JAPANESE QUILT PATTERNS: 

"Sashiko" refers to the Japanese form of quilting whereby layers of fabric are joined together with long stitches of heavy thread.  Over hundreds of years, many designs were developed and used for both quilting and surface embellishment similar to the West's embroidery.  The heavy thread or yarn is similar to candlewick thread, but softer and less bulky.  The quilts featured utilize Sashiko in both forms - quilting and surface embellishment.

                                                          101-80  LONG LIFE  (24"x44")

In the West, we are familiar with the "Man in the Moon"; but in Japan, the moon is occupied by a "Rabbit" who is said to spend his days pounding rice cakes - a symbol of abundance.  Applique.  Skill level:  Beginner to Intermediate

101-90  GOOD FORTUNE     (65"x 83")

The Good Fortune quilt has 31 auspicious symbols to work in sashiko - enough for a Queen-sized quilt.  All combine to bring health, wealth, and happiness into your home.  Instructions for sashiko technique included.  Skill level:  Beginner.

101-160  NOREN

This is a finishing pattern for use with purchased Noren panels.  Noren refers to "shop curtains".  The auspicious design motifs symbolize prosperity and abundance and decorated the entrances to businesses.  The cover wallhanging is of Maneki Neko, the beckoning cat.  Also known as the "money cat" because of the 3 ideagrams for 10 million ryo on its chest.  The ryo was a unit of monetary exchange in Edo Japan equivalent to about 18 grams of gold.  Includes quilting instructions.