Monday, January 15, 2018

A Beautiful New Year to You!

A beautiful new year to you. 'Tis a beautiful new year down here at the bottom of the world. I am little tardy with my new year greeting I know, but here in my little part of the world, I have been chilling out enjoying beautiful and warm, summery days as they roll on and on. Down here, in my little part of the universe, there has been a rather relaxed kinda feeling. Nothing but a snail's pace is the order of my day; going for early morning walks watching the sun rise as it smiles in the sky, enjoying many hours by the pond and in the garden.....YAY OH YAY.....'tis Hydrangea time), reading a book or two or three, and among many other pleasant activities, stitching and finishing my Japanese silk, quilt top.......but more about my Japanese pretty later on.

Just because our garden is blooming in a concoction of gorgeous colours, I thought I would zoom some happy snaps to those of you, way up there who have been bombarded by snow cyclones, dark, dreary days and other such travesties that Ol' Man Winter is throwing at you. My goodness he has been nasty, hasn't he. I hope you are all okay. I suppose it will be my time to experience his wintry, frigid breath in a while, but I won't entertain that thought at all for the moment.

There is a profusion of beautiful flowers in the garden; Hydrangeas, Roses, Dahlias, Cosmos, just to name a few.

Some pretty pink roses, beautiful blue Hydrangeas and a swan or two or three. I love my latest bric-a-brac find, a gorgeous swan vase. I love the graceful, flowing form of it.



A friend gifted me this pretty tablecloth for Christmas......so very pretty.



Now to that finished quilt top. I am very excited....my beautiful (well I think it is)  quilt top, where scrumptious Japanese silks abound and a scattering of origami flowers flourishing here and there, is finished.



When the idea of a quilt fashioned out of Japanese kimono fabrics with origami flowers thrown into the mix, began to formulate in my brain pan, I confess I did wonder what was I thinking. My daughter had gifted me some of these beautiful Japanese silks so I decided I wanted to fashion a quilt showcasing these amazing designs. When 'we' first arrived in Tassie, I happened upon a stall at my favourite markets, where a lady sold Japanese fabrics that she had cut from vintage kimonos. I purchased quite a few and added them to the mix. A match made in heaven if you ask me.

As I have intimated on a few occasions, I have always found origami.....the art of folding paper into amazing creations, a tad puzzling. Indeed I found it impossible. BUT.....as I scratched my pea brain and discombobulated and puzzled over the "how to" I began to figure it out......well in any case, the simpler designs. I am so happy the last stitch of this quilt top has been stitched. AND.....I must admit I am happy with this pretty.....thus far.

Every morning, whilst on my walk I walk past a most beautiful lavender field. The fragrance emanating from this field is intoxicating. It belongs to a neighbouring farmer............the perfect backdrop to showcase my Japanese pretty.


This quilt is a rather large one. It is a queen bed size, with both sides touching the floor. Fortuitously, I had just enough Japanese fabrics to fashion this pretty.


I am happy to have grabbed my origami inadequacies with both hands with the stitching of this quilt. I am so happy that I gave fabric origami a burl, as I rather love this quilt top. The slow hand stitching of this quilt has put a smile in many a day. When I quilt this pretty, I am thinking I will use different coloured threads, following the design in each panel in a go-with-the-flow fashion. But for now........there are some more warm summer days to enjoy.

Until the next time.........



48 comments:

  1. I see that you started the new year very well !
    Your flowers and creations are gorgeous !
    When I saw the lavender field, I believe it was in the south of France but no ! I was amazing by it !
    Have a wonderful Year !
    Hug
    Anna

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  2. What beautiful pictures! Your quilt on that lavender field! I got a Japanese embroidery kit for Christmas, so I am also trying some Japanese crafting this year. Thank you for a great post! Anna x

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  3. I always get very happy on your post.
    The swans are amazing and your quilt is extremely beautiful!♥♥♥
    Lovely photos, dear Kim.

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    1. Thank you, lovely Loes. I am so glad that I can send a little summery happiness your way. Kim Xx

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  4. Happy new year Kim! You greeted us with an eye-feasting post today and elevated our moods to untellable heights! Thank you so much!

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  5. Oh, those flowers. Just what I need. Your photos always have such amazing color. The Japanese fabrics are so pretty, too.

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  6. OH MY GOODNESS! I just LOVE your newest "brain pan" concoction! It is just incredibly beautiful! And spread out over the field of lavender, oh be still my heart! How can you stand such loveliness?!! Truly a work of art because working with silk is not the easiest task, and yet you make it look so easy! Thank you for sharing your gorgeous flower filled world with us! Thankfully our weather here has not been brutal, just a bit gray, but still lots of beauty to be found in it. This morning it will be very icy as I take my morning walk with ice picks on my shoes. However, the sun is shining, and I am grateful for that! I just have my heart filled with beauty after reading your post, and want to thank you for sharing your beautiful world and talents with us :) Your pictures and quilts need to be in a book my friend!!! Hugs to you today!

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  7. Oh, how GORGEOUS! I love your kimono quilt so much! It reminded me of a kimono my auntie brought me when I was a little girl. PINK!
    And those lavender fields! It's so fun to look at summertime when it's snowing outside!

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  8. Did I mention, I can smell lavender? O, my where to begin.
    Gardens, flowers, and books plus a gorgeous exotic quilt. Such a wonderful foray into beauty.
    Thank you, Kim.

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    1. No....but I am not at all surprised. =) Dixie, the fragrance is beautiful. Thank you for your beautiful comments, lovely lady. Your visits always put a smile in my day.

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  9. You have such beautiful flowers. I am eagerly waiting for the snowdrops to peep up here, they will be the first flowers of the year in England. x

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  10. What a beautiful quilt top - it is gorgeous on its own but with the purple lavender in the background, it comes to live even more. I imagine it to be so very soft and smooth. Happy New Year to you, too.

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  11. Your images would make take most beautfil greeting cards. For now I shall revel in them here on your blog. Happy New Year!

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  12. Happy New Year to you too! It is wonderful to see the colours from your garden and that beautiful quilt. Just the cheering up I need here in a cold and grey UK. The quilt is so pretty. Did you have a struggle with the silk slipping as you sewed? I think it must have been quite a challenge. I am just starting an embroidered BOM quilt from Gail Pan. Prettyin a different way but all a bit monochrome, just like our skies!

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  13. So nice to be reminded of warmer days ahead when we are experiencing such cold temperatures here in New York! As always your pictures are beautiful and so is your quilt. Thank you ;o) Margie

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    1. Yes, I have seen on the news that New York has been bombarded by snow cyclones; it sounds very chilly indeed. It is always a good day when you visit my place, lovely Margie. I hope all is well with you. Kim Xx

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  14. Happy New Year to you! Your pictures are beautiful and quite uplifting, that lavender field how amazing to be amongst that lovely scent. Your quilt is beautiful as are all your creations Enjoy your Summer and long may your warm days last, I can only dream haha. :) x

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  15. Your quilt is stunning Kim; those fabrics are gorgeous and the 'touches' of origami are beautiful. Love the backdrop of the lavender farm...I can just imagine the beautiful fragrance too. The tablecloth with the crocheted crinoline ladies is so sweet; a perfect gift for you! My goodness all those hydrangeas! 😍

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  16. That quilt is stunning, I would love to see it laid out flat. The detail is wonderful, and those silks are so pretty!! Great job on the flower hand work. Wonderful lavendar fields. I'll bet you are enjoying the warmer days.

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  17. I am just amazed at the beauty you create with your hands. Your newest quilt is so gorgeous and unusual. Thank you for the beautiful pictures of blooming flowers and that lavender field is fabulous. I can almost smell it and feel the warmth. All that cold and snow we are having is pretty at times, especially when there's a lot of it!

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  18. So much colour & delightfullness in this post - as usual - dear Kim. Your flowers & your new quilt are just stunning! That lavender field - Oh MY! Happy New Year to you dear Kim ...please keep on creating your beautiful visions. Xxx

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  19. Happy New Year Kim! It certainly is a very beautiful time in your part of the world. Your quilt is gorgeous and all those flowers are a cheerful sight indeed :)

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  20. Happy New Year! The quilt top looks so lovely. A real treasure! You live close by a lavender field?! I feel my face turning green with envy :)

    -Soma

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  21. Happy New Year to you, Kim! Your lovely photos never fail to bring a smile! So much loveliness - I can almost smell the lavender, and that quilt is exquisite, indeed! I'm sure it feels luxurious, too. You have been busy.....and always an inspiration. It is so nice to see all the pretty bouquets and needleworks. Love the swans and the sweet gingham tablecloth. Enjoy these glorious summer days - I am dreaming of them myself. Sending hugs xo Karen

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    1. Thank you, Karen. Summer will be in your little corner of the world before you know it. =) Kim Xx

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  22. Highly energetic article, I enjoyed that a lot. Will there be a part 2?

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    1. Why thank you. Yes there will be a part 2....but it could take a while. Kim Xx

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  23. Oh wow that is just so amazing!! Not only does the flowers brings such joy to see in the midst of our winter but that lovely quilt is just amazing, such beautiful work you have put into it and at such a large size, bet it felt good to step back and see your finished work! That lavender is such a wonderful backdrop also, I bet the fragrance is just lovely! So glad to hear your enjoying a nice relaxing summer. So glad you stopped by, I didn't get a notice of this blog update, wouldn't have wanted to miss this :)

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  24. Kim, I can always count on you to share your beautiful summery world during our long, cold days here in the North! Today finally got above freezing, it’s been frigid here all winter. Fortunately, not lots of ice and snow as others have been enduring. Your Japanese fabric quilt top is almost as lovely as your beautiful hydrangeas! Those folded flowers add so much interest. Thank you so much for sharing your warm and wonderful world this week! Happy New Year!

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  25. it is so beautiful kim, a real show stopper! just as lovely are your images, lavender field is such a wonderful place to showcase the quilt!!

    i am starting to dream about spring and summer and seeing some of the beautiful flowers you shared today. the lavender field is spectacular. i'll bet you can smell that lavender for miles!!

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  26. I'm alway inspired how you combine colors. I agree....this one is just soooo pretty!! Oh to have a lavendar field that large near by has me filled with envy. Happy stitching!

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  27. Oh I love all the happy bright colours here, it's made my day! The tablecloth your friend gave you is so charming, it's gorgeous! Yes...origami and I don't go together either. lol How can that be so difficult!? Where did you find that lavender field? So pretty. xx

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  28. I love the little crocheted ladies on the edge of that tablecloth. What skill it must have taken! Your quilt looks like a fun project too. And your flower pictures! You live in a beautiful place!

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  29. Wow, that is just what this snow cyclone survivor needed to see! LOL! I've had my fill of snow, ice and arctic temperatures....longing for summer days and flowers. But for now, these beautiful images will do. The lavender field is amazing...hoping to visit one in Canada in the summer! It is indeed a beautiful backdrop for the gorgeous origami quilt! the tablecloth you received as a gift is adorable too! enjoy your beautiful weather. Thanks for the cheery lift!!! xx Linda

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  30. Well dearest Kim, a very Happy New Year to you!! Your flowers are just glorious, and oh my, your origami quilt...amazing. What a gorgeous backdrop you've used with the lavender fields. I can just about get a whiff of that lovely fragrance and I imagine that your new quilt picked up the scent after rubbing against the flowers. Thank you for sharing the beauty with us! xx

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  31. Oh Kim, the closest I have ever lived with such beautiful gardens and color is when we lived in San Diego. Not in our own yard; but with all the gardens that we visited and in the neighborhoods that we lived. What a thrill to see what your eyes can see. And even better you carry it into your quilts and amazing art work.

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  32. Oh my Kim, your garden is full of such bounteous beauty! Oh how I would love to wander through it!! That swan is darling. I have an accidental swan collection. I decided to showcase them in my basement bath. I recently found one on runners, like a sleigh. I think I'll fill it with hearts for Valentines Day. That Japanese quilt is amazing as is that Lavender field. Your talent simply amazes me!!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. You are very kind, lovely Jann, thank you. Oh, I love the idea of your swan as a sleigh filled with hearts for Valentines Day. Knowing you, your Valentines pretties will be amazing! Kim Xx

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  33. Stunning floral beauty...love the contrast of that pretty orange checkered table cloth against the blue hydrangeas. And just when I thought you had already out-done yourself...this is beautiful beyond words...beautiful doesn't quite cut it, actually. GIRL! Heaven surely must have fields of lavender like that, you think? And sitting a rocking chair adorned with that loveliness right smack in the middle of it only added to it's glory! Kim...what a talent you have been blessed with!

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  34. Oh - such a pretty and intriguing quilt. I love the pictures of the field of lavender. Is there anything as pretty as those fields?

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  35. You outdid yourself here, Kim, so much gorgeousness in every photo. And that was before I spotted my beloved Austen.
    Amalia
    xo

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  36. Gorgeous quilt Kim, such lovely colours to brighten our sad days in my part of the world. Wonderful lavender fields.

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  37. Kim, I don't know if I would ever sleep if I were you. I would just lay there looking at the beautiful quilts you make. Perhaps I'd dream of them if I did nod off!

    This new year I am blogging at https://littleportioncottage.com

    Gina xo

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  38. Oh my oh my oh my - I am swept away in beauty. The time and pleasure of your silk quilt just boggles my mind. And then the photos - what joy! As always, your flowers are superb and the photos, especially with the swan vase - are enchanting. We are getting the slight beginnings of a hope of spring - a few daffodils in warm spots - pussy willows popping out to greet us - but still the constant, never ending rain. In a little less than two weeks we have had over 6 inches of rain - more than normal - but at least it hasn't been snow - though beautiful, our area is not well prepared for snow, as we have it so rarely, so everything comes to a halt. That doesn't bother me, as I like a good housebound day - but it does disrupt others. And what is your next project? Can't wait to see what you plan and I know it will be scrumptious. Happy weekend my dear.

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  39. I'm back again and more amazed than before . . . your incredible talent with needle and thread and this silk fabric (I can't imagine working with silk)is mind blowing to me. I love all the detail, you have a gift:) Then there is the crocheted afghan in the post after this one . . . you have a true aptitude for combine many colors and creating master pieces. You do, of course, have wonderful inspiration in your flower garden and those gorgeous fields of lavender. You wouldn't be a great granddaughter to Claude Monet, would you? He would have loved your home:)
    Enjoy the rest of your summer . . . I'm so delighted that I found your blog.
    Connie :)

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  40. Hi Kim. Still browsing your pretty blog for the second night and why not, nothing but repeat after repeat on the telly. All my smocking up to date too,so here I am.
    I am in love love love with your latest acomplishment. my dear daughter would be in heaven if I could do anything remotely like this one. She adores Japanese silk. As does my dear cousin in Melbourne who collects anything Japanese and dabbles in the art of Tamari..
    To showcase your lovely quilt in the Lavender field is lovely Well done
    Xx jeanette ann

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