Tokyo Quilt and Stitch Show, ladies getting together

I randomly bought this magazine and I'm so glad I did, because it alerted me to a terrific quilt show at "Sunshine City" here in Tokyo.   

Just a few of my favorites from the show: 

I was on the lookout for a Yumiko Higuchi embroidery piece - look at this beauty:  

Yumiko Higuchi, Cactus Flower

Yumiko Higuchi, Cactus Flower detail 

Yumiko Higuchi, Cactus Flower detail 

A terrific quilt from Keiko Goke: 

Keiko Goke Heart Series II

Keiko Goke, detail 

Keiko Goke, detail 

Julie W and Tammy were with me.  It's nice to wander a show together and apart, together and apart... 

 We all loved this one, by, (I think - according to Google translate), Akiko Hirata: 

Izumo Beauty, by Akiko Hirata 

detail, Izumo Beauty, Akiko Hirata

When I heard someone speaking in a microphone (of course I didn't understand a word), and saw this crowd, and that quilt, I asked a guard... "Chuck Nohara?" and he nodded.  Yes, THE quilt icon, in the house!  Too bad I couldn't understand a word she was saying!  It sounded like a Q&A session. 

She was there promoting her new book, a collection of her antique American quilts. 

If you are unfamiliar, read this fabulous post by Elizabeth of OPQuilt.   All I can say is.... tempted, so tempted.  

And on our way out, a little silliness (only in Japan): 

Last week I also got together with Kazuko K (she has a "Nifty" blog here.  I can't seem to subscribe to it or add it to my sidebar).  I know Kazuko from when we studied sashiko together at Blue and White with Kazuko Yoshiura-sensei.

 Kazuko gave me some precious pieces of indigo left over from her long ago sashiko projects:

And, bonus!  She went with me to the grocery store to show me her favorite curry mix, and just the right pickles to serve with curry.  It means so much to have a Japanese friend share these tips for living!

And then yesterday, Julie (My Quilt Diary) and I met up (yes, I am selfie-challenged):

Julie brought along her trademark handwork, which she carries everywhere.  She sews everything by hand, so beautifully.

More indigo from a friend's stash - thank you Julie!

When we left Japan in 2013, after our two years here, I didn't know we would ever be back.  It's so nice to see both of these remarkable wise women and start again where we left off!

Not a lot of quilting this week but one day I had to be available 9:00 - 3:00 to wait for a fire alarm inspection,

so it was a good window of time for piecing log cabins:   

xo
Cynthia