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

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.

Japan - socks and Sashiko

 When I went to Japan last year I bought some sock yarn. My friend said her mum would knit them for me. Well she has and they are beautiful. Thanks Mum.

I have also finished my Sashiko cloth. The photos are showing the colours differently but you have seen me working on this one before.

25.11.2023 - Our last day in Japan....

 After our Tea Ceremony we headed back to the motel to collect our luggage. Of course more shopping happened on the way. This corner shop had a fish tank in the window with 4 eels in it. Fascinating to watch.

We gave Janet one of the dolls she loves to collect to say thankyou for organising or trip. i think she loved it.

We have arrived home on Sunday 26th November with our bags filled, many special memories and tired.

Bag is unpacked with all my goodies. I will slowly get to them and take separate photos

A VERY BIG THANKYOU GOES TO JANET FOR ORGAISING THIS TRIP SO WELL. WE HAD NO TROUBLE AT ALL AND HER ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS WERE OUTSTANDING.

Thank you to the whole group for making this a memorable holiday.

25.11.2023 Japanese Tea Ceremony

 We left the motel for the last day of our trip. A small group of us headed off to do a Japanese Tea Ceremony. This cost $80 per person

We got to dress in a Kimono. The staff bound us, tied us and made us stiff. It is tough wearing these. We had flowers put in our hair.

A couple of us couldn't manage sitting on the floor so we were given a stool. We still had trouble getting up when we had time for photos.

M was padded and bound that tight that she lost her neck.

There was also a plum filled dumpling

There was a little sweet treat for us. i was lucky enough to get a little rabbit that was like a meringue.

You had to froth the green tea up which made it a little less bitter.

When outside for photos there was a lady who was a professional model photographer. She was doing the ceremony too. She also offered to take our photos and she took loads on all our phones.

Time for the taxi. It cost $50 to get there and $105 to get back to the motel. I think we got ripped off. i also think there is a dear fee/rate if you go the freeway....