It's hard to believe that the fabulous Iceland trip with a tight-knit group of enthusiastic explorers happened just about a year ago, now.
It was a great trip. Best ever! Phenomenal memories!
I never thought I would enjoy the combination of exploring and stitching as much as I did on that long-distance voyage. And I was sure that would be my swan-song for travel paired with sewing/stitching/teaching. But Michelle enticed me to consider Japan. And I couldn't say no.
I've never been to Japan! It's far away, and a big commitment, no doubt. I don't completely know what to expect from a country and culture so different from my own. I know Japan is unique and full of contrast--major metropolitan areas paired with natural beauty and remote charm in relatively close proximity, for example. I can't wait for new experiences to expand my horizons.
This trip is also unusual in that there won't be as much dedicated workshop time. Therefore, an unusual project--or pair of projects is materializing for our journey.
Where to Start?
When planning a workshop, the featured project always starts with a seed of an idea. And then it grows from there. In this case, the project is more of an intense finishing technique study in a small package. No sewing machines. No big quilts or pre-cut blocks to construct. To finish something, you have to start with something. Therefore the make is something small so we have a little something to finish during the trip.
The finishing technique is one that I created, kinda out of no where, to solve a problem.
I'm a cross stitch nerd. I've tried lots of different stitching techniques, but I always seem to come back to counted cross stitch. Perhaps you recall this project from last Christmas? The stitching was finished years ago, but the stitched fabric languished in a basket waiting for inspiration. You know the drill. I didn't want to frame it, and I wanted to combine familiar and new-to-me quilty materials to make a 'soft' finish. And I didn't know quite how to do what I wanted to do. Would it work? . . . Give it a go . . . Sure enough . . . It did!
I don't think you've seen this next one. I've been working on this Fabulous House chart series from Cottage Garden Samplings on and off for the past couple years. There are 12 or 13 charts in the series. I've maybe finished 5 or 6 of the charts, but only one is completely finished like the one below--using the technique above--another test. Again, it worked!
This project is about 7" square. No frame, just layers of interfacing, fusible web, quilt fabric, and trim.
Then I started to use the same technique to finish Heart Fulls ornaments. The kit or pdf patterns don't go into detail on this finishing technique, because the technique came after the kits.
Although I still have some kits in stock, I'm no longer creating new designs or kitting them due to limited availability of felted wool from my favorite vendor.
Since I donate these heart ornaments to the local hospice--I make a lot of them--it seemed a natural progression to try my finish technique on another shape. All that practice has on the hearts allowed me to perfect the finishing technique to the point where I feel it's the focus of our Japan project.
What makes this process special is the finishing technique isn't exclusive to counted stitching, but the cross stitch adds a cuteness twist and an easy, fun touch for these heart ornaments and for our Japan workshop. For example, wool applique on the left and cross stitch on the right, both below. The hearts are about 6" in diameter.
Enough already with the background story! What's the Project for the trip?
There is always an involved story, right? Drives my husband nuts! The nuttier he gets, the longer the story. [Grin]
For the Japan workshop, I started with the idea that the project would truly be about learning all the ins and outs of cross stitch, so I chose a Chickadee cross stitch chart by Valerie Pfeiffer, below, left. Cute!
It's a bit time consuming to stitch, but the chart and accompanying pattern are a comprehensive cross stitch reference project. Which can be an unusual find in Cross Stitch Chart World.
On the right below, the rosebud is created with a simple chart. Basic stitching and beginner friendly. Only 8 or 9 floss colors are involved. The oval finish is a similar size, about 3" top to bottom and a little more narrow from side to side.
Both projects are pretty high on the sweetness scale. Both are perfect vehicles to get to learn the finishing technique fairly quickly. But the rose will get us there much quicker.
The shape--square or oval are interchangeable and will both be part of the workshop plan.
So there you have it. You get to choose from two very different projects. . . .
Hold up! Who wants to make difficult decisions like this when you're planning a vacation? Certainly not me.
That means everyone gets both charts and materials for both projects in the workshop kits for the Textile Traditions of Japan journey. We'll start with the rosebud, and start on the Chickadee if there's time.
One more photo. A close up of the back of the rosebud. They really are a lot of fun to make. A bit fussy, but totally worth the effort. I bet you can't make just one!
YES! Kits will be included. For EVERYTHING you need to make both ornaments!
The trip, Textile Traditions of Japan, is next year, May 28 - June 7, 2027. The ornament project is just a tiny piece of our grand itinerary. And the group is filling out.
Click this link, check out the detailed itinerary, and sign up. Don't miss this one!
Got questions? About the trip details, payment plans, other questions? Contact Michelle by email or phone (210) 858-6399). About the project, contact me by email.
Begin your journey and join us! See you in Tokyo!
Happy Stitching!
Head Hummingbird
Hummingbird-Highway.com
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