May 11, 2011

Busy Hands

Cotton Shirting Solid & Stripes
Pastel Colored Kimono Fabrics in Cotton and Rayon
Blue, Red and Green Kimono Fabrics in Cotton and Linen

My mother used to like to say that I could never just sit still, that my hands were always busy. As a teenager I would usually sew while watching tv. Whether I was embroidering, making a hooked rug, doing needlepoint, or using my index finger to practice writing in gregg shorthand (that I studied my jr. year in high school) my hands were occupied. 

Believe it or not I still wriggle my finger in the air while listening to dialogue, unfortunately annoying anyone sitting next to me on the couch. It is like biting your finger nails, I have trouble stopping and can only do so when I make a conscious effort. As an adult I am still sewing while "sitting" in front of the television, but have added dusting, ironing and folding laundry to my list of distractions. Don't most of us feel guilty just sitting and staring at the tv?

These photographs are of sheets of fabric that I have pieced together. They are composed of sample swatches that belonged to my husband, a textile salesman, that have been sitting unused in our basement. I have not yet decided for what purpose they will be used, but I do know that I needed to make them. I am in between quilting projects and my hands said "thou shalt be busy". So here they are. 

May 7, 2011



Several thousand admirers and quilters from around the world viewed these two beautiful hand appliqued quilts at the Tokyo International Great Quilt Festival in January 2011. In both the large and small quilt, care, thought, and skill were used in selecting all the pieces of kimono fabrics depicting two very different floral scenes.

Kimono fabric is traditionally sold in bolts so the fabrics used here are probably all scraps collected from various sources. At present I have for sale in my Etsy Shop, Zassou, packets of vintage kimono and yukata scraps that can be used for needle turned or fused applique work. They would make a beautiful colorful or subtle addition to any quilt!

Please visit me at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Zassou