Two birds, one stone

When I was in Japan in January, 2009, Molly and I noticed a small display of colored masking tape in a bookstore, alongside of which was featured a book on masking tape crafts.  We laughed...ha, what next?  During our excursions, we came across them several times more.  By the time I departed, I had that dispenser box of pastel tapes packed in my suitcase.  When I got home, I used it several times to embellish envelopes, but it was so pretty, I quickly fell prey to the *what if I can never find it again - I can't use it all up!* mindset.  Since then, the market has exploded and you can find many varieties on Etsy (search: Japanese tape).  I scooped up some fun patterned rolls on my recent visit, but they've been sitting in an empty box on a shelf since.  They needed a dedicated container.

 

One of Pink Penguin's little baskets would be the perfect size and I'd been wanting to make one for myself (I had made these as gifts), so one morning last week I quickly cut some fabric and started sewing.  Because it requires a bit of sewing punctuated with frequent trips to the ironing board, I got quite a few of my little triangles sewn at the same time, using them as leaders and enders (scroll down for description). 

 

Do you like the white, large print text in my basket piece?  Ayumi is selling sheets of text design screen-printed fabric in her Etsy shop...they're charming for use in projects like this!  I used Quilter's Dream Request for the batting because I had a scrap of it sitting out, but I'd recommend something a little firmer.

For my purposes, the basket turned out to be just what I wanted.  And my triangle wall is growing.  I think I need to start sewing these into four-patches.  Allergy season's on the doorstep and one good sneeze could be a big problem!

Comments

[janet]

Your little tape basket is darling! I do like the text fabric in it. I also really like you hst quilt on your design wall. What a great assortment of fabrics!

[ayumills]

Your fabric basket is sooooooo cute!! I want one just like that!!! I'm so pleased to see that my fabric is a part of your pretty basket!! Your little triangles' patchwork is also amazing. Every triangle is matched up with another contrasting one. So cheerful and happy!

[Carla]

Your triangle project is sunny and bright, wonderful color selecttion. I'm going to go now and look up that fabric with the handwriting....how fun!

[Janet]

Every time I come to visit, I feel tempted by all the luscious things you show. Love all of it, especially your fabrics.

[pam]

I love your combinations.

[Thimbleanna]

What a fun, colorful post Jan! The little basket is just perfect for your tapes. And how cool is that triangle quilt going to be? I love it!

[Lazy Gal Tonya R]

love love love the triangles. your colors always knock me out. so what crafts have you made out of the masking tape?

[Kim]

I LOVE those HSTs....and the colors...love it!!!

[Taryn]

I really like those little fabric baskets and always love your color combos.

[kathie]

love those hst, just so happy!
the fabric basket is adorable and that tape, you can bet some of that has to come live at my house too!
now to find it!
Kathie

[Wendy]

I like your phrasing of "what if I can never find it again" mindset. So much nicer than how I think of it...hoarding ;)

Super cute little basket!

[Diane]

Adorable basket!! What are the HST's for? Is it the sawtooth block or ???

[amy]

Gosh, there is always so much to consider and admire in all of your posts, Jan! I picked up two rolls of Japanese tape while in San Francisco (the selection was not great) and I have been slowly doling it out on parcels and packages. I understand the allure and may have to acquire some more. Your collection is lovely. And I see those DMC spools there! I really love your leaders and enders HSTs. Sublime colors as usual!

[Miriam]

Cute baskets. I love those colourful triangles!

I want to let you know I have nominated you for a Sunshine Award. Congratulations! The award if for bloggers who inspire positivity and creativity. Thank you for the inspiration!
Take a look at your award on my blog.
http://yellowrosequilts.blogspot.com/

[sonja poor]

I've been wanting to make one of these baskets, too. Yours turned out great! I'm not surprised. : )

[Cindra]

Not only is your information wonderful, but so colorful and pretty, too! I want some of those masking tapes!!!!

[Margarida]

Don't tell me about allergies :-( Here, the momosas are at their best, but the polen...OMG!

Your wall looks lovely and i bet you have a lot of work done there.

Loved the basket too - I've got one of those in my mind, but there's always something ele that takes place

[Bec]

Haven't seen that tape anywhere near me....how fun would that be for making homeade cards? Made need to make an etsy stop....

[Krista]

Hi! I'm visiting from Ayumi's blog - nice fabric basket!! Your triangle quilt will be fab, too.

[Beth]

I love your fabric basket! I was just thinknig about making soem baskets up for easter, and I think I am finally going to have to try her tutorial!
Your little hst are so pretty and such wonderful colors!

[susan]

the tape is so cute but that wall of triangles is amazing. love it!

[Alice]

Gosh so wonderful! I love the little basket!

[jennifer]

super cute bag! you can get washi tape at http://wishywashi.com too