Sunday, November 21, 2021

log cabin improv potholders, and a garden outing


Using a jar of random tiny scraps....  

I ended up making some potholders, log cabin style.  


I added some sashiko here and there for fun.  


 It was a good way to use up random extra batting too - four layers of thin cotton batting:



I used leftover tenugui for the backs - 


Very simple quilting and I made sure that I had a quilting line at or near the center, for pliability (think of the way you fold a potholder when you are using it).





 I'm keeping two sets, and giving one set to my son. 

This was inspired by Janet's "baggie challenge" which you can read about here... although I've started something different, with different scraps, for  Janet's challenge.  

Meanwhile the weather has been so gorgeous here and I've enjoyed some outings both solo and with small groups.  The parks are beautiful.  


This straw wrapping around the trunk of the pine tree is purely ornamental and signals autumn.  Historically it was done to capture (and then burn) caterpillars, but they eventually learned that other beneficial insects were also being captured.  So they discontinued the practice, but the wrapping is used each fall for aesthetic purposes. 





The park was not too far from the river:  




This is such a beautiful time of year in Tokyo.  If it was like this all year, I'd never want to leave! 

A few days later, the same river from a different perspective (Skytree):


Tokyo looks like this in every direction.  



It is overwhelming.  Population almost 14 million.  I prefer to think of *my* Tokyo as a series of a few small neighborhoods where I feel more or less at home... and I'm not a huge fan of views like this.  I always just feel anxious and think "if there's a major earthquake, I will never get out of here"...

After any outing, or quick trip across the street to the convenience store, here's my "view" getting back home (these are little things I will want to remember) -  the entrance to our building: 

We use our key or a code to open the lobby doors.  

Announcement board - mostly about safety, and garbage rules 


Check the mail (handy garbage can for the usual junk mail, usually ads for other apartments, and food, and things I completely do not understand): 


Elevator  (here I'm in the elevator looking back out to the lobby): 


This is what I see when the elevator doors open at the fifth floor.  The building is built around a central atrium.  




Turn right: 

Our front door (no decoration allowed) - 

Home sweet home;). 


On a completely different topic, this movie, Red Notice, was just pure fun, on Netflix: 


We also recently watched the new Marvel movie, Shang-Chi.  It was really good too!  We saw Dune a couple weeks ago in the theater and it was amazing to be back in a movie theater, with popcorn, an  audience, etc. again.  


That's about all for today!  I probably won't blog again before American Thanksgiving.  Happy Thanksgiving to those of you celebrating!  David and I will probably go out for a Japanese dinner;).  I'm of course thankful for so much.  Family mostly.  There's also a lot to love about living in Tokyo.  Thankful for quilting always!  Thank YOU for visiting this space. 

xo

Cynthia 

17 comments:

  1. Nice potholders. Good use of your small pieces. The days are pretty now.

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  2. The potholders are too cute to use!
    Beautiful autumn in Tokyo. I had no idea there is a beautiful huge river there.

    I loved walking with you into your home, very interesting. Clean but stark? Your comment about experiencing small neighborhoods in a giant city resonated with me. That is what I loved about my years in NYC and Brooklyn---that large city too can be experienced on a human level. People were so friendly and kind.

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  3. You are so clever! Love those improv potholders. They really look great. Tokyo is huge. I didn't realize. Remembering your "little neighborhood" will be a special memory once you are back home. I always enjoying seeing where you are. You've embraced your Japanese experience.

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  4. I just love reading your posts about living in Tokyo and makes me want to visit but like you I have the same fear of earthquakes. Despite the huge population, I admire the loveliness and cleanliness. And thanks for the inspiration to make some potholders. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  5. I love your potholders and, as always, I enjoy your Tokyo photos. Hope you enjoy your "Japanese Thanksgiving"!

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  6. potholders are the best!!! I too enjoyed the walk home with you xo

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  7. Neat additions of bits of sashiko and tenugui backings! I enjoyed going up to your apartment with you, too. Happy Thanksgiving, Cynthia!

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  8. Wow, you have so many monthly minis this month! I truly enjoy your photos of your outings. I cannot even conceive of living in a city with 14 million people. I get anxious when there are more than 2 cars in the bank drivethru!

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  9. Love those potholders, and I'm sure your son will love his too. They're so special with the tenegui backs and your touches of sashiko. At this age I can't imagine living in a city of any size much less 14 million. But Tokyo is beautiful in almost any season judging from your photos. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  10. Such wonderful little scrap creations, Cynthia! I really need to make more potholders sometime soon!
    I love taking walks around Tokyo with you, and I really enjoyed visiting your apartment building today.

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  11. Love your potholders! You've given me an idea!

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  12. Your log cabin potholders are so fun - what a great scrappy idea! Thanks as always for the views of Tokyo and a glimpse into your building. It's always interesting to see/learn about new places!

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  13. Your pot holders are wonderful. Love the idea of the patchwork in the kitchen though I haven't made any for myself for years! I'm like you, feeling anxious at the enormous city views. Glad you're able to enjoy your neighborhood though. I'm sure it's a lovely experience!

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  14. What a wonderful post. I felt that we came for a visit. I loved to see all the small details of your living situation. I never lived in a high rise, but I've always been intrigued by them.
    I'm glad to hear that the weather has been pleasant and you've gotten out to enjoy it.
    Your potholders are great little compositions and also useful! hooray! I love that graphic print with Mt Fuji and the red sun.
    Thanks for the movie recommends!

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  15. Autumn is such a beautiful time of year but especially in Japan.

    Your potholders reminded me of the Kwandi quilting that you showed us earlier... Great way to use up scraps! and batting scraps is another bonus!

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  16. Love your potholders! I couldn't use them though, they're just too precious. Great to display in the kitchen - as art! Wow! I had no idea Tokyo was that big! That is amazing. It's cold here in MA but the sun has been out far more than I remember in past Novembers. We've been walking every day, unless it's raining. Had a dusting of snow the other night. Thanksgiving was quiet for us this year. Yours sounds wonderful! Jan in MA

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  17. Oh my! I just noticed that my comment posted as December 1st! It's already December there! LOL! Jan

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