I wanted to write a bit about the traits of Japanese style quilting compared to Western style quilting, but today’s schedule is a bit tight and the posting deadline is here. I’ll just show a few pictures. Or maybe I’ll use bullet points:
Types of fabric: plain cotton, woven patterns, large and small scale dyed patterns, stencil dyed cottons, silks and wool.
I tried to choose colors that were present in the center block.



Block categories: patchwork, Sashiko, Kamon (traditional family crests worked as applique or sashiko) and Takarazukushi (good fortune symbols worked in applique.)
Now to the clue: Kathleen suggested King’s Crown pattern for this round, or choose a block that begins with a K, or that begins with the first letter of my name, L. I immediately thought of Log Cabin. But turning to my Japanese block design book, I saw no examples that looked like a log cabin. In studying the block names, I realized that the “L” sound is absent from the Japanese language! Lots of blocks start with a K. I settled on this pattern – Kumiko – which translates to Lattice.

And its construction begins with making four strip-pieced squares built around a center square. Hm, that resembles the beginning of a log cabin.

And here is my first block for Border One.

I ended up making three blocks, which I plan to place just below the center block row.

And so the first round is done, and my post written before the Linky party closes.
I see that my chosen path will hold much challenge if I stick to the plan.
If you want to follow along with Stay at Home Round Robin, here are the hosts and the weekly schedule. Check out their posts!
- January 20: 1st Round: Kathleen @ Kathleen McMusing
- January 27: 2nd Round: Anja @ Anja Quilts
- February 3: 3rd Round: Gail @ Quilting Gail
- February 10: 4th Round: Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
- February 17: 5th Round: Brenda @ Songbird Designs
- February 24: 6th Round: Emily @ The Darling Dogwood
- March 24: Parade: showing all of your finished SAHRRs!

Cool block. The nested square block is common, but I’ve never seen it set 4 together like that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You were clever to find a block beginning with K that translates to one beginning with L. These go very nicely with your centre block 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
I am enjoying seeing how you work the borders into this unique quilt. It is so cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Wendy. I feel pretty good about participating in SAHRR this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Come for the inspiration, stay for the education! I always learn something from you! (and it is always something I think is just so amazing!!) I might need to see if my library has any Japanese quilting books! I am absolutely fascinated! I really like your start as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The most prolific author of the craft is Susan Briscoe. I didn’t find any books in my library, but I purchased two last year. I also started searching the internet for Japanese quilt shows.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am happy to report that my library has an extensive collection, including several by Susan Briscoe! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s wonderful. I am wondering about the word Yutori. Is it Japanese?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is!! It roughly translates (albeit poorly) to spaciousness. But it really is so much more than that!
LikeLike
Anything to do with Japan it’s fabrics and design suits me just fine
Youve a nice collection.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vivienne, you may be interested in viewing kimonomomo’s shop on Etsy. I bought more Japanese fabrics from her and they seemed reasonably priced.
LikeLike
Looks wonderful! I love Japanese fabrics and aesthetic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I found more fabrics on an Etsy site, so 8 additional pieces are coming my way soon
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such pretty fabrics! I would have a hard time choosing… I like what you’ve done so far. Interesting to learn about Japanese quilting.
LikeLiked by 1 person