JAPANESE QUILT PATTERNS: 

"Shibui" means elegant!  The quilts below are truly elegant - a delight to all who appreciate the beauty and luxury of Japanese fabric.

101-10  OHANA  (59"x72")

Ohana refers to the honorable place of flowers.  Hana means "flower"; it also means "nose" - with which we smell flowers.  Ohana honors the beauty of flowers from the easily pieced flower block to the large-scale Japanese floral border.   Additional instruction for a queen-size quilt.   Skill level:  Beginner to Intermediate

101-20  SASHIKO CROSS      (67"x78")

Sashiko Cross refers to a repetitious background design (called a "diaper" pattern) utilized by artists and craftsmen in pottery, textiles, lacquer, metalwork, and porcelain.  The pattern is formed by connecting "swastikas" and is often used as a sashiko quilting design.  The swastika is considered an auspicious symbol and represents "strength."   Sashiko Cross utilizes "male" kimono-type fabrics in an easily pieced quilt top.  Skill level:  Beginner.

101-30  GEISHA  (50"x61")

Dramatic as the lifestyle which inspired it, Geisha celebrates the feminine in a quilt of fans and "Peonies"- the symbol of woman.    Includes instructions for an alternate pieced center and adaptations for Michael Miller's Girl's Day/Boy's Day and the new panels from Kona and Lonni Rossi.  Skill level:  Intermediate

101-40 SEVEN TREASURES (60"x75")

Based upon the Seven Treasures or Seven Jewels sashiko quilting design of interlaced circles, the Seven Treasures Quilt uses only 3 fabrics in a dynamic and dramatic design.  Additional instruction for a queen-sized bed quilt.  Skill level:  Beginner to Intermediate.

101-60 WISTERIA MAIDEN

A three-panel set featuring the Wisteria Maiden, Fuju-musume, in the center piece.  Popular in Japanese art and doll-making, the Wisteria Maiden is rendered as a kimono-clad lady wearing a dish-like hat and holding racemes of wisteria.  Our Wisteria Maiden is centered between two panels of Ogi (fans).  Any of our 9" blocks designs can be used in the panels.

101-70 LOTUS  (King size)

The lotus grows in still, shallow bodies of fresh water where its sturdy root anchors in the mud, while its broad leaves float on the watery surface and its pure white blossoms point towards the sky.  Just as the lotus, with root in the mud, rises steadily upward to put forth a pure white bloom in the sun, any person can rise above their supposed station in life (no matter how low) to attain a higher goal.  For this reason, the lotus is associated with success and the attainment of goals.  A lotus quilt is a wish for success, harmony, love, and prosperity.

101-100  KARAHANA (Lap and Queen)

Stylized flowers with four or five petals were of Chinese origin and known in Japan as karahana ("kara" meaning Chinese; and "hana" meaning flower).  Karahana remain popular in Japanese design and are often enclosed in diamonds, hexagons, or vertical bars and seething.  The quilt shown is made in the Chinese style - symmetrical, primary colors, and densely patterned.  The karahana can be appliqued by hand or machine.  Included are instructions for a queen-sized quilt.

101-110 CHERRY BLOSSOM (Lap and Queen)

In early spring when the cherry trees bloom, groups gather for organized social outings called "cherry-viewing" parties.  Because of the fragile nature of the blossom and the brief blooming time, cherry blossoms came to symbolize the transcience of life and thus a popular subject for poetry.  The most beloved of flowers to the Japanese people, our simple Cherry Blossom quilt is an easy applique (by hand or machine).  Included are instructions for a queen-sized quilt.

101-120  HOSHI (Lap and Queen)

Hoshi means "heavenly body."  In Japan, star and constellation representations are regarded as auspicious and protective for those who use them.  The Hoshi quilt utilizes the West's familiar six-point star softened by a surrounding circle of fans - truly a "heavenly body."  Instructions included for queen-sized quilt.

101-125  HOSHI IN MIST

A beautiful wallhanging, 26" x 44" - very popular class project!

101-130   OGI (Lap and Queen)

"Ogi" is the generic name for "fan" in Japanese - specifically the folding fan believed to have originated in Japan.  The Ogi quilt is made to showcase a large collection of Japanese fabric.  Instructions also provided for a queen-sized quilt.

101-140  JAPANESE HOUSES  (Lap and Queen)

My first Japanese quilt design!  The house block is an original block design and made from charm squares!  I have used this quilt to teach introductory classes in Japanese quilting since 2000.  Students love the many fabrics and the FUN of trading charm squares!  Easy to kit!

101-150  Lotus Pool (Lap- to King-size)

New Lotus design!  The lotus grows in still, shallow bodies of fresh water where its sturdy root anchors in the mud, while its broad leaves float on the watery surface and its pure white blossoms point towards the sky.  Just as the lotus, with root in the mud, rises steadily upward to put forth a pure white bloom in the sun, any person can rise above their supposed station in life (no matter how low) to attain a higher goal.  For this reason, the lotus is associated with success and the attainment of goals.  A lotus quilt is a wish for success, harmony, love, and prosperity.

102-10  ISHI-GURUMA (Stone Cart)  Lap- to King-size

Ishi Guruma refers to an ancient Sashiko design inspired from stone-cart wheels.  This design works beautifully with any border print fabric.  Or, make your own border print in a "log-cabin" style or decorator look.  Instructions are included from Lap to King-size.

102-20 JAPANESE PINWHEELS (Full- to King-size)

Whether it is Boy's Day or just spring-time in the park, pinwheels provide fun for young and old alike.  The Japanese Pinwheel quilt was inspired by the perky pinwheels found on an old Noren shop curtain.

102-30 STAR GAZING (Lap- and Queen-size)

Stars are rendered in circle form in Japan.  This star is in hexagon form - the shape of the "Pa Kua" associated with the Chinese "Feng Shui" and the "I Ching".  Considered a most favorable geometric shape, it will bring luck and good fortune wherever it is displayed.

102-40  JAPANESE LANTERNS (Lap- and Queen-size)

Columns of paper lanterns provide festive lighting for outdoor activities as well as community festivals throughout Japan.  Lanterns come in many shapes, sizes and colors.  They are arranged singly, in horizontal rows, or in columns of lanterns stacked upon one another as in the quilts pictured here.  Add a festive touch to your home!

102-50  YIN/YANG (Twin to Queen)

The Yin/Yang Quilt represents this flow of masculine (Yang) energy weaving in and out of the feminine (Yin) energy.  Together they represent the energetic movement of life.