got me thinking. . .

I was looking at this japanese magazine and stopped at this page that I hadn't noticed before. I am really loving raw edges right now, especially in combination with hand stitching. so simple and textural.

also, these kid play blocks are so dang cute and happy

I think I still have a bit of foam from an unfinished project. weird thing to have lying around, extra foam, at least pete thinks so. he would be thrilled if I used it instead of "saving" it. and on a somber note, my heart and thoughts go out to all of you in london. .

Comments

[Grammie]

That big-stitch Sashiko work on the potholders is gorgeous. I took a class in that technique, too. It was challenging for me for some reason.
And I join Amy in acknowledging the pain and fear in London.

[Kay]

I love the breakfast trays on the white sofa, in the house that supposedly has kids playing with large foam blocks!

This sashiko is intriguing. Being terribly unschooled, it looks to me like running stitch, freehand. No? Would love a tutorial (hint hint). xoxo Kay

[Grammie]

That's right, Kay. It is a running stitch, but the needle (thicker) and thread (cotton), made it hard for me to keep the stitches even. They are supposed to be uniform size front and back. There are two or three books out on the subject. I loaned out the one my teacher used, so I'm not sure of the title, so try "Japanese Country Quilting: Sashiko Patterns and Projects for Beginners" on Amazon.

[*jenny]

Like minds... I am into raw edges at the moment now, too. Especially lovely shreddy ones. But I need more color than what is shown!

[shanna]

ditto for the shreddy raw edges, and stitching which are a huge part of my new line of projects I hope to have up by the end of the month. I love using muslin and tea, and then using lovely colors of embroidery floss as accents.

[joleen]

Alex would LOVE it if I used half the stuff I'm "saving"- haha! I do really like those blocks!

[Lu]

I am digging raw edges right now, too.

[maria]

love the pics & i agree on the raw edges. lately i have been really into things that are not quite perfect you know... things that are raw. could be a bit of the way i'm feeling these days but i rather like the imperfection. great post! mav

[Jenny]

ok! that's it! i need to get into these japanese craft books i keep seeing everywhere! the pictures, the ideas, the design and layouts are always soo amazing~can you tell me where you get yours?

thanks for sharing!

[joy madison]

it reminds me of a martha stewart project where the add to sheeting with a running stitch of an opposing color. so cute. Make a block and show it...can't wait to see how it turns out!