communicating through quilts

Top left: Mariko Kanazawa, top right: Noriko Koyama, bottom right: Kumiko Nakamura

Today I met some of the charming and talented Japanese quilters at the La Conner show. Mariko pointed out her first machine-stitched project. Noriko shared the fairy tale behind her fabulous free-motion quilt. And Kumiko proudly showed me her fastidiously appliqued quilt. All the work is world-class and inspired.

japanese quilt show : la conner

Today the biennial Japanese show opened at the La Conner Quilt Museum. Fourteen ladies, a floor of incredible quilts, and coffee service with yummy treats welcomed the media and public. I will be back later this summer to spend more time at the show!

la conner connection

Quilts from the 08 Japanese show.

I drove to Skagit Valley today to meet Liz Theaker, the director of the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum in the Gaches Museum. We talked about the upcoming Japanese show that opens the end of June.

In the summer of 08, I happened upon the biennual Japanese show (see photos above). The craftsmanship and design were impeccable. The quilts always come directly from Japan and don’t tour, so the show is exclusive to the Northwest’s only quilt museum.

In 2008, 14 quilters came to open the exhibit and teach classes. Liz doesn’t know yet how many quilters will be coming this year. No matter, they’ll be a big hit.

quilting in japan

Details of a Japanese quilt in “Path to Edo” at La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, Summer 2008

I am off to Tokyo for seven days to noodle around the big city and look for signs of Japanese quilts and their makers. I found another blog (goatinacoat@blogspot.com) that talked about different stores in the city to buy fabric, so that will help me out.

The Japanese, with their built-in meticulousness, are fabulous quilters. Although quilting may be considered an original American art form, the art/craft form translates well to the sensibilities and fabrics of the Japanese.

With my eyes open to all things quilted, this should be an exciting trip. Sayonara.