Simple finish for the Tenugui Quilt... and Boston ladies visit NC

The Tenugui Quilt is finished, with a bubblegum pink binding, which I think is fun and works well with the pops of red in the quilt.   The backing is over 20 years old;).  I just had a lot of it and never could get rid of it! 

I made quick work of this quilt.  I just wanted to get it done, and I'm pretty happy with it.  I stitched in the ditch, and quilted a square in the middle of each star block, and just anything in the plain tenugui blocks. 

The true blues photograph well in the shade. 

Memories of Japan, again, in a very usable utilitarian quilt.  It was this time last year that I started our transition to North Carolina.  I guess after a year it's time to accept that we live here, lol.  A "55 degrees and sunny" day like today helps a lot! 

I think I will keep this quilt in the sewing/guest room upstairs for now. 

It can travel between that room and "the dorm":

Last weekend, I had a "Boston ladies" visit from three dear old friends, who came here from far and wide to  hold babies, and stay up into the wee hours talking.  So much catching up, all the emotions,  such a gift to have each one of them here.

Left to right, Natasha (Texas), Emily (Massachusetts), Alyson (Utah) and yours truly (ok ok, North Carolina it is!).    

I started tacking back the pink binding while they were here so the quilt will also remind me of that special weekend.  

We all share some sort of Japan connection.  Natasha, Alyson and I had lived there years apart from each other; and Emily just welcomed her daughter home from missionary service there.  It's just such a small world. 

xo

Cynthia 

Tenugui Quilt progress

Hello friends!  

So far this month, I really have been able to quilt more.  I am well on my way to finishing the Tenugui Quilt I'd started in 2021. 

All of the 12" star block patterns are from the Barbara Brackman block of the month "Hands All Around" -

I am using 9 star blocks in the quilt, along with various 12" cut pieces from Japanese tenugui (手拭い).  Tenugui is such a wonderful woven cotton.  It's great to add to quilts.  It's easy to work with, and washes up beautifully, getting softer over time.  

Many of the fun blue and white tenugui used in this quilt were collected on visits to the little iconic shop Blue and White, and to another shop Asa No Ha, in the same neighborhood of Azabu Juban where we lived ten years ago.   Finally I'm putting this tenugui into one dedicated quilt! 

This next piece was a gift from Julie (My Quilt Diary).  I love it! 

I'm using a new batting I've never used before.  I just had it around.  It is Quilters Dream Blend for machines, 70% cotton, 30% polyester.  All set for basting.  

I will quilt it simply and minimally I think.  I just want a very casual quilt that will get a lot of fun use over the years, and remind us of Japan.  

Speaking of tenugui, usually nowadays it is used decoratively. 

 I have collected enough to be able to switch them out every month or two in our entryway.  It's kind of fun to have something "seasonal" there.   Here's January: 

In other news, 

On Saturday David and I went into Durham to see the touring company of the musical Come From Away.  It was excellent.  Funny, moving, heart-warming.  An ensemble cast of 12 and a sweet raucous folky band.  A number of years ago they filmed the Broadway show and it's available on Apple TV+.  But you can also get the full gist of the story from the soundtrack and I highly recommend it!

I am still helping out at Kaela's, but not every day, and certainly not for 10 hours at a stretch;).   There was a major flurry of activity getting ready for their Au Pair to arrive!  Ina is Albanese-Italian, and arrived on Friday night!  Fingers crossed that everyone adjusts well.  

The babies, A & E,  at four months old are at the most kissable irresistible stage!  

 

So the first month of 2023 is nearly over! 

In addition to focusing on some health goals (related to just basic movement, mobility, pain mitigation) I am determined to read more this year, a lot more.  For someone who "loves to read", I just haven't read much in many years.  I'm not worried about retaining what I read - I just want to get lost in good stories again.   

I fully count audio books too.  I can listen while I quilt or do housework.   This means less TV, less compulsive "scrolling" on my phone.   

Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell.   It is just beautiful historical fiction, so imaginative and immersive.

Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeyset  by Annie Lyons - good story, well-told.  Connections, 'found family', death.  Listened to this one. 

Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler.  Short, sweet novel with a quirky main character.  I used to read all of Anne Tyler's books way back in the day.  Listened to this one. 

That's all for today.  Thank you for visiting! 

xo

Cynthia