I Think I'm Turning Japanese
February 4, 2013 Here's a little something I've been playing around with ...
You may think this is a confusing departure from my beloved "shabby chic" style.
You get no argument from me.
But I really do love these colors and prints.
It's weird, right? I can't explain it.
All I know is that I fell in love with "Japanese Taupes" almost a decade ago. I don't use them very much. I mean, I play around with my taupe stash all the time. But for some reason I don't very often sew with them.
I think maybe I feel a little like this ...
But I also have a growing collection of Japanese quilt/craft books & magazines - which I paw through pretty much daily - and I fantasize about emulating the style I see on those pages.
And I have this lovely stack of Yoko Saito's latest Centenary Collection (by Lecien) I've been dying to use.
I guess you could say Yoko Saito is my Alice Cooper.
... (?!) ...
LOL!
Anyhow, I started playing around with Centenary - and a few older Yoko prints from my stash - the other day after my daughter asked me to make her something very specific for school (that's the only hint I'm giving you). My imagination took her request and ran with it.
If it turns out even half as good in real life as it exists in my imagination right now I'll be very happy.
But this is always the trickiest part for me - getting an idea out of my head without totally ruining it.
Fingers crossed.
Reader Comments (23)
I've now got this song going through my head , thanks a lot. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWAwrMFtSvM
S for Stitch
I just wanted to say I am having sooooooooooo much fun working on the little squares from your book. They are fun and so easy to do. I usually do one while watching tv at night. I like how simplistic they are and yet they are going to be so cute in the quilt. Now all I need is for a grandchild to come along! Just finished I for ice cream and starting L for Ladder ( I do which ever letter looks fun at the moment)
Kathee
I just saw your book in an ad in the Spring Quilts & more simple fresh &fun!!
If someone is worhty to play around with every fabric known to humankind it's you;-) Hildy
I think the colours are amazing I can't wait to see more - so talented :)
Whatever it is, it's beautiful so far. Love the fabrics. Can't wait to see the end result. I've been drooling over those Japanese taupes, too, but haven't a clue what to do with them. I have a feeling you will soon have me inspired and ready to move on from simply looking.
I love those colours K!!
I have the Japanese bug too, mine are all crochet books but I do love them!
V xxx
Looking pretty good so far to me. Love the fabrics.
Btw, did you name your blog post purposefully to get that song stuck in our heads? If so, job well done
Oh my goodness! I luv those fabrics and the stack of books too. Can't wait to see your finished project. I just know it's going to be awesome!
I think those colors are very compatible with your shabby chic style. Beautiful! Judging by the vendor areas at the Tokyo Quilt Festival, taupe is still all the rage in Japan. :).
The Alice Cooper mention cracked me up!!!! He is often seen at the Nasville Preditors Hockey games. Guess what?? He is a normal guy. Your quilting is not normal.... It's beautiful!!!
I love everything Japanese! The fabric, the designers and the clothing. If only I could read Japanese! Everything you make is spectacular and I can't wait to see this!
I really like this! I had not heard of this designer. I do like the fabrics you showed! And your flying geese are perfection! Can't wait to see the unveiling! :O)
Oh me, oh my. I can't wait to see the finished project. I absolutely love those color choices.
I thought I had the wrong blog! Perfect flying geese so far, anxious to see what you are making! You are always full of surprises!
Um, it took me way too long to get the title. Thanks for taking me back to the 80's (?) for a mo. Apparently, I've also missed this whole Japanese taupe thing. Do tell.
Confession time - after we meet 2 weekends ago, I went out and bought the entire "petit fleur" collection that you have because I had to have it to make my pouch and all. And now, well, I am going to have to go out and find all this. And the Japanese craft books. I believe that is called enabling ... Oh, and the perfect points on the triangles ... You may have to teach me that too ...
L xo
I love japanese pattern books! Not just for sewing, but they have the sweetest crochet patterns. Can't wait to see what you're making...those taupes are so pretty!
Where do you find these beautiful fabrics? I don't have a LQS that carries them and they would be perfect for a quilt I am collecting for. Can't wait to see the finished project.
Oh, Kristyne! You crack me up!!! :)
Loved this post and those colors are amazing... I find them very soothing colors...
Me too...can't cut into my beautiful taupes i've been collection. ;p show us what you made! ;p
I've been drooling over Japanese quilting magazines that I see online, but they are so expensive to buy with the shipping costs. Where do you get your books? Those fabrics are beautiful, very different from my usual too.