The sashiko challenge was the latest theme challenge for the art quilt group, The Endeavourers. Four times a year, we are given a theme and construct an art quilt around that theme. I always enjoy reveal days, seeing how everyone interpreted the theme.
I have made a few Sashiko pieces, and I had considered using this one for this sashiko challenge, but I put it somewhere that I knew I would not forget – and I can’t find it! So I decided to do something new. After stitching up one idea, and not feeling quite right about it (it’s still on my design wall), I decided to try a different approach.
Our backyard has an area where we have sown native plants, and this past summer it was awash with pink echinacea and yellow coneflowers. So they gave me the idea for this little quilt. I cut the petals and the flower centers, and added some sashiko-like stitches by hand.
Using 12 wt thread, I added some sashiko stitches to the leaves. I have a sashiko book that has stitch examples, so I tried to use some of those for the raw edge applique. I added some long stitches and pluses to the petals, and some diagonal stitches to the flower centers.
For the stems, I used running stitches in some greens. I got a little more creative with the leaves, and enjoyed just letting things flow.
I debated about the fabric for the border and binding. One of my fellow Endeavourers mentioned that the print looked a bit like sashiko stitches, so we’ll go with that. I had a pretty blue floral print in my stash that I used for the quilt back.
For the quilting, I went with a stitch that looks a bit like another sashiko stitch, but I quilted it by machine rather than by hand using a dark navy thread.
The finished quilt measures 14 inches by 21 inches. After a slow start, I ended up enjoying the sashiko challenge more than I anticipated. I enjoyed seeing the other sashiko pieces, too. If you’d like to see them, go to The Endeavourers site and scroll through them. We are a creative group!
Meanwhile, Wilbs and I have been binding another quilt.
Some of you may recognize that quilt, but you’ll have to wait a bit for the reveal while I get some photos taken.
Thanks for stopping by to take a peek at my sashiko challenge. Wilbs and I sure appreciate it!
Wendy
Such a pretty finish!
It shows that you enjoyed this challenge. Beautiful stitching and composition. That the flowers from seed sown in your garden inspired the piece make it extra special.
That border fabric is perfect. At first I thought you had stitched the patterning by hand!
Cute mini, Wendy! That border is the perfect sashiko-like addition to your sashiko quilt!
A beautiful piece inspired by your own back yard, how perfect is that! Wilbs look so cozy.
Oh my you’ve outdone yourself this time! I really love this piece. I thought the stems were fabric, those stitches add such texture. I agree that the border print looks like sashiko, just perfect. It’s a beautiful quilt!
Btw, I love the description of your yard as “awash with pink echinacea and yellow coneflowers” – so poetic.
I had to hunt for Wilbs – he’s really snugged into that quilt.
It’s always fun for us to see where your creative mind takes you on these challenge journeys!! Don’t you just hate it when you put something away for safe keeping and it’s so safe you don’t remember!!
So much fun color and explorations in the use of Sashiko here – I like ’em.
I checked out the Sashiko piece you mentioned you’d forgotten what safe place you’d placed it in…and I noticed the post was dated February of ***2020*** (the cusp of Covid lockdowns). Of course you forgot! And nothing’s been the same since, eh?!
BTW: that is a beautiful piece.
I love your take on the prompt. Super cute.
Absolutely beautiful. Love how you just kinda let those leaves grow their own way too. Bet that was fun, and rather therapeutic! Sounds like with Sashiko, one just needs to get a little warmed up and then you’re off and running.
I hope you can find the missing sashiko piece (which will probably happen easily now that you aren’t looking for it, right?), but I really love where you went with the prompt creatively. I look forward to going and seeing what everyone else made for the challenge. Congratulations on the finish!
That is really pretty, Wendy! I love those kinds of flowers and you represented them perfectly in fabric and thread. And you definitely had the right border fabric to represent sashiko, too!
Your sashiko challenge was well met – I think it turned out so pretty. Wilbs looks so comfy tucked down into the quilt. I love the backing you used. Can’t wait to see the front.
A beautiful finished project, Wendy. Amazing how those precious storage places hide our belongings? I really liked the flowers. I’ve only ever seen purple cone flowers so the yellows are a treat. Using the different stitches makes this so interesting. I agree that the border fabric does look like sashiko. I’ve done several pieces of sashiko and it was interesting.
Lovely project with wonderful sashiko stitches on it. I agree that the border fabric is very sashiko or Japanese-like. I also love the embroidery stitches for the greens. Great job on another endeavor challenge.
pretty piece
Cute quilt!
This has worked really well. I think the stitching really brings your flowers to life. And Wilbs is looking very comfy 🙂
Excellent response to the challenge!
This challenge piece is just wonderful. The stems and the leaves are particularly fabulous.
Awesome and sorry you can’t find your lost project!
Very creative and well done, Wendy! I expect nothing less from you! 🙂
Wendy, you’re a skilled hand stitching artist, and this is beautifully whimsical.
If we can work free – we go out of our comfort zone and amazing results are possible, like yours! I love it! all who never done, try it ..it makes so much fun to stich by hand in this way. And sure Wilbs enjoys it more to be there when you sew by hand and not sitting at the machine. Will check the results of your group soon. Thank you for sharing.. and the work you put at a safe place will one time come out and look and be jealous .. but if it hides .. its its problem… but you never know when it comes and get as well a star! big hug
Ooo! I like this!
This looks like a very fun and inventive piece. Cool to try a variety of sashiko stitches, and I agree – a great choice for the border/binding fabric.