I may have mentioned this before, but Japan has two seasons in the year for giving gifts. One is in the summer during Obon which has just ended. The other is at Year's end. It is a time to thank the people who are big in your life.At least in the past, it was a time when companies gave big bonuses. I do not know how things are now because teachers never get bonuses then or now but they do sometimes get gifts. Many years ago I had two English students who were doctors and they were very kind to share goodies from their gift stash because they got so many gifts of food that it would likely spoil before they could consume it all.
This summer I received a surprise. It was a gift of nuts and dried fruit from my daughter's Mother-in-law. I know her husband is retired and not getting a bonus to spend on gifts yet she picked out and sent something she KNEW I would love. Well, I have no money to spend on gifts either but I thought I could at least make something for her so I asked my daughter to find out what kind of space she might have for a runner and what colors she likes.
This weekend, my daughter brought me the above picture of the "geta bako" (shoe cupboard) in their entryway. The dimensions are 39cm by 119cm but I see by the picture that the beautiful wood is left to show. I love that turquoise glazed vase which my daughter says is a permanent fixture.
A plan had already been in my head. I have been watching the progress of Jan, the Cherry Red Quilter, on some star blocks she has been making. I like the fact that the points don't come to the edge of the block. I knew I was going to have to draft a block and make some and this is as good a time as any.
These blocks are six inches so the total now is 12x18 inches. I could add an inch of sashing and not be too big but I rather like the blocks touching each other. I will dig into my stash and perhaps add a small border. Brown and blue is perhaps my favorite combination and I may even have a border print I could add to each end.
As I work on this I am celebrating the joy of an extended family. Like me, my children have selected wonderful in-laws. My other great joy is my blogging family that never ceases to encourage and inspire. (thanks Jan)
Love the colours you are using. Summer presents is a wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely compliement that you liked the stars enough to use them to make a special present. I love the colours - there is something really peaceful and natural about them. I am sure the recipient will love them.
ReplyDeleteJulie, two colours I would never have thought of putting together but they look perfect. I'm going to have to rethink on colours (not my strongest point) and experiment with what you have shown me.
ReplyDeleteLindaC
Those star blocks are lovely and your post about gift giving has prompted me to ask you a question...I am visiting Japan next April for a textile study tour and would like to bring gifts for those who will help me. What sort of things would be right to bring to Japanese people, I am thinking that something representative of England would be good but don't know if this is right. Can you help me please?
ReplyDeleteThe star blocks have such a delicate look to them. It has a very relaxing look to it. I love the design and the colors are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYou make a loveley runner, and the colors are beautiful. A gift made with love, is worth more than something bought with money.
ReplyDeleteHave a nive day Tiny
I was really behind in reading your blog. I think the table topper is a wonderful idea and I love the look of the stars. Thank you for sharing the pictures of Mt. Fuji - how amazing a sight that is. Your banner is beautiful and I am amazed that the binding rotted like it did.
ReplyDeleteAnd finally - those BSA neckerchief slides are really cute. I know the boys (and men) had fun making them. I used to be a den mother and wish I had been that creative!
Julie this is just lovely...I too love brown and blue together and I can just see this little runner on that beautiful wood. I love the tradition that allows you to think of others not for a particular reason, but just because you care about them. blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteI think the soft blues and browns go together so nicely. It is a gorgeous gift.
ReplyDeleteI love the combination of the browns and blues.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Very nice color combo for the table runner, and I love the stars.
ReplyDeleteIn the pic of their cupboard, left side... are those woven lavender wands?
Lovely colors; very serene.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful present this will be, love the soft colors and stars are just the best blocks! very thoughtful of you.
ReplyDeleteKathie
Ohhh, I'm going to LOVE this! Beautiful fabrics, beautiful colors, and how nice that it shouldn't cost you very much to ship it to me in Michigan when you're finished with it! Snicker snicker...
ReplyDeleteSo many pretty things your are making! The brown and blue stars will turn out beautifully. The banner for the church is a work of art! The pretty flower quilting on the bright quilt is exquisite (all your gorgeous hand quilting) and the cute little owls at boy scout camp sound like so much fun to make! (what did you put on the back to make them kerchief holders?)
ReplyDelete