Sampling Sashiko

My friend Renske, a quilt artist and teacher, invited me to join a sashiko workshop at her home. Without doubt, I already have enough projects on the go… but I’m always game for something new!

I really love the effect of the white sashiko thread against the navy fabric. So crisp and clean! Even though my stitches aren’t as tiny or as even as I would ideally like, I was pretty happy with the overall effect. After all, when you step back a bit and stop agonizing over every tiny stitch, the larger pattern emerges, and it’s quite dramatic.

Showing some of her many gorgeous samples, Renske explained how even a little sashiko can be used to complement or embellish a traditional quilt – or wall hanging, table runner, quilted bag, etc. I love this one of an appliqued orchid surrounded by sashiko stitching.

I was inspired to pick up a copy of Susan Briscoe’s “The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook,” which contains great photos and designs. As always, there are so many possible projects, and not enough hours in the day!

I have to finish up my sampler sashiko blocks, then decide what to make them into. I do have a jelly roll of Japanese indigos hanging about in my sewing room – an obvious pairing. I just have to find a pattern or design to inspire me…  

Rise and Shine

It was time to step outside my colour comfort zone.

If you know me – if you’ve seen my stash – you know that I’m a lover of autumn colours. Deep shades of scarlet, gold, green, brown and navy are my usual inclination.

But from the first moment I saw Linda Weinstein’s “Bali Dreams” on display at the Creative Sisters Quilt Studio, I knew I wanted to make it. I was completely charmed by the cheerful rainbow of batiks.

At last, I gave in and bought the kit. The hardest part was arranging the blocks to try to get a colourwash effect. In retrospect, I wish I had substituted some of the fabrics that weren't working for me, instead of continuing to struggle with them. I arranged and rearranged the blocks on my design wall, until finally my 7 year old son said, "Mom, why don't you stop messing around and just sew them together?" Ah, from the mouths of babes!

The completed top was quilted by the Creative Sisters; I finally finished the binding at a recent quilting retreat. I still love the glowing colours: like a sunrise!