Saturday, March 27, 2010

Japanese Fabrics... Yum, Yum!!

I managed to jump off the hamster wheel this week long enough to attend a big quilt show. While I was a bit underwhelmed by the quilts on display, I was able to get some lovely fabrics...


such as these Japanese striped Yukata fabrics, which traditionally would be used to make a man's lightweight robe. They come in long rolls that are only 14" wide. I thought they would be perfect for making table runners.


Here's one that I just started... will probably add some patches to it, and then bind it and wash it up... I love the washing part as that's when all the texture emerges.

I also found these wonderful Japanese prints...


The texture is like bark cloth, and the fabrics have all these terrific hexagons in various prints, which I am hoping to cut apart and use for hexagon patches.


And just to note, I know I said that I would be listing a few more pincushions for sale at the end of this week, (which it is right now) but I've decided to hold off until I get some of these runners made up and hopefully some more various items as well, as it would be nice to offer a variety again... wish me luck that I can manage to keep my focus and stay off the hamster wheel!

29 comments:

Dee / Cloth Company said...

yum, yum is right! and since I know personally how gorgeous your runners are (tho mine is on the wall), I am certain that these will be stunning... have fun.

dutchcomfort said...

Wonderful and gorgeous fabrics. Love the tablerunner you started!

The striped Yukata fabrics are amazing. I’ve never seen those.

Anonymous said...

what a find. Gorgeous fabrics you will make even more gorgeous.

britt said...

I am crazy for those striped fabrics! Do you pre-wash your fabric or wash it after quilting? Your quilts are so wonderfully textural from the hand quilting anyway, I couldn't tell!

Karen said...

well you just get luckier by the minute! Such beautiful cloth. Try not to wear that wheel down!

Victoria said...

Britt, generally I always pre-wash my fabrics, then wash the whole quilt again once complete. The batting shrinks a bit and that causes a nice puckering texture.

However, with the Yukata's I decided not to pre-wash, as I wanted the lines to stay crisp and straight for the laying out and quilting of the runners. This first runner shown is the guinea pig, and I am curious to see how it all comes out in the wash, especially since the shot cotton binding I am using has been pre-washed. I'm hoping things don't get overly puckered and distorted!

Ann Champion said...

Those are some wonderful fabrics you picked up. I love how the quilting makes the table runner look like it's pieced.
Those hexagons have a lot of potential too, and I'm sure in your capable hands they'll become something wonderful! :)

Cheryl Arkison said...

Now those stripes are Japanese fabrics I could get behind!

Browndirtcottage said...

Oh Yes...yum yum...smack smack...
pass the thread please!!!

Fer said...

Beautiful beautiful fabrics!!

rosie/the fabric shopper said...

I love those fabrics! I am such a newbie, I would have loved to go and learn more in Lancaster but my knees couldn't stand the walking. So I must drool from afar :-)

connie said...

Oh, my what lovely fabric. I love the table runner too. Can't wait to see where you go with the rest.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Allie said...

Oh my did you score big - that fabric looks AMAZING. Especially with your stitching! Love the hexagon fabric too!

Anonymous said...

Yum indeed. What beautiful fabrics.

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

It's amazing how your stitching transforms the striped fabric. Best of luck with your projects ans staying off the hamster wheel!

Liz Harvatine said...

When I first saw those hexagons I thought they were pieced! I think I'll try that...
Great finds!

Sujata Shah said...

You do have a magic in your stitching! Beautiful fabrics and what a show!

henny said...

Lucky you, Vic to have all those gorgeous fabrics! I love the striped most, beautiful. It must be turned to a stunning project when mixed with your amazing stitching :)

Abby and Stephanie said...

Gorgeous fabrics. Can't wait to see your table runner. When I lived in Japan I came home with many Japanese Obis...mostly silk. My children each had a cotton yukata (robe) and I still have them. I also have Norens (fabric room dividers) and indigo fabrics. I love Japanese textiles. You'll make them even more lovely.

patty a. said...

The fabrics are beautiful! I am especially fond of strips myself so I am drooling right now on my keyboard - TMI?

patty a. said...

oops! I meant stripes not strips!

beth said...

Lovely fabric! Look forward to the beauties you'll create with it!

Colleen MacDonald said...

I just love Japanese fabrics. When I was in college, I roomed with a Japanese man whose Mother sent me little fabric trinkets as gifts. I was struck at how textural their silks and cottons were compared to what I could find locally. The colors seem richer, too. I think there must be something to the dyeing and weaving process that is special and unique. I can't wait to see the table runners that you create!

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

Thanks for sharing the pictures of these beautiful fabrics, I'm sure you can't wait to stitch them!

Angelia said...

I saw similar fabric at a quilt show here in Virginia last month. I was not able to purchase, can't wait to see those runners.

picciolo said...

Stay away from that hamster wheel! What lovely new fabrics, epecially the stripey ones
: )

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! I love Japanese fabrics. I have a huge stack of them from when Kyle went to Japan but can' bring myself to cut them until I have a brilliant idea!

brandeye said...

ohhh awesome fabrics.

Hey Harriet said...

Looks like a nice score of fabrics! You sound like a busy little bee lately! I hope you managed to keep your focus and stay off the hamster wheel. Although I'd really like to see pics of you on a hamster wheel. C'mon, indulge me? ;D