Taupes from Japan and The Work of Yoko Saito

Right now I am very interested in Japanese quilting. While there are several trends in Japan the most dominant is working in a limited palette...usually indigo or taupe. The new Quilt Mania magazine features several articles on Japanese exhibits and quilting.



My favourite quilter at the moment is Yoko Saito. Saito is a Japanese quilter who works almost exclusively in taupes...her attention to minutae is astonishing! When you drop by the store be sure to browse through one of her books...we always have some in stock! Pictured are the cover of one of Saito's books: Scandinavian Quilts as well as one of the quilts featured within it. The larger quilt is from "Small Quilts" and close examination reveals the exquisite detail and layers of handwork that went into its execution.

Our front section is stocked full of new Taupes from Japan. These prints are both subtle and ethereal. We will be exploring their use both in classes and samples in the coming months. We have a wide range available online both by the metre and by the Fat Quarter: Taupes.

Here are a few of the lovely prints:

Japanese Taupes & Sashiko

We have been receiving new merchandise all week .. infact hundreds of new bolts of fabric! I will try to do some extra posting this week to show you all the new goodies!



Perhaps most exciting are all the new items coming in from Japan. We have a beautiful range of taupes - the prints are ethereal and the fabric is gorgeous quality. You can click on the pictures to purchase them...

We have also brought in some Japanese language pattern books such as this outstanding book by Yoko Saito...We are also now stocking Quilts Japan!Here are some of our wide range of sashiko supplies that include, thread, patterns, needles, books and preprinted panels...and fabric of course!
Are you looking for an interesting Japanese themed project to try this spring? Why not join us for Japanese flower pounding on Saturday May 10th or Japanese folded flowers on June 4th?

Monika on the Runway!

Monika was one of the models for Sandra Thomas' Trunk Show at the Pieceful Night Quilters Guild. It was a fantastic show that presented many of Sandra's wonderful garments this is ablock party vest if my memory seves correctly? Doesn't she look gorgeous - I need to be careful or the Ford Modelling agency is going to take her away from our shop! " This stunning picture was taken by Katherine Coddington who is also a guild member! "Pieceful Nights" is a wonderful community guild with about 40 members that meet at Armor Heights Church near Avenue and Wilson in North Toronto. Its a terrific group so if you are in the neighbourhood give us a call and we'll get you in touch with them.

When not on the runway Monika has been working on her version of the On Block Wonder from the book by Maxine Rosenthal! If you would like to try out this terrific technique Cheryl Smith will be teaching it at the shop - why not join her for the class?

Meanwhile I have been busy with my Quilt Patis... my Zen tumbling blocks are progressing nicely ... this class is running on January 24th and there is still room for more people if you are interested in learning a quick and easy way to tackle English Paper Piecing...