I translated a Japanese quilting book last year, and I don’t know when it’s coming out, but this book you see above is not it. It was a reference book for me since I’m not much of a quilter, and what a visual feast of neutral tones! I learned so much through perusing this serene pattern book. Japanese Quilting Piece by Piece by Yoko Saito is a calming collection of quilted projects, some of which are incredibly elaborate.
There’s a good dose of wabi-sabi here, with the occasional unexpected whimsy (the animals made me smile and who would have expected a hooked rug bag?):
The 29 projects are mostly bags or bag-like items with a few actual quilts thrown in. As much as I love the beauty of the photography and admire the projects themselves, I know myself: I am not a quilter. At least not at this moment. I think someone else would get so much more out of this book, so I would love to give it away.
As I dive headlong into launching my second book, I’m very curious to see how it will do since it’s intensely personal — to avoid getting caught up in the responses (positive or negative), I’ve been coming up with small celebrations meant just for myself: enjoying cups of really nice tea, indulging in a pretty-smelling candle, permission to just sit and relax and read on a Tuesday afternoon. If interested in entering the giveaway (international entries welcome!), any comment will do as usual, but what are small ways that you add some fun or celebratory indulgence in your life? I’ll keep the giveaway open until next Thursday, March 24th and will announce the winner the next day. Good luck!
P.S. Furoku members: part 2 of #12 has shipped!!
This book does look beautiful. I love the way you describe it as tonal. Never thought of grey that way. It is soothing. What I found soothing yesterday was sorting and refolding my fabrics. When my sewing room is neat, I feel that I have a clean slate. I wish I enjoy folding clothes. I hate folding clothes!
I love to celebrate with special food. As I’ve recently cut out gluten, dairy & sugar to try to resolve some health issues, I’ve been enjoying testing new recipes. Just this morning I made some delicious blender buckwheat pancakes, and some cookies that are sweetened with bananas and dates. Thanks internet! 🙂
This book looks gorgeous. And I can’t wait to read your new book!
Wow! what an interesting use of quilting.
I love the pieces Yoko Saito creates using neutral colors. I often look through her books when I am at the bookstore in Japantown in San Francisco. I like to treat myself with a bouquet of fresh flowers.
I celebrate with tea and time in my recliner, which is in my workroom, so it’s just mine and I don’t use it nearly enough.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love this book! I have checked it out from the library and enjoy her skills. That is what I do when I have some extra time…look through quilting and sewing books!
I like playing solitaire. I have a couple of decks of kitty cards by my bed, and occasionally I play a few rounds. It feels wasteful of time, but I figure it’s alright every once in awhile, since I enjoy it.
I leave home early for appointments so that I can just drive around town a bit on my own and admire the beautiful homes and gardens. So looking forward to seeing your new book — it looks lovely and I so admire you for choosing to work at being creative. It is something that I need to prioritise more than I do at the moment.
Reading a book in quietness on the sofa/chair during daylight hours brings me a feeling of calm and ‘mind resetting’, and also such an indulgence as it doesn’t involve anyone else. It’s not something I do very often at all, so when it happens I marvel in the effect.
The world is moving fast, time is flying by and every minute that is productive is a plus. Sometimes I get caught up in the whirlpool of it all and I need to do something that is the opposite of what everyone considers “spending your time wisely”. I got to a point where I said to myself, “F*#k that, and just do something mindless that does not tax you out”. I discovered Solitaire on my iPad. It’s in the moment fun. It took me a while to accept and justify this break in life. I go to it when I don’t want to deal with what is on my plate at the present moment. Winning a few times sets me back on track and I am refreshed. I then can go back to whatever I was into with a fresh mind and relaxed attitude. Sounds stupid but it works for me.
I like to treat myself to a night of good Movies and good food simply but rewarding.
Japanese quilt or sewing books are really great, the selection of colors and fabrics are always really inspiring. I have a quilting Japanese book that my mother bought 20 years ago, it’s the classic quilting style. I don’t know japanese but I always take a look at it and the drawings and pictures are amazing.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Sleeping in and being in the sun with my children.
Thanks for the giveway!