A great time sewing on zoom

 Friday afternoon a message came through there would be a Chooky zoom for FNSI.

Yes, I am home and haven’t done any quilt sewing for months. I’m joining in.

I pulled out this project. I had already paired them up and drawn on the diagonal lines to sew on.

Now to sew two lines on each one.

All sewn together.

That was it for Friday night. It all started again early Saturday morning. I was a bit later.

Now give them an iron and start to cut down the centre.

All cut down the middle.

And ironed open nice and flat.

Trimming down to 8.5”

Putting them in their piles so I can work out a pattern. I do not even know how many blocks I have. I just cut as many as I could from the fabric I had.

All the trimmings are building up.

Thanks Chooky and all the other girls for making my day a great one. It was so good to have the chatter all while managing to do some sewing.

I have finished my Sashiko pattern.

 So ihave enjoyed doing this Sashiko project. I added a third colour as a highlight and I love it.

In for a soak.

And a good scrub.

It is now washed and all the marked lines are removed.

Nicely ironed.

I’ve sewn the lining fabric on. I bought this fabric in Japan. It matches so well.

Now to carefully stitch the front of the pouch together

Stitching the edges with ladder stitch so it can’t be seen.

The outside is stitched

Now to stitch the inside for double strength

The inside is now stitched.

I didn’t realise that I would need to check the shape and size. I think the washing changed the shape. It doesn’t seem to be square anymore. 

Anyway, I am happy with this project and can’t wait to use it for my next Sashiko.

I’m linking up with Slow Sunday Stitching

Blog comments, Sashiko Lab and Tony update

 I want to start off with, what is going on with blogger and their comments. I am not receiving any via email, like so many of you. I have just gone through a lot of them by reading back a few posts. I really appreciate them, especially at this time when I am house bound. They have made me smile. I am sorry I have not replied to them but remember that they mean a lot. So keep them coming. I am not able to leave Tony and go to my sewing group so the blog is what is keeping me going.

Thankyou to everyone for all your well wishes and kind thoughts about Tony. He is improving. Walking a bit more but only in the home, eating better and talking better. His feet are still in excruciating pain but, the infection seems to have gone. At this stage he still has all his toes. A slow progress. Any progress is good. We have had so many appointments the days are flying by. 

I have actually started to do some hand stitching.

So, while I was in Japan I was lucky enough to have a stitching class at Sashiko Lab.

Sashiko Lab blog

Sashiko Lab courses

We walked through Kyoto back streets which were very interesting. We saw many beautiful traditional homes with very tight car parking spaces. They can park their cars in the most amazing smallest spaces.

Arriving at Kazue Yoshikawa’s home for a Sashiko class

 

and first thing I noticed was this beautiful sink made with the most stunning tiles.

There were 6 of us doing the class from our group. That’s all that could fit.

We were to make a specially designed piece which gets finished into an envelope style pouch that ties closed.

So we started

Maxine kept working on hers in the motel room. She is hooked. Completing the plaited ties.

And I have been working on it at home.

I have since added a 3rd colour. It is looking good. 

Here we are after the class. All very happy

Yes, I did buy some threads, the cute little scissors and marking pen refills.

It was a wonderful class.

My Japan trip. Thanks Graeme…

 I have had the most amazing opportunity to go to Japan for 2 weeks.

My hubby isn’t well and can’t be left by himself. My brother said I couldn’t cancel my 12 month booked holiday to Japan. It was a hard decision. I owe Graeme so much. He gave me the best opportunity to go away while he endured a challenging time booking in appointments for Tony with OT’s, Physio, drs, showering, house cleaning, lawn mowing, scans, hospital visits and many more appointments. 

I had the most amazing time and I still have not unpacked my shopping.Yes, I have done the unpacking of suitcase, washing etc. I have been busy with catching up on appointments , routine and shopping. Also, my daughter’s wedding anniversary was celebrated a week late. So be it, Tony comes first at this point. Sadly no sewing has happened. 

Here is my shopping though. I am a very happy lady.

My shopping haul.

I started unpacking so I needed a drink.

And I added a salami and cheese snack. The best I could find at 7 Eleven.

I had also shopped at Pandora to add to my collection. This was a challenge of a trip. 5 of us wanted Pandora. Our organiser took us there. It was only at the station opposite our motel.Well, what an experience finding the motel.

It took us 45 minutes to find our way out of the station. The stations are multi level shopping centres and are huge. One thing to remember when travelling anywhere is to take lots of photos. So a photo of where to exit the station was well needed. So long as you know where you are headed you will always get there with some help. Anyway, I a few of us bought this beautiful charm. Isn’t she cute… No wondering where I bought it.  Then off to duty free. Well, that was an experience….

While at a special shopping arcade I saw this unusual handbag 45 minutes later I went back and bought it. It can be used as a normal handbag, over the shoulder and around the waist. Hands free. It was designed in Japan and made in Bangladesh. With natural leather. Yes, it cost a lot, but I love it. It holds so much and I have already used it a few times.

My shopping after a day out.

Then, I started to pack my case. Oh wow look at this shopping spree.

I think I have a lot to sew along with once I get home and back to sewing. 

This is been a very treasured trip to Japan. So thanks to Janet for organising, Maxine my roomie, the other ladies that made a fun trip and most of all my brother, Graeme, for offering to care for Tony making it able for me to go. I am so grateful…

Boro, bags & Yoko Saito JAPAN

 I have been using my bag and I am loving it.

We went for a special train ride to QUILT PARTY today.

I love Yoko Saito’s quilt and bag designs. Her fabric choices are amazing.

We were not expecting Yoko to be in store but she was. I got her to sign a book for me.

While we were in the store a customer came in with the most amazing quilt she had made.

Online shop and in store.