Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Winter Blues Blog Hop ~ Stitching Joy


My 1st Sashiko Stitches

In my little corner of the world "winter blues" is a malady,
a blah feeling that comes each winter and can take root
 indoors during long cold winter nights.
Occasionally it is tempered by days such as these 
when the sun shines bright on new fallen snow. 

My favorite way to meet and beat the blue days of winter,
when it is so cold even the air feels tinted icy blue,
is to learn something new.
Sew I did ... :-)

This simple stitching project is my choice  for the


This form of stitching is very soothing to me.
Maybe it is the colors.
Maybe it is the large stitches
Maybe it is the gentle waves of this pattern.


I stitched this first piece in one session on a cold, quiet winter evening.


This simple design was on a pre-printed panel.


As is my way when I am learning something new, I find good books
and look for the new tools I need.

Many of these supplies I found at  Here @ Fat Quarter Shop
My first project is one of the small pre-printed panels on this


My favorite new tools, the snips from Japan and the Clover Ring Plate Thimble
 I found on Amazon.


This the most comfortable thimble I have ever used.
It is an inexpensive version of a Japanese one.
It is adjustable and fits my hand!
I have tried many different kinds of thimbles over the years
but this is the only one I have been able to keep on and use.
I am actually able to take multiple stitches.
I also found I can use it for large stitch hand quilting.
It is a wonder! 

I found the following video very helpful ... 


This video is from Sashi.Co

They do not have it in stock at Fat Quarter Shop but I put in a new product suggestion
and they emailed me back that they will be stocking them soon.
I plan to buy a few more of these inexpensive thimbles 
so I can always find one when I need it. 


I wanted to frame and save my first Sashiko stitches.

Sew I found some fabric in my stash and turned this small square of sashiko 
into a simple quilt block.

To do this, I cut 2.5" strips and framed my stitches into what 
I have always called a "Happy Block".

Then I used scrap batting and a sticky board and set it into an 8" white frame.
No glue was used in this setting.
I could easily remove the block.

I am now thinking to make more of these 
"Sashiko" Happy Blocks and make a quilt. 
I like the idea of combining my stitching and quilting. 

I will be happy in my home this winter, 
continuing my Sashiko journey 
by stitching along with the 



I am learning more of this hand art with


May you be interested in stitching along, too. 

This beautiful blue blog hop is hosted by

Carla @ Creatin' in the Sticks


This lovely and simple project really brightens my home.

Thank you for visiting me today
 and brightening my winter day! 

39 comments:

Susan said...

Your frame is perfect for this simple, but elegant, stitching. I really like it. I'm going to check out the Sashiko SAL. Thanks for the link! The thimble looks interesting, but I'm not sure how it works.

Sheri said...

Love your beautiful quilt block as ART!!! Very pretty!

Turid said...

Beautiful. I tried sashiko last year. It's so easy to be hooked. Thanks for the link to find out more.

Danice G said...

The sashiko is truly pretty. It looks modern and creative.

Rebecca Smith said...

I have a leather sashiko thimble, but I didn’t realize it’s to be worn at the base of your finger. I’m curious about this type of stitching.

Elizabeth Coughlin said...

I love your Sashiko project! That's something I've always wanted to try, but haven't yet done so.

Dorian said...

Oh thats so pretty Pat. It looks just lovely with that fabric and the pretty white frame. Is the little vase connected to the frame? I love it. Great job!

Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting said...

Very pretty!!! Love your sashiko!

tink's mom said...

This is such a beautiful piece. It was a perfect choice for framing. I started to do Sashiko this year and really appreciate all of the information you have included in your post today.

Carol Swift said...

This is gorgeous, Pat! Learning Sashiko is on my someday list, but for now I'll just enjoy seeing your beautiful work. Thanks for sharing!

For the love of geese said...

Very pretty finish.

Sumac said...

Very nice! Sashiko is a great way to relax, and is so pretty

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Your Sashiko stitching is just lovely, Pat! It looks very enjoyable to work on, and I love the way you finished it in the frame, too. I'm guessing you're going to be doing lots more of this kind of stitching!

Vasudha said...

The Sashiko and the overall effect of the piece is so calm and relaxing. Very pretty.

Karrin Hurd said...

Love your project. I made a Shashiko owl for my daughter several years ago!

Calicojoan said...

That is gorgeous. I love how you framed it, and the vase is just so perfect to finish it off visually!

wendy said...

Love your project! Sashiko looks interesting and calming. I really like the finished block with your beautiful background and the way you displayed it. Thanks for sharing!

teachpany said...

Lovely. I enjoy Sashiko too. I have a few finished blocks I plan to incorporate into a quilt. Just need to figure out the setting, and make one more pieced block. It's also blue and white. The frame and vase are sweet with your piece. Great job.

Susan said...

Beautiful stitching for a lovely framed piece!

Brenda @ Songbird Designs said...

Your stitching is beautiful and so nice and even! It looks very nice framed! I don't do a lot of hand stitching, but sashiko looks like fun! Thanks for sharing!

Farm Quilter said...

I like Sashiko as well and your block turned out great! I like that you framed it - it is a work of art!!

Kathleen said...

This is a wonderful way to show off your new skill. I find sashiko very relaxing to do also. I like keep some around for travel. I love your little piece and especially the touch of ceramic on the piece. Brilliant!

Karen's Korner said...

Your beautiful work looks so restful. Love the little vase on the frame.

Jodi - usairdoll said...

Your sashiko is beautiful! I also enjoy doing this. Thank you for posting about the Clover Ring Plate Thimble. I love doing handwork and I think this is what I need. I love watching the video you shared as well. Great job and enjoyed your post.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Gorgeous and love how you finished it with the frame and the little vase.

Home Sewn By Us said...

Hi Pat! What a lovely piece. The simplicity of this just forces you to admire the design all the more. Your final setting is just spot-on, as it really gives off the air of calmness. Oh, I think that would be a fabulous quilt project! And that thimble is very intriguing as it definitely has a unique shape/design. I haven't ever found a good thimble. Oh, to be able to take multiple stitches would be fabulous. I'll check that out. ~smile~ Roseanne

Carla said...

What a beautiful project, Pat. You always have great inspiration and this is such a pretty motivator to try something new. Thank you for all the details and thank you for joining the Winter Blues Blog Hop!

LJ said...

I absolutely love your project with the Sashiko. Your stitches are lovely. The way you sashed it with fabric that has a Japanese influence and then framed it in a perfect way is outstanding. I have one of those thimbles but have yet to use it. Thanks for the link to the video - that's where I'm headed now so I can utilize the thimble as you are doing.

Nancy D said...

Very interesting looking thimble! Beautiful stitching.

The Joyful Quilter said...

Simply stunning project for the Hop!!! Thanks for sharing that thimble review, too.

Carol Andrews said...

Your Sashiko is wonderful. What a great idea to frame your block. I think I need to get that thimble. I’ve never found one that fits comfortably.

Sue D said...

This is beautiful. I like the stitching and framing.

Janice Holton said...

You have tempted me to try some sashiko myself! I love your first project. A perfect fit for this blog hop. :)

Pamela said...

What a pretty project, that frame is just perfect for it! The thimble is really neat, I think I might like to try one of those, it makes the process look much easier. Stay warm!

Anita Jackson @ Domestic Felicity said...

never tried this stitch before but a really like it ;) I've seen that machines that do that stitch as well and I'm inclined to Want one. lol

Kathy H said...

Beautiful stitching and I really like how you framed it with the blue print fabric.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

We had a lovely gal come speak at our guild about Shashiko stitching and we tried our hand at a little sampler which I put on the front of a zip bag. This is just lovely and set in the frame is a great showcase.

Sharon said...

Perfection! I've always adimired Sashiko but haven't given it a try (yet). Thank you for the inspiration

Michelle said...

Your first Sashiko block turned out beautiful. The vase magnet is perfect for it.