Humming along

Humming along.  That sounds so much nicer than scuffing around, doesn't it?  There's definitely been more scuffing than humming here over the last week as I was flattened by some seasonal...flu?  bug?  super-cold?  It seemed never-ending, but finally I'm feeling better and back to some routine. 

 

There's no better pick-me-up during a sick week than good mail, especially when it arrives wrapped in tape like this!  I would have had a hard time opening such a fun package, except that I knew what was in it...a special order from my personal shopper in Japan, Molly.  And what had I requested?

She's such a sport.  I had asked her to keep her eyes open for more of the sharp yellow pindot that I had bought a small piece of at Yuzawaya last January but it wasn't turning up so I went on a very labored internet search of some Japanese fabric sites, which only sell in country.  I found this one, (as did Jennifer, who was also kindly keeping her eyes open for me,) which I thought might have been the elusive yellow, but it turned out instead to be a fabulous neon green.  (I couldn't resist adding in a bit of the two sweet florals, *as long as she was ordering*.)  Both pindots are Suzuko Koseki prints, for Yuwa, impossible to find in the U.S.  Despite my weary state (honestly, I've felt like a dishrag), I pulled myself together enough to wash, press and try it out.

Nice and zingy, paired with some old American Jane and a bit of Authentic text!  I think it would be a great accent green in some applique, too.  Good thing I ordered a good length of it. 

So that's about all I have to show for a week.  I did get a lot of quilting done on the wedding quilt, which has been promised for delivery around the holidays, and spent some of my time making Christmas lists.  I'm in the mood to make some things this year and was able to find a few tutorials online that I might try.  Of course, I can't share what I'm considering here (don't want to tip my hand...), but if you're looking for a good gift to make for someone from preschool through college age, I'd be happy to share my pattern for pillowcases, which I have written about and showcased here and here.  Just let me know in the comments and I'll email it to you.  Ever since I've seen this fabric, I've been thinking what great pillowcases it would make...dontcha think?

***Added *just a bit* later:  Speaking of Japanese fabric, Kim over at True Up has been writing some great posts on the fabrics offered by Japanese vendors at Fall Quilt Market.  Each day this week, she's featuring different Japanese companies and their new offerings, with more to come.  True Up always has the interesting scoops and previews on what's coming down the pipeline in the fabric world.  If you're a Kaffe Fassett fan, today she also posted some preview shots of his upcoming new lines. 

Comments

[Jennifer]

OH! It was green instead of yellow after all...I think it looks wonderful. If I see yellow (in person---won't trust the computer screen), I will let you know.

[Debbie]

I love that block! It looks really great! Hope that you're feeling better soon. I just through that - it's miserable, isn't it. I give you credit for gathering the steam to test run the fabric. I just slept!

[Thimbleanna]

Glad you're feeling better Jan! Love your new block -- you must be getting quite a collection now!

[Rhonda]

I'd love to have your pillowcase pattern. I've been thinking I was in the mood to do some handmade gifts this year...
Rhonda

[Janet]

Glad you're getting a bit better. Your fabrics are so yummy. I love the pindot a lot.I need to make some pillowcases so I'd love it if you can share.

[kathie]

oh my gosh that pindot is amazing
not sure I could really add it to my quilts
ok in little pieces in applique and pieced quilts...
I could use it for the zing factor :)
it looks perfect for that block and your quilt.
glad your feeling better and hand quilting, getting closer to having the quilt done is a good thing!
Kathie

[barb]

Nice fabrics!
Sorry to hear you weren't feeling well - feel better.
barb

[molly]

i'm jealous of your steam! i can barely make my lunches and do the dishes these days... AND i stupidly agreed to make halloween costumes for my office this weekend ( didn't tell them about how i have trouble sewing in a straight line). glad that the fabrics worked out for you!! i'll keep my eyes open for that yellow.

[diane]

So glad you're starting to feel better. I've said it before, your eye for color and pattern is amazing. That will be some ZINGY quilt!

[Mira]

I would be very grateful if you would send me the pillowcase pattern! Thanks!