Monday, September 17, 2012

"A Bit of Japan"

A few weeks ago as I was trolling through Pinterest, or perhaps Flickr (I get lost on both and often can't even remember where I started as I suspect a lot of people do), I discovered a book that sounded interesting.  Who knows where I saw it, but I immediately jumped to Amazon and ordered it.  It was called, "Quilting by Line and Color" by Yoshinko Jinzenji.  Her theory is graphics done with tons of base color, usually white!  (Now, why would I buy something that uses tons of white??  Duh!  I just had to check out that book!!!  You know how I LOVE white!)  Well, I wasn't disappointed!  There are several projects in the book (some of which are even way past my pay grade that I couldn't even understand.)  I especially fell in love with one that I just HAD to make.  First, I went out and bought some fabric:

Decorator Fabric

Now, I wasn't necessarily supposed to use decorator fabric, but it was the only stuff I could find fast that had big, bold graphic designs that I could fussy cut smaller.  (Bold prints aren't so popular lately, I discovered.)  I decided to cut my squares 2 1/2 inches and to make my quilt into a wall hanging.  (Duh again since most of my stuff lately turns into wall hangings.)  I used 1 inch strips in between my squares so they'd end up at 1/2".  I would have loved to have them turn out 1/4", but using the heavy fabric would have made more bulk and since I wanted to straight line quilt at 1/4 inch, the bulk factor was an issue.  Here is what it looks like:

"A Bit of Japan"

"A Bit of Japan"

I decided to free motion my signature on the front while I was at it.  I really like how that worked and will try that again sometime.  All in all, I was really pleased with the result and have lots of fabric left in case I want to try this with 3 1/2 inch squares the next time.  I bet a baby quilt would look really cool this way for a modern, contemporary mother.  I wonder if I know any???

Other than that, I have been doing this:


Why is it that I just gravitate towards circles???  In the past, whenever I've done a circle project (and if you've been a follower for awhile, you know there have been many), I've run around my house looking for cans, pill bottles, tops from markers, etc. to use as templates.  DUH!??  Hello!!!  (It doesn't take me long??)  The other day, it occurred to me that somewhere in the world there were probably stencils for circles, so I hightailed it to my local Michaels and wa-la, right in the art section was the perfect template!  The circles range from 2 1/4 " down to 1/16" all for $5.99.  Talk about a happy girl!  I couldn't wait to get home!  I fused some colors and got to work!  Come back next time and I'll show you.........I hope you love it as much as I do.  Until then........happy sewing!

17 comments:

Unknown said...

minimalistic.. but soo sooooo beuatiful!!!

Susan said...

What an amazing effect from big bold prints - I can see why you liked that idea!

Jean Burke said...

What a statement those bold prints make! It is just terrific...love the signature too!

Annie said...

The bold prints used as bits have a fantastic impact. I think larger squares and made into a throw quilt would look awesome too. Your little circle play looks like a lot of fun. Are you banging yourself in the head for not thinking of buying a circle template years ago? LOL

Poppyprint said...

The composition of your Japanese minimalist quilt is exquisite, and very in the spirit of Jinzenji's work, I think. Lovely!

Here's another circle idea for you. Use a stamp pad and the top of a large spool of thread (mettler and guterman are good for this) to make circle stamps onto the wonder-under paper that you can cut out!

MariQuilts said...

I love that book as well...your quilt looks fabulous.

Jo said...

Don't you just love it when the light comes on and you realise that there must be an easier way to do things......stencils...why didn't I think of that before.LOL Look forward to seeing what your up to next.

sheila 77 said...

Stunning quilt and with three fabrics! I usually have a million and three different bits lying on the floor no matter what I am making - they get tidied back into their boxes after each project, they're not on the floor all the time - so I am in total admiration of your technique and result.

Kim P. said...

This wall hanging is lovely and you have inspired me to put it on my list to try. Just not sure if I will have the guts to try free motioning my signature. You provide so much inspiration for us newbies.

Dianne said...

Oh my what a fabulous quilt! I love everything about it. I am inspired, I could do this and it wouldn't take forever and a day!

Wendy said...

Spectacular, such lovely clean lines

Elaine said...

What a fresh little wall hanging! Will be fun to see how it translates at 3.5" squares. And isn't it great when someone has read your. Ond and created just what you needed?

Heather A said...

So pretty. I love it. And I'm so impressed with how your signature came out. Very arty.

Ramona said...

This is just beautiful. Love everything about it, the colors, the simplicity and definitely your signature! That is just perfect on this quilt.

Leanne said...

I love your quilt, especially the quilting. And your stencil is a great idea - a compass would give you most any size circle you wanted too.

Anonymous said...

aaah inspiration ! take a look at Lotta Jansdotter fabric for some bold prints in quilting weight. I just bought some and going to give this a try. Thanks.

Amanda Jean said...

this is SO GOOD! that quilting is amazing. i love the simplicity of the piece. you totally nailed it!