I did it. Chookshed challenge is completed. Sashiko

 Yes, I did it. I started this quilt back in 2014. https://jobutterfield.blogspot.com/2014/02/sashiko-with-jane-macdonald.html

   It was with Jane MacDonald on a sewing cruise around New Zealand. It was so much fun about 12 years ago and it is finally finished.

I did do a simple machine quilting in the ditch as I didn’t want to take anything away from the sashiko. Next up was the binding decision. I didn’t want to frame the quilt and have always wanted to try a facing. After watching a few tutorials I decided on this one. You sew corner triangles to cover the ends of the side pieces. 

When folded over it looks very neat without a heap of bulk in the corners.

So I spent a couple of days hand stitching the facing down.

Next up I knew it needed a little bit more to lift is. It was supposed to be tied with red thread in the corners around the smaller blocks but as mine were all different sizes I decided to do some hand quilting with the red thread.

I put some masking tape, which was cut at 1/4”, around each block and went ahead with a running stitch

. 

I think it has worked out great. Just enough colour added. 

The backing was a Japanese print from my stash. Not enough of one so I had 2 * 1 metre pieces in similar colours. I had just enough to get all the facing too. 

I am so thrilled it is now completed 14 years later. 

Thanks to Deana & Chooky for the push with 

Jane’s finished quilt.

And slowing down to rest and stitch on a Sunday

https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/2026/02/slow-sunday-stitching.html

Progress on my sashiko project

 I have spent some time on my sashiko project. Had my brain working.

No. 3. Chookshed challenge is in full force. 

I have spent some time calculating cutting and placement. The pattern we received when doing this class was only a guideline. There were no definite measurements. So I finished the stitching, ironed and trimmed, then calculated the sashing and worked out the missing blocks.

And everything is cut ready to sew together 

I am excited to get this sewn together. It’s now together and I have these hexagons ready to stitch on.

So they are glued on ready to stitch

The baste it glue works well

Hand stitching the hexagons on.

Linking up with Slow Sunday Stitching.

https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/2026/01/slow-sunday-stitching_0209953682.html

I have just finished stitching all the hexagons.

My Japanese, sashiko pin cushion

 Ok… after being on zoom at new years and the discussion about my thoughts on my pin cushion. I acted.

Yes, after 2 years I did something about it.

I chose fabric, thread and a design.

I drew my lines, started sewing and then it was done.

A little stitch gathered up and filling put in. I now have a pin cushion in my special hexagon pot.

And don’t these special pins look so good in their new home. A set of sewing tools and a special cheeky owl for Tony.

Why has it taken 2 years to do something that only took about 3 hours to stitch and complete.

Anyway, it is done now and is very special to me. 

I love it.

Where did I get to with my Chookshed challenge now September is done

 It’s the end of September so how far did I get?

Chookshed challenge # 3 SASHIKO stitching is done. 

I have rinsed all the blocks to get the markings off. I’m just waiting for them to nearly dry.

Then it’s time to iron them flat.

All I need to do now is to assemble the quilt. I won’t be trimming the blocks until I’m ready to assemble.

Linking up with Deana.

We all know which number is left for October. Some of you may have switched numbers due to having other commitments. I think it will be # 1. Xmas stitchery - progress.

Or I can choose one of the others I didn’t get done.

# 7 - quilt red Dalmatian 

# 8 - Flip la K ruler bag

# 5 - 9 more placemats needed to complete my goal of 50

# 6 - more Chandlers Cottage 2024 advent projects

# 9 - more Farmers Wife blocks.

There are plenty of other things I can do…

My sashiko chookshed challenge progress.

 My travelling stitching was also some sashiko. 

1st block finished

Sitting sewing at Coober Pedy caravan park.

2nd block finished

Working on the last larger block did my head in. See how the waves go from side to side and another set goes diagonally. Well, do you think I could stitch the correct direction.

I got so far then went on a different angle. Mmmm.

That’s ok, I can stitch back to where I was supposed to be and continue on.

Well I got confused again and I don’t know where I stitched so I am just going anywhere now.

Set up in my home away from home

September CHOOKSHED challenge - # 3 SASHIKO

 I went on a sewing cruise back in 2014 for my birthday and did a class with Jane MacDonald.

Have a look HERE at the project she taught and I started.

I have done all the HEXIES. No I don’t like EPP.

So where am I now. A few blocks have been done, some started a lots still to do.

Some started

and a lot still to do

They really don’t take too long to stitch. Maybe after all this time I should get a move on.

I am linking up with Deana for this month’s start. I did not achieve August challenge as we have been away.

https://dreamworthyquilts.blogspot.com/2025/09/september-chookshed-number-draw-and.html#comment-form

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.