With a little help from my friends....

I am sorry I have not responded to comments lately but that does not mean that I am not reading them. To the contrary, I have received some good suggestions and have been figuring out how to make use of them.

Marlene suggested the 23rd Psalm. Yes, "restore" is certainly one of the theme words and the others are also implied.

Sara suggested watery blocks. I am not too sure about new hand-sewers doing curved piecing but I do have lots of blues and greens in my stash. There are straight pieced blocks that look like curves or even paper piecing might work.

Cindy suggested embroidery and writing in the blocks. I like that idea too.

Lis suggested some flowing sashiko. I like that idea too. After all, this is Japan and there are sashiko patterns for water.

I found this book of Colorwash Quilts on my book shelf and that gave me an idea of using some of the cut blocks in my tin. I have lots of two inch but that would be a lot of work because two inches is rather small. Making a grid of three inch blocks 10 x 19 would give a 30 x 57 inch banner and a border would make it respectable size to hang.

I doubt we could put this all together in an hour but if I applique the letters before-hand, it might be possible to assemble the flimsy. I have no idea how many participants there will be and there are many interesting workshops to chose from.



I am also thinking it might be fun to collect signatures for use in the border. I have been attending this conference for many years and most, if not all, of the original attendees have retired and left Japan. It would be so nice to have some memory of those friends that remain. (and it might be possible to collect some messages from past participants).

Karen has encouraged me with the reminder that God keeps his promises always. Certainly He has sent me caring friends, ready to share their ideas.


Two weeks from today I will be on my way and hopefully prepared for a good weekend of rest and refreshment. Any further ideas will be welcome too.


And now, a picture of the national bird of Japan. The Crane!

Yesterday I took my car in for a pre-inspection ... supposed to save money at the real inspection. The Toyota place is in my old neighbourhood so Nikko and I took a walk to the park and back, enjoying the brisk cold day.

It is amazing how quickly the area has changed in three years time. The parking lot that faces the main street had a high fence all around it and signs posted announcing a "mansion" being built on the site. It will be over 28 meters tall ... 8 storeys or so?... and block out all the sun to the south on the street where we were living. I can't figure out how the building codes work in Tokyo. Our own house was subjected to all kinds of rules regarding height and floor space but it is OK to put a huge apartment building right up against a row of single homes. I guess we are lucky to have moved. Although the building to the south of us is blocking most of our sun, it could be much worse.
My "word" for the new year is "priorities". I guess I'd better get off the computer and back to work!