Big Blog Bash – Japanese Fabrics

Today’s giveaway is one from my own stash of Japanese fabrics – what would be a Blossom Heart Quilts giveaway without some of this deliciousness?! Before we moved here, I had always heard rumours of this magical material known as Japanese fabrics, but I had yet to experience them for myself. And it didn’t take me very long to realise what the fuss was about!

What exactly is the fuss about? Well, it’s hard to put into words, but let me try! For starters, it’s really good quality. I mean, yes, there’s some I’ve bought that aren’t that crash hot, but on the whole, this stuff is going to stand the test of time. General quilting cottons have a tight weave and a beautiful hand to them, nevermind all the various substrates and styles – cotton/linen blend, waffle cloth, traditional clothing fabrics (kimono and other!), pre-quilted. The list is endless! Japan is also home to some popular brands – Echino, Kokka, Lecien, Sevenberry, Yuwa – and designers like Suzuko Koseki and Kumiko Fujita. Plus the quintessential Japanese style of fabric known as kawaii – all those adorable and cute designs unlike anything else! A lot of other fabric manufacturers also use Japanese mills to print their fabric including Moda and Cotton + Steel. Check out this video from Cotton + Steel about Melody Miller visiting the mills in Japan:

And I would be highly remiss if I did not mention the fact that when you’re shopping here in person, you can get some really good prices! Shopping at the Japanese version of Spotlight or Joann’s – Yuzawaya – you can buy most quilting cottons at about $10-12 per metre. And these aren’t just generic homespun, oh no, this is for all those brands I mentioned before! This is the full price, mind you, so I’m always checking out the clearance section where they’re marked down 30-75% off. And then there’s Nippori. Oh Nippori, you wonderful Textile Town, you! A street full of fabric and trim and accessory shops, and a train station that is on the same line as the main international airport, Narita. You can see why it’s so popular with tourists!

Should you ever find yourself in Tokyo, I’ve written a couple of posts about fabric shopping in Tokyo, including a few language tips like money and numbers to help you purchase the goods! And I’m always happy to help you out if you wish to contact me.

Today’s giveaway is your choice! You can choose a 6-piece fat quarter bundle of either a rainbow of blender fabrics or novelty/kawaii fabrics . These pictures are just a small indication of what might be included in your bundle, but not necessarily what will be included. To enter, simply let me know which bundle you would like then click the Enter button on the Rafflecopter widget below, and that’s it! There are bonus entry options should you wish to do those too, but there’s no mandatory hoops for any of these giveaways.

Don’t forget to enter the other giveaways going on:

– Fat Quarter Shop $50 gift certificate

– Southern Fabric $50 gift certificate

– Christmas charm pack and patterns

a Rafflecopter giveaway