I've been slowly working on my sashiko sampler over the past year... and have finally finished... or so I think for now (I may want to add more hand quilting)...
The layout design, pieced blocks and most of the sashiko patterns are from Susan Briscoe's excellent book Japanese Quilt Blocks to Mix and Match.
A few of the sashiko patterns are from my sensei Kazuko Yoshiura - from when I took sashiko classes at Blue and White in my Tokyo neighborhood. That is where I totally fell in love with sashiko!
 |
| tsu no kikko - tortoise shell variation |
 |
| fundo - balance weights |
 |
| Nowake - fall grasses, or the storm that arrives in the fall |
I used dark and light blue indigo yardage, and added some bits of vintage katazome purchased at the Boro Ichi and Kawagoe flea markets:
... as well as pieces of salmon pink,
including these woven tsumugi stripes purchased in Nippori (the fabric district):
I used large sashiko stitches to quilt the border, leaving the knots on the surface (both on the front and on the backing).
I really like the look of exposed knots in sashiko designs:
 |
| Mitsu Ume (three plum blossoms) - from Susan Briscoe's book |
In the spirit of wabi-sabi, I will welcome the fading and wear that comes with time and use. The woven indigo is already rich and nuanced - I love it...
In the meantime Daisy doesn't care about my Tokyo Memories... I'm sure she just wishes these backyard snow mountains would last forever...
xo
Cynthia
p.s..... I know I will want to remember this seventeen year old's feet... as he reluctantly helps me.... he will be out of the house all too soon!
