I could not bring myself to write the practical details of my day at the International Yokohama Quilt Week 2013, without sharing how my quilting life has been turned upside down and inside out. I still do not feel like my words have done what’s happening inside any justice, but thank you for reading, for understanding, and for your very kind words!
The day started early and with the usual excitement of meeting with a quilty friend, the shopping prospects and of seeing glorious Japanese quilts. Leaving home at 6:30, picking up Joshua along the way, and arriving in time for the show to start at 9am – except this year it started at 10am! I didn’t even think to check the start time this year. So we had time to go get a second McGriddle breakfast and chat about books and movies and life, before lining up again for tickets and to get in to the exhibition hall.
First task? Shopping! We found a couple of mother lodes of fabric, where instead of 420 yen ($4) per fat quarter, it was 210 – 350 yen. And what did the fabulous Molli Sparkles spy at 210 yen a fat quarter?! Botanics! We dug through the bins and each picked up a few fat quarters of this cotton gold. We also spent enough at the Moda Japan stall to each get a Fall In Love With Moda tote bag, which was very useful for carting our purchases around the show. I’ll do a full reveal for Sunday Stash! Then by the time we’d finished shopping, it was time for lunch and a rest before we hit the quilts.
Unlike the Tokyo Quilt Festival, there aren’t thousands of people trying to get the same photos as you, meaning there is space to take photos of the quilts! My favourite sentimental quilt was this – Beyond Art Deco Glass by Patricia Reid. An Aussie! Each “patch” was uniquely quilted, making for a fabulous texture.
I couldn’t get over the piecing in this one – Sunlight Filtering Through Trees by Mariko Tanji. Look closely as each “square” is a little log cabin!
And I love Missing Paradise by Yasuyo Kon with all the sewing notions and such! Not to mention such bright, fresh colours.
There were many more amazing quilts, so you can see the rest of the photos in my Yokohama Quilt Week Flickr set!
Molli Sparkles says
And I loved being there with you! That picture of me doesn’t even do justice to the lengths we went to to get the best bits! Why didn’t you post that picture of me pushing that old lady down? 😉
Adrianne says
Wow Alyce, looks like you and Josh had an amazing time! Lots of the Japanese quilters do really amazing work – it must be so inspiring. I can understand how your visit really left you with a lot to think about.
rosa says
spectacular,.thanks for the great pics!