My friend, Patricia Belyea, imports and sells beautiful vintage yukata cottons from Japan.
She has a long career as a graphic designer, and now uses her talent to make stunning quilts from yukata cottons and "found" fabrics.
She's been selling the fabrics online, at trunk shows, and at select quilt shops for a few years.
This Thursday, she's hosting an open house for a brand new shop and class room in her home!
I thought she needed a friendship quilt to mark this milestone in her life,
so I've made 103 signature blocks for guests to sign at the open house.
Aren't the fabrics just lovely?
The simple pattern is based on this silk quilt I found in an old Japanese quilt book.
I can't tell you the author, because all the text, including the title, is in Japanese.
It's really a privilege to work with these vintage Japanese designs.
They were made for Japanese summer kimonos.
If you're in the Seattle area, drop by on Thursday evening and say "hi."
I'll be there!
21 comments:
What a perfectly lovely thing to do!
I've a stack of cotton yukatas I've never known how to use, I love this simple block.
p.s. I have to check, but I think I've seen your friend's web site. Best wishes to her!
I just saw her at the show in B'ham on the weekend, but I didn't have much time to check her out! Your quilt blocks look fantastic
Such a simple block but a perfect choice to showcase the yukata fabrics! I hope you'll share the finished quilt.
Wish I lived closer...sounds like a fun event!
The fabrics are beautiful and so is the block! Thanks for introducing us to your friend!
That is a gorgeous collection of fabrics! She will treasure this thoughtful gift. I love all the colors and prints shining against off white strips. Simply delicious!
Oh my goodness you picked the perfect gift and look at all the wonderfully talented artist that will be there!
Oh have a great time and do tell us all about it. Won't she be so grateful to have all those signatures as a memory of her special open house. Nicely done and such lovely colors!
Happy Sewing
The blocks look great—very graphic and colorful. With signatures and stitching, the quilt will be amazing. Thank you.
Those really are vintage yukata fabrics. These days, the younger set go for much larger patterns, To get rolls of the smaller print or blue and white, one has to check shrine sales. I love the simplicity of that block, and I too would love to see the end product.
That is the beginning of a very stunning quilt!! I like the simplicity of the blocks that allow those beautiful fabrics to shine. Wishing Patricia a fun Open House.
What a nice thing to do for your friend to mark the occasion. It's a sweet block - I've seen it listed as "Rail Fence" - so pretty in those bright yukata cottons.
great signature quilt. The fabrics really shine.
The fabrics are lovely indeed! I hope you will show us the whole quilt someday.
What a beautiful gift! The fabrics are vibrant and just seem to glow within the quilt. Great idea.:)
Wish your friend good luck. Lovely idea to make the blocks. Would love to have joined in the party.
I would love to be in Seattle :-)
Vintage Japanese fabrics have a specific shine and for them, the simpler the better! It will be great to get signatures from visitors.
Have a very nice day!
I certainly wish I could have been there. You are such a wonderful friend to make all these blocks for Patricia. Such a wonderful and thoughtful gift. Hope there was a huge turnout and great fun was had by all!
Hi, Nifty. Very cheerful quilt and I've never seen fabrics like this before--lovely designs. And nothing like a bit of positive energy created through a wonderful gift.
best, nadia
beautiful
Wow, this is definitely going to be a cherished gift. I can almost feel her excitement having her guests to sign on this beautiful quilt art that make use one of the world's best kimono fabrics.
Absolutely stunning!
Such beautiful, bright colors! What a lovely idea for a signature quilt.
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