Turning Japanese

I mentioned fabric didn't I?

I say we jump right in. You with me?

This is a beautiful Japanese number that I bought from here   and loved it so much that when I woke the following day I knew we were going back for more. In every colour.

I'm going to go ahead and admit that I told myself that I was buying lots of this print because I would make apron/baking sets from it. It's tea cups after all. But I don't know, it's already looking like one of those non-cut-able fabrics.

Uh huh, I went back for more of this one too. I'm thinking dress for me and maybe for Bella too. Because, I am going to learn how to make clothes. Any day now. Any day now.
It's Japanese too and although I got it from Purl they don't seem to have any on line at the moment.

Isn't this one  so beautiful? The shade of blue kills me. I have no idea why, but I always describe this blue as Parisian blue.
Available here.

This one is a heavier cotton, more of a lightweight canvas. It's a little too heavy for quilting but is a really nice weight for some thing like a tote.

I'm not sure who this one is by, but I think it's gorgeous. To be one of those skirts that I'm going to make, maybe?

This is part of the Storybook range by Windham Fabrics and you can get it right here.

This one is one  quarter of a piece that has four different prints that run selvage to selvage. It's a bit of a strange idea, and I actually find it a little annoying because I would have liked to have bought a lot more of just this print.

This is another of the four prints.

And finally, I want to show you this fantastic book and fabric from Japanese designer Yoshiko Jinzenji.
Both of which are also available from Purl.

She is an internationally known weaver, dyer, fabric artist, teacher, and quilter and her work has been exhibited around the world. You can also see it in the permanent collection at the Museum of Art and Design in New York.
The quilts in this book are absolutely breath taking. And I do mean breathtaking. Just look at this.




This type of work is endlessly inspiring, with it's clean lines and simple colours. I love the fact that it's all crisp and bright. There are no sludgy colours just gorgeous brights and whites.



And just look at this. It's one of those designs that makes you feel almost too much regret to really enjoy it. It makes me regret that I couldn't think of that. That I didn't come up with it first. It makes you feel like it's really too late to get in to the game, because someone else has already won it.



Or how about these cushions. Ack.



As well as designing her quilts Jinzenji has designed a beautiful, understated fabric range.
(I apologise for the lack of ironing)



I can't really describe how the prints work, (mainly because it's 1am and my brain is in bed asleep), but it's fluid and unusual and perfect for a whole cloth quilt.



These are definitely pieces that I am going to have to think long and hard about, before cutting in to them. In fact they are so beautiful that I don't know that I'm even worthy. They may just have to sit in my fabric cabinet, just being what they already are, wonderful pieces of fabric.


Anyway,there's still a bit more fabric to show you. So same place tomorrow? I'll bring the photo's, you bring the understanding!

Arrgghh, I have no idea why the font has gone all funny, does anyone know how to fix it??

Comments

[Elizabeth Mackey]

OOO so pretty all your choices. I like what you said about that shade of blue in that one fabric. I think of it as French also. Matter of fact it reminds me of the shade of blue that Laduree uses in their packaging. Do you know of that Patisserie? They have amazing shades of blue pink and green all embellished with either gold or silver. I had to buy a book they came out with,just to not forget how beautiful their boxes etc. are.
In your last picture, you have inspired me to cover the Ikea wooden boxes I just bought to house all my craft stuff and sewing goodies.
I feel your pain in cutting into that beautiful fabric. Isn't odd to even throw unusable tiny scraps in the garbage?
Can't wait to see the rest!

[heather]

Very beautiful fabric. I enjoyed reading your blog, as I do everyday! You are very entertaining. :)

[hpny knits]

the fabrics are nice- but your photos are great!!

[Wishing On Clovers]

Oh my goodness!! WOW! What great fabric!! When I was at Purl, I had to force myself to leave before I was in debt! I LOVE the teacups, so cute!

[Caitlin]

I love the fabric in photo #5. I'm jealous that you had such a good time in NY - and I live there!
Also, wow. Jinzenji's quilts are truly breathtaking,and I've only seen the two from your photos...
Her green patterned fabric (the bit with the vertical lines) reminds me of the fencing they have around the dunes on our town beach - to keep us away from the nests of the Piping Plovers.
Just thought I'd mention. Lovely post!

[Judi]

I'm so enjoying the tour of your New York fabric haul! Bring on more... we can handle it! (I really do like the print that you plan for a skirt..... wish we knew the designer..... it will be beautiful!)

[Ashley]

Oh, what is that fabric in the last picture, the one with the white background and the jacobian/paisely print? I have to order some....

[Sarah]

I'll be here ready to see more of your Fabrics!!! Your recap of your NYC trip has made me anxious to go back there too! And i am blessed with having a husband that also will follow me around the city with my map in hand-all marked up with every fabric/yarn/ribbon/paper/cooking gadget store that i simply MUST see :-) Secretly i think he enjoys my determined, fast-paced, almost frenetic thrill i get from having one city that holds so much of what i love in such a small area (we walk Manhattan--most days we were on our feet walking constantly--that feels good too...even when we went in the winter). And he never says, "that's enough" or "do you think you really need that?"...not because we have never-ending resources..we Don't...but because he is just so supportive of my interests. We are very lucky to have found such men :-)

[Sue]

Buying lots of fabric is always a joy. That nice blue one reminds me of the color of your craft room. You must have been having a "blue day" as nearly all the fabrics had blue in them, and I love them all. I cannot wait to see all the wonderful things you are going to make out of them too. I will stay tuned for the next update of fabrics, what fun.

[Ali]

Oh my - how on earth did you get back into the country without a hernia from carrying your suitcase and a massive massive bill from customs?

I'm just asking, because I really want to go and these things trouble me....

[Tif]

your last photo with all those fabulous fabrics laid out was just...oh god, i can't believe i'm going to type this... better than - - - nope i couldn't type it...you'll just have to use your imagination...

[Di]

I love all the fabric already!! Can't wait to see some finished articles!

[caroline]

I am loving this so much. I wake up in the morning go to bloglines and discover overnight you have posted a total feast for my eyes. The prefect way to start the day - coffee and photo laden posts of fabric, magazines, sights.... Thank you for making my head and eyes happy.

[Sarah]

Oh the teacup fabric is AMAZING - I'm so going to be hunting down some of that!!!

[Suzie Sews]

The best photo is the last one, I bet you just walk in that room and come out with a smile from ear to ear. Keep on sharing its great for the soul!
Suzie Sews
PS I bet you would be a wizz at making clothes...I will keep watching this space...

[Alison]

Great fabric!
Alison x

[Kristy]

Aghhhh!!!!!!
So you know I'm going to have to get some of that parisien blue one don't you?The tea-cups maybe too.Just how long I can resist I do not know and me a non-wage earner too.You are soooo cruel!!!

[tanja]

Fantastic post! Such a pleasure was to visit your blog again. Your fabric treasures are so beautiful. I understand very well your "non-cut-able" thinks. Blueish shades are my favourite, so that post was really enjoyable.

[Qalballah]

Wow wow and wow. I hate you. Wow. I know what you mean by being out of the game before you start. Sometimes it feels that way. I think everyone has their own niche and we draw inspiration from those around us. Don't get disheartened - see it as helping you to raise your game to another level. Have I left any sporting cliches out?? OK. ;-)

[Sue]

I am SOOO diggin' my virtual trip to NY....Thanks!
Can't wait for your next post!

[Louise]

I'm drooling - what a wonderful fabric frenzy! The teacups are absolutely my fave - just beautiful. Lucky, lucky you.

[Maya]

Your blog is so "to drool over"...
so yummy - your crats, your passion and your photographs. Such fun to read! Thanks!

[liz r.]

I have really enjoyed reading about your trip. Such lovely fabrics and such beautiful photos. Can't wait to see what ends up in your shop!

[Maya]

Your blog is so "to drool over"...
so yummy - your crafts, your passion and your photographs. Such fun to read! Thanks!

[Sue]

Love it all - and your sense of humour is just what I need at the moment!! Sue x