Monday, September 16, 2013

Japanese Yukata Cottons

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!



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21 comments:

  1. smazoochieSeptember 16, 2013 at 5:25 PM

    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!

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  2. SharonSeptember 16, 2013 at 5:36 PM

    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

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  3. JanSeptember 16, 2013 at 5:36 PM

    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!

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  4. MarySeptember 16, 2013 at 6:10 PM

    The fabrics are beautiful and so is the block! Thanks for introducing us to your friend!

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  5. Sujata ShahSeptember 16, 2013 at 6:19 PM

    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!

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  6. KimSeptember 16, 2013 at 7:05 PM

    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

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  7. patricia belyeaSeptember 16, 2013 at 10:41 PM

    The blocks look great—very graphic and colorful. With signatures and stitching, the quilt will be amazing. Thank you.

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  8. Julie FukudaSeptember 16, 2013 at 11:17 PM

    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.

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  9. RachaeldaisySeptember 17, 2013 at 1:16 AM

    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.

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  10. Cynthia@wabisabiquiltsSeptember 17, 2013 at 3:14 AM

    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.

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  11. BarbSeptember 17, 2013 at 5:00 AM

    great signature quilt. The fabrics really shine.

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  12. HelenSeptember 17, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    The fabrics are lovely indeed! I hope you will show us the whole quilt someday.

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  13. audreySeptember 17, 2013 at 9:53 AM

    What a beautiful gift! The fabrics are vibrant and just seem to glow within the quilt. Great idea.:)

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  14. meli BSeptember 18, 2013 at 2:13 AM

    Wish your friend good luck. Lovely idea to make the blocks. Would love to have joined in the party.

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  15. Quilteuse ForeverSeptember 18, 2013 at 10:47 PM

    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!

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  16. Mary KeaslerSeptember 20, 2013 at 12:19 PM

    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!

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  17. MulticoloredPiecesSeptember 20, 2013 at 1:13 PM

    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

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  18. Tonya RicucciSeptember 20, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    beautiful

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  19. UnknownSeptember 23, 2013 at 1:14 AM

    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.

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  20. UnknownSeptember 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM

    Absolutely stunning!

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  21. MaritSeptember 26, 2013 at 4:09 AM

    Such beautiful, bright colors! What a lovely idea for a signature quilt.

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