Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Switching to Sendai

Just as I am getting to the fun part of my stumpwork flowers for my Breakfast at Tiffany's block, I have to switch gears and turn my attentions to Sendai, Japan.

The Crazy Quilt International Yahoo group has launched The Hearts and Hands for Sendai initiative, requesting volunteers to create crazy quilt blocks that will be used to make quilts to raise funds on behalf of the relief efforts in Sendai Japan.

The block is due June 30 so I need to get a move on! I've figured out my approach and today I hope to piece the square.


Yesterday, while I was pulling together my fabrics and supplies for this project, the doorbell rang. It was the postman asking me to sign for a package from Japan.

Inside was this beautiful Japanese thimble handmade by Chloe Patricia of Ma Mercerie.


I had forgotten I had ordered it and here it was on the day I started to work on my Sendai block. serendipity...

I first read about these thimbles on the blog enbrouderie and have been following Chloe Patricia's Etsy shop ever since, hoping for just the right thimble to come along.

I lived in Japan for three years in the early nineties and, while there, I studied sashiko quilting. I'm thinking this thimble will work beautifully when trying to push those long sashiko needles through fabric.


It was also watching this video, that convinced me that perhaps the use of this thimble was more intuitive for my sewing style than the old fashioned metal one that fits over the tip of my finger.

I'm so glad to have it in my sewing tool box. I really love it. Thank you Chloe Patricia. It's a work of art and I am thrilled with its functionality and beauty.

If you want instructions on how to make your own or want to buy one for yourself, check out Chloe Patricia's blog here or her Etsy shop here. She also runs a monthly photo sharing of thimbles being made by folks all over the world and you can see them all in this Flickr group.

See you tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll have a pieced Sendai block to share.

If you would like to participate, you still have time. Get the details here on Kerry's blog KerryKatieCakes.

8 comments:

Karin Slaton said...

What a wonderful project! I've sent a link of your post to all my quilting friends. Looking forward to your finished block.

verobirdie said...

That thimble is beautiful, and its operating mode is interesting, hum.
Thanks for showing it.

Shirlee Fassell said...

I have never liked or used a traditional thimble... but after my last marathon of emboidering my "ladies coat' made for a very sore pointer finger I may invest in one... Your block looks devine I love the water ... can't wait to see the finished product. Shirlee

Kathy said...

Thanks for showing the thimble; I've never seen one like it. Its definitely a better idea than the conventional types. I have thimbles in various materials and still, I cannot get used to using them. I think I'll try one of Japanese thimbles. I'm looking forward to seeing your finished block.

Kathy said...

Thanks for showing the thimble; I've never seen one like it. Its definitely a better idea than the conventional types. I have thimbles in various materials and still, I cannot get used to using them. I think I'll try one of Japanese thimbles. I'm looking forward to seeing your finished block.

gracie said...

Can you tell us how you purchased the thimble. I tried to go to her blog and etsy page but did not see them and it asks you to register?! I would love to buy one. Any help would be appreciated. Can't wait to see your project.

Elizabeth said...

Now this might be the thimble for me!!!! The over the finger tip kind always get in my way!! Must check it out!! your Japan Block is going to be stunning!! Those wave motifs and the pleated silk are stunning!!! Can't wait to see more!!!

Rachel said...

What a delightful thimble!

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