I wrote a little how-to for the lovely sewing blog, Sew, Mama, Sew!
It just went live and I’m pretty excited.
So pop over there and check it out! They also posted a few photos of me — gasp! I usually like to rock it Wizard of Oz style … “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!” So enjoy it, folks.
Thanks again, Sew, Mama, Sew! And to those visiting for the first time, いらっしい！Welcome!
Follow @salisbua
The City Tote. Perfect for running errands around town, this bag is sized to fit the essentials — keys, wallet and a phone for that quick run to the corner market, laundromat, or mail box.
A DIY sashiko kit with everything you’ll need — fabric, blue and white thread, illustrated instructions, and pattern. With a chic chevron pattern and beautiful nani IRO linen, what’s not to love?! Wander over to my web shop to check it out!
If you’re new to sashiko and looking for tips, you can take a peek at my new sashiko how-to page. Over there, you’ll find all sorts of photos and tricks. Here’s a sampling:
You can find the how-to page on the “sashiko” tab above the banner, and more sashiko kits in my Etsy shop. Good luck, and happy stitching!
The last shipment of blankets for Action Craft arrived a while back, and with all the excitement over our blog/japanniversaries, the photos got buried on the camera. (oops.) So, without further ado!
From Anne and Michelle in Maryland, USA
These baby blankets are so incredibly sweet.
Maybe it is my love affair with stripes, but I adore these blankets. Thanks ladies!!
Follow @salisbuaHello all! I’m expecting another box of blankets, so while I was hoping to wow you with another batch of photos today, it looks like I’ll have to keep you in suspense a bit longer.
I want to tell everyone again how delighted I am by the response to this little Call-to-Acton-Craft. I’m overwhelmed (in the good way) by the generosity of everyone who participated. Together, we’ve created 32 new handmade blankets for tsunami and earthquake survivors here in Japan. That is, 32 and counting…
As to where they are headed — it’s still in the works. I’ve got a few leads and we’re ironing out the details. More info on that to come, I promise.
I had a great time making my quilt for this project. It felt good to make something for someone else, not knowing who might receive it. I thought a lot about who might need a small quilt and how they might use it — for a baby, or picnics, or folded up as a pillow or floor cushion. It feels good to work hard on something then send it off into the world, its future unknown.
I also enjoyed making a quilt with such strict rules. I told myself not to buy anything new, to use only supplies I already had at home. This really limited my choices and as a result my quilt came together quickly, which was really satisfying. (And now I can buy more fabric under the pretense that I’ll do it again someday!) I enjoyed the process so much, I might actually make another.
Thanks again to everyone who sent blankets — good work, team!
Psst — find a Flickr photo gallery of all the blankets here, and more Action Craft info here.
From Cheri and Laura in Minnesota, USA
This was Cheri’s first quilt. Splendid!
From Jamie and her mother in Minnesota, USA
This quilt was painted and pieced years ago by Jamie’s mother, then folded up and left forgotten. It was resurrected by Jamie and finished by my mom — truly a community effort. I love how Alaska has its own block amidst all the other countries (top center). 🙂
Per usual, you can find a Flickr photo gallery of all the blankets here, and more Action Craft info here. Thanks!
If you’ve ever wondered where I got my crafty genes, well —
From my mom, in Minnesota
From my aunt Missy, in Minnesota
They made these together and — get this — they’re both first-time quilters. Beginner’s luck? I think not. Those are skillz, ladies. Better yet — it was Missy’s first time using a sewing machine. What?!
From Lynn in Minnesota
Lynn is like a second Mom, and has showered me with handmade gifts my entire life. Maybe some of that talent wore off on me? I’m quite proud to admit I got her hooked on Etsy — check out her shop. The-beer-and-peanut-proof baseball game gear is the best.
More Action Craft love from Minnesota tomorrow.
Psst — photo gallery here, and more Action Craft info here. Thanks!
From (my aunt!) Mickey in Minnesota, USA
I’ve never seen a quilt like this before! It looks like Mickey made circle “blocks” then stitched them together, flattened the flaps, and tacked the flaps down using a fancy blanket stitch. (The reverse side of this quilt is all the same blue as the flaps.)
Mickey, am I right? Does this design have a name? Do tell!
From Susan in Minnesota, USA
Susan embroidered sweet messages in the corners. Lovely!
Again, check out photos of all the Action Craft quilt and blanket donations here, and for more info on the project, try the link here.
Special thanks to my handsome model husband — handsome model, or model husband? You decide. (Hint, it’s both.)
More quilts tomorrow!
I’m racing off to sashiko class this morning, but before I go:
From Lisa in Queensland, Australia
How cute are those little bunnies! I really wanted to take everything out of their bags to admire her handiwork, but Lisa packaged them up so nicely I decided to keep it all intact. Instead, I just peered through the plastic.
You can check out Lisa’s blog here.
Two more boxes of quilts arrived yesterday! More to come…
Another batch of blankets for Action Craft:
From my friend Molly in Minnesota, USA
Molly has made me a few blankets over the years, and I spy some bits and pieces of leftover yarn in these. I love it.
It must be a family affair over there! From Molly’s mom, Nancy, also in Minnesota
Beautiful. I love this bundle of color.
It doesn’t stop there! Molly’s aunt also sent blankets. From Denise in Illinois, USA
Nice work, ladies!
You can see photos of all the donated Action Craft blankets on Flickr, and in previous posts here and here.
Still more to come…
More Action Craft quilts:
From Meg in Minnesota, USA
I love this block.
From Masha in California, USA
She sent six quilts — so generous!!
Really, really wonderful.
You can see photos of these blankets, and all the others as I post them, on Flickr.
Still more to come…
Saké Puppets 