Cotton Flower

New Year's Resolution

2012-02-09T18:24:00.000-08:00

The year of 2012 has been started and January was already gone... I thought I had my new year's resolution written somewhere and forgot where I put it. Pretty bad start... you think? Actually, I've been busy as I planned.

My 2012 started with fun events. First, I attended Prairie Queens' Quilt Retreat in ocean front hotel. I arrived there on Friday evening and had dinner with my friends. Then sew and talked till late at night. I finished a quilt top for my mother's best friend who moved back to Japan. She was very nice to my mother so I decided to make her American map quilt as the memory of living in America. We had a wonderful time at retreat and it was so hard to leave on Sunday afternoon.

Next weekend, I went to "Road to California" show in Ontario, CA. It took me about one hour and 15 minutes one way, but it was worth driving. Many beautiful quilts to look at, and so many shops to enjoy! As you know, since we moved last summer, there are no quilt shop in my town, so this was heaven for me! Only downside was I hurt my shoulder carrying my slightly heavy purse.Last weekend of January, I attended "Art of Craft" at French General. This was my second year to attend this event. I took 5 workshops this year, started with bracelet making taught by Kaari Meng, the owner of French General. Jewelry making wasn't my thing, but I love this bracelet. I always thought that Jewelry making was so difficult (well, it is still difficult for me), but hey! I can do it!The second class, Sailor's Valentine, was taught by Pam Garrison and Charlotte Lyons. We created our own versions of the heart inspired by the one created during WWI. This was my favorite workshop! Using ribbons, laces, buttons, ric rac, the imagination of design came endless. I definitely have to make more than one!The third class, Chocolate Truffle Box, was taught by Michelle Jorgensen. We decorated the wooden hinged box with papers and fabrics. Under the glass top lid, we build the layer of beautiful flowers and things, finished by gold German dresden. NO WAY, I'm not going to put chocolate in this.On Sunday morning, my shoulder was hurting really badly. I probably got too excited and overworked the day before. The class was taught by Molly Meng, Kaari's sister from San Francisco. I really wanted to make this "12 month pocket memory book", but I just watched and thought about designs during the class.
The last workshop was "Beeswax Journal" taught by Anna Corba. The journal covers needed to dip in the hot beeswax during the workshop, so I pushed my shoulder pain to design and make the covers. I tried to cut least papers, so it kind of became too simple. But lucky me! I found the floral basket paper precut by someone for me to use. Not bad, isn't it?
Thank you, all the instructors!!! I had an amazing weekend with new and old friends creating something totally beautiful and fun to make!

So, at the end, can you guess what my New Year's resolution was? "To spend more fun time with my friends." Life is too short and if I don't spend "good time" with my friends, I'm going to regret so much later. After the moving away from my friends in SF bay area, I really realized the importance of the friends in my life.

Happy Crafting!
-Keiko

Quick Project for Christmas Present

2011-12-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

Good morning!

It's already the last month of the year. No wonder it's been cold recently! And only 19 days till Christmas... I haven't complete Christmas shopping yet. Have you?If you were planning handmade gift but worrying that you don't have enough time, here is a quick & easy project for you. "Annie Pouch" designed by me, is a perfect handmade gift for your family and friends. You pick three fat-quarters and start your project today! It's great for carrying the small project such as applique, stitch work, or English paper-piecing hexagons. I usually recommend to use floral fabric for lady's cosmetic pouch but you can also use kids print fabric to make a perfect pouch for Nintendo DSi, Sony PSP, or iPod, etc. Once you made one, you would want to make two, three, four and more!
Send me the pictures of your "Annie Pouch" by December 20th, 2011 and one of you will win the surprise gift from me!

Thimble Creek Quilt Shop has "Project Weekly" right now. This special kit includes the pattern, the fat-quarters (Pam Kitty Morning's new fabric!) and the magnetic snap. If you want the quick start, this is the way to do! You can find the kit from here.

I wish everyone peaceful holiday season!

Happy quilting!!!

-Keiko

Market Report

2011-11-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

Since last post, I was quite busy making samples for Fall International Quilt Market in Houston. The quilt in the corner (tied) is the one I made for Kaari of French General. Designed by my dear friend, Penny Tucker. Penny originally designed this quilt using Kaari's first line of fabric with Moda, "Rouenneries". This time, we made with Kaari's newest line "Rouenneries Deux". A bit different from the original but it came out very beautiful. Do you want to see the whole design? I only have a photo on my bed before it was quilted. This pattern will be available from French General sometime soon. So please keep checking their website.
I also made samples for Lecien. Honeybun Basket and Puffy Basket are made with Lecien's new fabric "La Petite Mercerie" designed by Emmanuelle Carre.

My newest creation is this bag, "Korokoro". It means the sound of rolling around in Japanese. This round bag has the drawstring for the opening and easy to carry on your shoulder. The pattern will be coming soon.My best friend who works at Lecien designed this quilt. Isn't it so pretty? It's a free pattern so you can download at Lecien USA's website.
My favorite booth at this market was Blackbird Designs. I always liked their designs and taught some classes. I usually don't like butterflies but this quilt is very pretty. It's perfect to showcase the fabrics.

I have more stories to share with you, but I have to go now... I will try to come back sometime soon to talk about them.

Happy quilting!

Keiko

Sorry for long silence

2011-10-10T16:28:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! You must thought that I quit writing the blog. There are so many things happens in the life and I just didn't know what to write.

Back in June, my husband told me that he is going to job interview while others were talking about high unemployement rate. I told him, "well, if you are the lucky one to get the job you want, go ahead!" Maybe that was the beginning of the tragidy. He invited me and my son to the restaurant at very nice outdoor mall after his interview. We sat outside in front of the musical fountain. We had a great time. Then he told me, he had very good interview with company CEO. What's it mean??? He said he would probably receive a job offer within one week or so. I never thought we actually had to move. This company is located 5 hours south of where we live! Poor my son! He just got out of school and was just going to enjoy summer vacation, it ended up packing after packing and preparing for the move. I had to say "Good Bye" to all of my friends and family.It took us almost a month and a half to find the new home to live. And we finally moved in August, the weekend before the school starts. I bet that was the worst summer for my son to remember. Then we had to unpack the boxes under the 100 degrees weather. That was a hell... We still have some boxes (ah... maybe a lot) in our living room.What??? There is no quilt shop in this area??? That was September when I found out. Oh boy, I should have searched before we chose the house. Stupid me! What was I thinking? Okay, there is JxAxx's and Bexxxxx's but that's not what I wanted! Real quilt shop! I was living only 10 minutes away from Prairie Queens Quilt Shop and it was perfect for me. I was teaching the classes and everyone was so nice! So I had to go back. I helped at their booth at Quilting in the Garden in Livermore. It was at the beautiful Alden Lane Nursery. I was so happy during the weekend surrounded by the beautiful flowers and the quilts, and my friends!
I received some energy to design some new patterns and here it is! My newest pattern, "Puffy Basket" was born! They are very small baskets but so cute!!! Great for Halloween candies, it kind of look like half pumpkin shape, isn't it? You can also arrange it for Christmas gift, Valentine's Day, Easter Basket, basically wonderful for all season. Instruction is easy to understand with photos. If you want one, ask your favorite shop to contact me at kc@kcottonstudio.com Of course, Prairie Queens Quilt Shop is the first one to carry this brand new pattern! I will try to keep up my blog from now on. See you soon!

-Keiko

Love Pockets for Japan

2011-04-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

Monica aka Happy Zombie wanted to help raise money for Japan but also wanted to make a quilt quickly. So this pretty "Love Pockets for Japan" was born. A little 8" x 12" quilt with a pocket for collecting money. Monica's suggestion to all the quilters is that we all make two - one for yourself/your family and one for you to sell/fundraise. Please read the detail here. So I made two using Japanese fabrics and going to sell one at craft/bake sale we are going to do in May. 100% of sales goes to Japanese Red Cross to help earthquake and tsunami recovery. Monica posted the instructions on her blog so you can make this also!!! My blog friend, mikausa made two of these and is going to sell one at the craft/bake sale. Why don't you join us?

Red and White Quilts

2011-03-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

An extraordinary exhibition started yesterday at the Wade Thompson Drill Hall at the Park Avenue Armony in New York. "Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts," which was organized by the American Folk Art Museum, will present 650 red and white quilts. The way they display the quilts is very unususal, in spiral form like a tornado in a very large hall. These two-color quilts have very strong impact but most of the designs are pretty simple. I wish they bring this show to California so that I can see them in person... These quilts are collection of Joanna S. Rose and she is going to donate 50 of them to the museum when the exhibition ends. Amazing!!! I want to have one! Okay, okay, I should design my own red and white quilt and make it if I want it so much!

These quilts immediately reminded me about Japan. As you know, Japanese flag is red circle in white background. It represents rising sun. I was taught that Japan is the country where the sun rises because it is located far east. This is why Japan has the power to come back up no matter what happens. I'm hoping that the victims of the earthquake and tsunami don't forget the hope and courage. I want them to know that people from many countries are trying to help them.
Rise, Japan!

Help for Japan

2011-03-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

Since the largest earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, I've been checking online and TV news for update and making sure that the families and relatives of myself and my friends are safe. Fortunately, my relatives are safe, but some of my friends' relatives are still missing. All I can do is pray for the people in Japan and donate money to the source that I can trust.
As you already know, the worst area has flatten out by tsunami and those people who evacuated needs not only water and food but it is snowing there and they don't have heater. Gasoline is short and the trucks can't bring enough water and food because they can't secure the gas to return.
Please include the people in Japan in your prayer and donate through the source you can trust.
Thank you.

It's been so long...

2011-02-28T10:41:00.000-08:00

I'm really ashamed to say "A Happy New Year!" at the end of February, but I've been away from my blog since last November. So sorry for a long absense. Being a hockey mom takes so much time and energy, and somehow managed the holidays in between. We had two tournaments at home, one in Phoenix, AZ, and one in San Diego, CA. That's enough? Well, we still have two more regular games left and hopefully playoffs (Norcal and State). But all of these will be finished by the mid April.

Recently, I was introduced at Prairie Queens Quilt Shop's new blog. I'm honored to be featured as their first "Designer Spotlight". I've been teaching classes there for a few years and let me tell you, this shop is most welcoming, comfortable, and warm place I've ever known. Their fabric selection is wonderful! Notions, patterns, and books, everything you need/want is there. If you live in SF bay area, this shop is must-visit place. If you are far, it is worth planning a trip to visit. They also ship to you anywhere in the world. Visit their website here.

I will be teaching two new classes at Prairie Queens. One is "Charming Charms" class. Instruction for Hexagon Roses in my pattern "Emily Tote" if you'd like to make one. The other two charms are my old time favorites. I've made so many of these for different projects. You can probably find these instructions in Japanese magazines or books.

The second class that I'm teaching is "Blooming Pincushion". Open the flower-shape drawstring bag, and you will find the mini pincushion and small pockets for your scissors and seam ripper. You can also store 4 1/2" square ruler in larger pocket (blue floral square). This small pincushion is detachable by velclo. It is great for a little girl who is just starting to learn sewing or for you to carry your basic sewing tools to the class. These patterns are available at Prairie Queens Quilt Shop.

I have more exciting news/events to share with you. But I ran out of time today. Please come back soon to check them out.

Happy quilting! -Keiko

Season of Giving

2010-11-29T17:17:00.000-08:00

This is the season of giving and sharing the holiday spirit with everyone. The quilt shop that I teach the class, is going to host their 1st annual Bake Sale to raise money for the family in need. In addition, we also have Holiday Craft Boutique for your holiday shopping. Raffle tickets will be given to the customers who buy any items!

Bake Sale & Holiday Craft Boutique
Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010
Time: Bake Sale 10am – 5pm
Holiday Craft Boutique 1:30pm – 5pm
Place: Prairie Queens Quilt Shop
14922 Camden Avenue
San Jose, CA 95124
408-559-6735

Bake Sale: Delicious baked goods and homemade jams and jellies
Holiday Craft Boutique: Handmade gifts (such as placemats, coasters, small quilts,
bags & totes, knitted goods, wool goods, felted wool crafts, succulent plant
arrangements, tole paint items, flower centerpiece, etc.

I hope you can join us for this fun event!

French General Quilt Kits

2010-11-15T16:01:00.000-08:00

Today, I recieved a very special package from French General. Their very first quilt kits!

The first quilt is called "Maison de Garance", just like their fabric line available now. This quilt was designed by Jon Zabala and myself, pieced and appliqued by my friend, Penelope Tucker and quilted by Debbie Thornton from Prairie Queens Quilts. Our collaboration worked very well. It was an amazing experiernce for me to work with such talented people.

I think this quilt is a great interpretation of her fabric line. House design was inspired from French country house, as a matter of fact, it almost looks like the house from "Chateau Getaway" that French General offers every summer. If you don't know about this, please check out their website for next summer trip.

The second quilt is "Reine des Abeille" which is larger quilt with hexagon design. This quilt was designed by myself, made by Ayako Yamazaki and myself, and quilted by Debbie Thornton.

"Reine des Abeille" means Queen Bee. Hexagons represent the honeycombs. I used the motif fabrics to fit in the hexagons to make it more interesting. Piecing the hexagons by machine is not too difficult. Sew straight and you just have to know where to stop. If you are not confortable to sew by machine, you have an option to do English paper piecing. Information is included in the pattern.

If you never order from French General, you will be surprised with their heart-warming packaging. All kits are packaged in a fabric envelope-style bag and include a quilt label with kit number and the blank label for you to write your own information.

Do you like to order these quilt kits? Well, they are only available from French General. And you might want to hurry because each kits are limited to 50 customers. Here is the link to their website. www.frenchgeneral.com

I hope you like them as much as I do!
-Keiko

New patterns

2010-10-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

I know many designers are experiencing sleepless nights in this season. Not because of getting cold, not because of illness, but writing patterns to be ready for the fall quilt market. Well, I'm one of them now... :-) I (and my dear helpers, too) am working so hard to create some pattern samples and we hope you all love them. Here is a couple sneak preview of them. Once I finished with pattern covers, I promise to share with you.

Take care,
Keiko

More bags...

2010-09-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of "Madam Butterfly" that one of my students made. So cute! Aren't they? She couldn't stop at one, so she made three. It's fun to use up the fabric you have at home!

And this one is made by Japanese lady. I can make bag out of fabric and I know how to crochet but can't make this bag. So pretty, aren't they?

I went to two quilt show last weekend. One is "Quilting in the garden" in Livermore. Featured quilter was Sue Nickel. I took her class while ago and her work is always wonderful. Another one was Morgan Hill Show. My friends received several ribbons and that made me smile all day long. Beautiful quiltful weekend!

Twister Quilt

2010-09-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had wonderful Labor Day weekend. Me? I spent most of my days at the cold ice rink. My son plays ice hockey and had season's first tournament in San Jose. The result was second place, but really competitive games!

So I couldn't do much of my work this weekend, which I was suppose to. Many deadlines are coming up and my sewing studio(aka family's living room) is getting messy. It looks like the aftermath of Twister.

Oh, here is my version of Twister quilt. I discovered the very convenient ruler at Moda Lissa's blog. This ruler is very COOL! You should try.

A day in Carmel

2010-08-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

I went to Carmel with my family for my birthday.

When I moved to California from Japan about 16 years ago, Carmel was one of my favorite place to go(still is) and we used to go there often. Our life became a bit busy after we had our son, so I couldn't go as often as before.

Every time we go there, I have a new discovery. One time, I found an antique shop with very nice quilts.(which doesn't exist now...) Another time, we found a very nice restaurant.(very small and hidden)

This time, I found beautiful courtyard. You might already know about this place. Yes, it's in front of Thomas Kinkade Gallery. We had to go through the narrow passage(pictured above), and found this place.

I forgot to bring my digital camera so I had to use my iPhone. But it came out pretty nice, don't you think?

If you've never been to Carmel, you should plan to visit when you come to SF bayarea. You might find something very nice.

-Keiko

I love bags...

2010-08-13T12:13:00.001-07:00

I love to design and make bags. It's fun making it and usually takes a couple of days to make, then I get to use it and show to my friends.

Recently, when I see the new fabrics, the bag designs come first. Until a few years ago, I thought of quilt designs... So my recent inclination to the fabric changed.

When I go to a day trip, I always bring a sketchbook and draw some ideas. This bag is one of my new patterns, "Madam Butterfly". The overlapped flap reminds me kimono and butterfly. This bag is great for any age group. Just try to use the fabric you like and it will change the look. BTW, it's not really inspired by that opera.

Then, "Mom's delight", large tote which can hold your laptop computer. Or it can be diaper bag for new moms. Use it for a day trip or shopping at the mall. It holds a lot of things.

How about this "Balloon Tote"? This is usually called Granny Bag in Japan and uses curved template but I created from rectangle! No template needed!!! Isn't that great? You can really fit balloon in this bag. The other day, I placed a 12" pie plate in this bag and brought to pot luck party. Be creative!

I have more ideas in my mind and hope to share with you soon!

Enjoy the rest of Summer!
-Keiko

I had little visitors...

2010-07-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, we have visitors from nearby mountain.

This time, mom and two baby deer came to have fun in our backyard. We have big trees so they can hide and rest in the shade. When babies walk around, mom always keeps eyes on them very carefully and when they go too far, she calls them to come back. They are so adorable. As you know, they are very sensitive to sounds so I couldn't open my door and go outside, but I got a picture from my studio.

It is so peaceful to watch my backyard with deer resting, squeals running around and jumping branches to branches, birds singing the songs. Only thing I miss during summer is the color of flowers. I've tried to plant some flowers but my little visitors love to have the beautiful flowers for their breakfasts and lunches. Oh, and not to forget, our moles pull the whole roots down to underground. After planting three times, I gave up. So no flowers in summer. But I enjoy beautiful flowers on fabrics.

What I am waiting for is new fabrics from Lecien. Especially the new fabric line, "Georgia Lou" by Brenda Riddle of Acorn Quilt and Gift Company. I can't wait when Brenda unfolds her new fabric and shows us. I will dream the bag and quilt designs day and night inspired by this beautiful fabric!

Have a happy Monday!
-Keiko

Another Cathedral Window Technique Class

2010-07-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

I had another opportunity to teach how to make Cathedral Window in an easier way. Here are some progress of my students. Isn't this fun?

My friend, Penny took the class and post very nice comment about it. Thank you, Penny!

One nice day...

2010-05-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I visited my friend's "Open Garden".

Her backyard is full of blooms.

She makes very cute succulent arrangements.

And dried herbs & potpourri. Another friend made shoe-keeper, sachet, and tea pot mat with these potpourri inside. Nice collaborations!

There was tasting table of rose jam and herbal tea. Delicious!

Then complete with beautiful flower arrangement!

What a refreshing moment and I was energized by beautiful flowers and precious friends!
Thank you for wonderful day!!!

-Keiko

Window of the world class

2010-04-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

I taught how to make Cathedral Windows easy way. Less folding, less husstle. If you ever made Cathedral Windows in traditional way, you know what I'm talking about. It is not an easy pattern to make. So many foldings just like "origami", and need to be cut and fold exactly. I found the way which is simple and easier, but still require accuracy. It goes much faster than traditional way. Try it!

Here is some of my students progress pictures;

Eli completed hers and here is her pillow.

Isn't it fun to see the same pattern in different fabrics? Please send me the photo if you made one and I will add to this post. How fun!

-Keiko

I've been waiting for...

2010-03-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

It's already March!

And Easter is around the corner. I have a very popular pattern of mine for this season. Since I started to publish the patterns, this one is flying out of the door especially before Easter! It's "Honeybun Basket".

This basket is perfect for an egg-hunt for little kids, or for gifts. It uses MODA's honeybun or 1 1/2" strips and a fat-quarter for lining. You can actually make 5 or 6 basket out of one honeybun roll. So make them for yourself, then for kids, grandkids, friends, neighbors, etc... I used clear plastic water bottle(one gallon size) as protector. Many people contacted me what brand I used, well it can be Crystal Geyser or Whole Foods brand clear ones. If you are experienced sewer, it only takes a couple of hours to make one. Enjoy!!!

There is a new fabric line from MODA that I've been waiting for long time. "Rural Jardin" by Kaari of French General. I had fat quarter bundle from fall market and made this Cathedral Window pillow with them. I will be teaching the classes at Prairie Queens Quilt Shop in March and June.

With Kaari's previous line "Rouenneries", I made this quilt "Desparate Journey". I showed you a part of this quilt before I entered PIQF. Guess what?? It was hung at the show and I'm very happy about the comments I heard from other quilters. Thank you!

I love these fabrics!!! They are my favorite! Thank you, Kaari. Thank you, MODA.

Happy quilting,

Keiko

Virtual Quilt Show from my class

2010-03-09T21:57:00.000-08:00

I'm trying the new thing! I placed the slide show of virtual quilt show from my class at Prairie Queens Quilt Shop. I will keep adding more pictures. I hope you enjoy them. If you click the picture, the new window will open then you can see the larger images.

キルト教室の皆様
先日持ってきていただいた作品の写真をアップしました。今後もどんどん追加していきたいので、皆さんがんばって作品を製作しましょう。
写真をクリックすると別のウィンドウが開いて写真をダウンロードしたり、注文したりすることもできますのでどうぞお楽しみください。　ご家族やお友達にもお知らせください。

Very talented students

2010-03-01T16:04:00.000-08:00

I am teaching the open sewing class every Thursday at Prairie Queens Quilt Shop in San Jose, CA and some of my regular students brought their projects and shared with everyone. How wonderful they are!

Ayako made "Coney Island" by Fig Tree Quilts using 30's fabrics. The green sashing pulling all the colors together. Fun quilt!

and she is making another quilt. This is my pattern "Twinkle Twinkle" using Lecien's fabric Celebration by Brenda Riddle. So sweet! Perfect for Valentine's Day.

This is Kazumi's very first quilt. She made this for her daughter. Machine pieced and hand stitched around the hearts and hand quilted. Very sweet!

Yoko made two bags and matching skirt. Double wedding ring bag is the block leftover from the quilt she made for her mother. She wanted to keep the memory with her. Hexagon bag is made from her old skirt and she changed the design and made another skirt. Very talented! One old skirt turned into a bag and new skirt!

Kanako made this very simple but pretty quilt using feed sack fabrics. Just adding small triangles in the corner of the each squares gave this quilt movement and scallopped border added nice design on simple white border. Can you feel antique?

I'm very lucky to have such a wonderful group of students. I will share other students projects another time.

-Keiko

Hockey Season almost over???

2010-03-01T15:04:00.000-08:00

Guess where I've been recently.

I was in Dallas, TX in January, Colorado Springs in February, and just came back from South Lake Tahoe... Sounds like wonderful vacations, aren't they? I wish they were... I was at the ice rinks in those cities cheering for my son's ice hockey team. He is in the travel team and we normally drive around Norcal and one or two big trips during the season. It felt like this season was extra long (I don't know why...) and regular season is two more weeks to go. Then, if they are one of the top four in Norcal teams, they go to playoffs. I like hockey, but want to watch from warm & cozy living room if possible.

During the hockey trips, kids usualy play just hockey, no other fun prior to the games. But this last trip to Tahoe, my son and his friends stoped at snow park on the way home and had lots of fun. Weather was wonderful!! Sun was very warm and I almost took my jacket off.

Out of these three trips, I was able to visit one quilt shop in Colorado Springs. It's Ladybug Hill Quilt Shop. I wish I took photos of the shop to share with you. The person who works there was very friendly and they have beautiful appliqued quilts as samples, they must have great teacher(s).

I'm going back to my work now. I have several new patterns to work on...

Go Sharks,
-Keiko

Pattern correction

2010-01-12T12:40:00.000-08:00

I just taught "Twinkle Twinkle" class at Prairie Queens Quilt shop and found a mistake in the pattern. I suggested to use 4 inch octagon acrylic template from Baycreek Quilting Products. Guess what?? The way they measure the octagon was from corner to corner, but I needed 4" from side to side. So sorry about this. I made my own template from plastic sheet because I didn't have time to wait for this product to arrive.

If you bought this template for Twinkle Twinkle and experiencing the difficulties (end up too small), please accept my sincere apology. Please email me and I will send you a free pattern using this template so that you don't have to return it or waste it just sitting there. This free pattern will be available sometime in February.

Anyway, I hope all of you had wonderful holidays. I will try to update my blog more often and I have to do something with my website this year!

Talk soon,
Keiko

Pattern Update

2009-11-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

It's getting cooler here in northern California. I hope everyone is staying healthy. I was little sick for a while. Now it's time to catch up with some stuff.

First of all, I'd like to introduce my new bag pattern "Peony Bouquet Tote". I'm teaching how to make this bag at Prairie Queens Quilt Shop in San Jose, if you are interested. Click here for more information.

I used the fabric designed by Brenda Riddle of Acorn quilt and gift company. This fabric line "Celebration" by Lecien is so pretty and romantic! Can you imagine to decorate a room with this fabric with some French country furniture? You can see the products made by talented designers using Celebration fabrics at Brenda's blog. She kindly included my quilt "Promise in Paris" and this bag "Peony Bouquet Tote". Thank you, Brenda!

I also used the new product called "Texture Magic" by Superior Thread. I attached this sheet on the wrong side of the fabric and sew simple straight lines. Then it shrinks the fabric by steam iron. It is so cool! Every time I steam it, I love watching the fabric shrink. Depends on the stitching design or fabric, it gives different looks. It is so much fun you would want to try again and again. Visit Superior Thread's "Mother Superior's Blog" every Tuesday! They introduce different projects and how to use the product.

I am working on another pattern and here is a sneak preview for you.

I designed this pattern for "Serenity" fabric of Maywood Studio. It is getting quilting now... which was originally going to be done by fall market. Sorry, Gail for the delay. The pictured fabric is "Evening Mist" by Moda. They are both beautiful taupe color fabrics and I will post both quilts later when they are done. Japanese taupe color is getting more popular in US and easier to obtain. If you are interested in these colors, visit Yoko Saito's website/quilt shop "Quilt Party". Her work is amazing.

That's it for today. Have a wonderful weekend!

-kc

Ready for PIQF

2009-10-13T17:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long absense.

I was so busy like I couldn't believe. Now I have time to sit down to rest... well, it's not going to happen. It's time for Pacific International Quilt Festival! I dropped my quilts today for the show, and tomorrow I am helping Prairie Queens to set up their very first booth at PIQF. They made two kits using my patterns and they are going to bring most of my patterns there to sell. What a priviledge for me as a new designer to have wonderful shop like this to feature me!

This is "Twinkle Twinkle" made of Japanese fabric from Yuwa. It's called KS Collection which has 90 sku, beautiful line. Using this collection, I can probably design 10 quilts easily. Can't find them anywhere else!(except in Japan) Usually, the kaleidoscope block is difficult to make. But I came up with easier way. You can make this block from pinwheel with half square triangle! You should try this method. Using dark background might be interesting. Does anyone want to try it?

Next is "Promise in Paris". I used "Celebration" by Brenda Riddle for Lecien. This line has soft pastel with beautiful flower design. With simple applique design, it has French Country feeling. You can make this quilt in many different theme. Such as fall color, blue & yellow, red & white, taupe color, plaid only, etc... You can make totally different look!

I have many more to come, so keep checking my blog, please!

Talk to you soon!

Keiko

Back to School...

2009-08-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

My son is going back to school tomorrow, and my daughter is taking off to college. Then I hope I can get back to my regular schedule. This summer went really quickly, I think it went too fast. I had plan to do this and that. I was hoping to make several quilts for fun. Guess what, I am way behind the schedule, and I forced myself to complete one which made me feel so tired and sick. I'm still recovering from it, but very satisfied with it.

Here is the picture of the quilt, only part of it. It is made with "Rouenneries" by French General of Moda. Beautiful fabric, and I didn't want to cut it up. But this simple design worked well. I sent it to long arm quilter who does excellent job every time.

I'm going to enter in PIQF. If this quilt gets in the show, I will let you know so that you can see it in person, maybe...

Look forward to more quilts that I'm going to work in September...

Hot here...

2009-07-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

It has been very hot here in San Jose area. Close to 3 digit, maybe over.

As I promised, I am uploading my current quilt patterns.

This is the quit which traveled all over the world. I designed and made this quilt for Lecien and they wanted to display at Yokohama International Quilt Week in Japan, then traveled to Australia, then several contries in Europe and finaly came back to me. I wish I went with.

"First Love" is my very first pattern. I love this fabric, "Durham Quilt Collection". It has feeling of British country.

"Icebox Cookies" are the pattern you can make with one Honey Buns from MODA and 6 fat quarters. Fun quilt!

"Peaceful Night" is Japanese taupe color quilt. By changing the position of sashing post, it created the diagonal setting look. Easy piecing.

"Sweetie Pie" is very popular quilt for beginners. Perfect for baby quilt or wall hanging.

Please email me for the inquiries.
Thanks,
-kc

My patterns

2009-07-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

I guess I'm going to try posting the pattern pictures tonight. Deb asked me if I can share my pattern pictures with her. This is my solution for now. Sorry if it doesn't look good. Today is bags & baskets patterns only. I will post quilts patterns later...

-kc

Hello...

2009-07-12T21:43:00.001-07:00

Well, finally I'm joining blogging world. I was a blog reader for a while, now am writing one! I have to learn how to post pictures.

Today, I cleaned my studio (aka sewing room) and refreshed my mind to be ready to start busy week again. Cleaning is definitely necessary after the event, such as quilt market, open house, craft boutique, making samples and patterns. If I don't do it, I can't find things...

The open house at Prairie Queens Quilt shop was a great success! Many people came to visit us in the back room. All the instructors displayed very nice items to teach in the upcoming class from July thru November. The shop is offering 25% off till Wednesday, so I have to go back there to shop for myself.

This is enough for the first day, I think... See you again soon.
-kc

Cotton Flower

New Year's Resolution

Quick Project for Christmas Present

Market Report

Sorry for long silence

Love Pockets for Japan

Red and White Quilts

Help for Japan

It's been so long...

Season of Giving

French General Quilt Kits

New patterns

More bags...

Twister Quilt

A day in Carmel

I love bags...

I had little visitors...

Another Cathedral Window Technique Class

More photos added to Slide Show

One nice day...

Window of the world class

I've been waiting for...

Virtual Quilt Show from my class

Very talented students

Hockey Season almost over???

Pattern correction

Pattern Update

Ready for PIQF

Back to School...

Hot here...

My patterns

Hello...