! Your quilting will really bring the new quilt to life and I agree that you should enjoy the process and not aim for perfection.

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  4. the free motion quilting in the "spare" white blocks will definitely bring it all together beautifully...lovely finish on this one...hugs, Julierose

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  5. Your cherry blossom lined streets and walkways are so gorgeous! We're fortunate to have a wild cherry tree along the bank of the creek behind the house that is visible from the kitchen window. Always look forward to seeing it blooming in the spring. Your Christmas quilt is so beautiful and will take on a wonderful texture with the quilting you've planned. Love that backing fabric too! Enjoy your spring walks!

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  6. Oh what a treat for you to be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms. A few years ago my brother and his wife travelled to see them and were not disappointed. So nice to see things starting to normalize, AND that everyone continues to be masked. Your quilt is beautiful and I think you're right - great quilting in the plain blocks will really bring it to life.

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  7. How beautiful. Spring is springing here as well, and it’s exilerating. Your Christmas quilt will be glorious with the quilted wreaths! I remember sending two quilts to Fukushima. Has it really been ten years?

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  8. The cherry blossoms are beautiful. I got to see the cherry blossoms once a number of years ago that are in the Washington DC area.

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  9. Thanks for another slice of life in Tokyo! I'm impressed with your goal of three Christmas quilts and look forward to seeing the results!

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  10. The blossoms are so beautiful and brings the spring's rebirth. Your Christmas quilt is cheerful and very cute. Yes, those alternating blocks will love having some free motion quilting to add another lovely dimension.

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  11. What a beautiful sight!
    I really like that Christmas top. I will be interested to see how you choose to quilt it.
    I'll be cheering you on to get your three Christmas quilts completed. I can get the tops made--I have three Christmas tops right now, but they were done over the course of several years--I just never seem to get them quilted.

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  12. Gorgeous quilt top! Well done. Our trees are starting to bloom here. We are about a week behind you.

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  13. I loved seeing all the sakura, along with the artists, the dog walkers and you--out enjoying the beautiful sights. I lived in DC one year and I think I went every day to the Tidal Basin to walk among the blossoms. It's their color and shape, and the fact that that they were so close to us (because the trees are human-sized). Thank you for sharing this with us.
    I also loved seeing that Christmas quilt--so lovely and so perfect in its spareness. I think it will be wonderful just as it is. Thanks for this lovely post!

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  14. Love the Christmas quilt--the snowflake backing is going to be perfect! Such beautiful scenery--I can almost smell those blossoms!

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  15. Oh that Christmas quilt is gorgeous. I love the sparseness (I don't think that is a real word). It reminds me of candy canes with all the white. Yum! Enjoy your Spring. Ours will arrive eventually.

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  16. Beautiful Cherry Blossoms! i love the shape of the trees.
    Your Christmas quilt is wonderful and the quilting plan is beautiful. Yes, that is a fabulous Christmas snow flake fabric for the back.
    The torch is lovely and as you say, bittersweet. I'm excited for the Olympics.
    Happy Palm Sunday

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  17. I thought I left a comment earlier, but I guess not. I love your snowball quilt! The quilting motif you chose for the alternate blocks will just add to its beauty!

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