So what if I've never tried it before? (This example, clearly, is not mine, but from the amazingly talented Diddis).
The backstory: As I may or may not have mentioned, when I find a new blog, I often read back a good year or two (or more...) into the archives. Never let it be said that I don't spend time getting to know people. So, when I finally (about three years after everyone else) made my way over to Tiny Happy, I inevitably came across her post on Sashiko. Of course, it took all of about thirty seconds' research and I was a little obsessed determined to try it. Sashiko (more information here) is basically a running stitch embroidery, using this one simple stitch to create amazing geometric patterns, traditionally with white thread on indigo dyed fabric. It can be used either decoratively, or as a quilting stitch to hold two or more fabrics and batting together.
How cool would that look on a quilt? And I'll thank you not to notice that I've never even hand quilted anything before.
Another thirty seconds research unearthed the pleasingly addicted-to-Japanese-textiles Kimonomomo, and her Etsy store, complete with everything you might want to get started with Sashiko. What do you think, complex maple leaf design as my first attempt?
I've had a bit of a fascination with all things Japanese since we visited for our good friends' wedding a couple of years ago - the elegance and beauty of so much of the Japanese culture just astounds me on so many levels, particularly given the general lack of these things in my day to day life, despite my attempts to frame my life in a sort of country-living-meets-Soulemama glow.
Anyway, as soon as I've worked out just how much money I can steal from the housekeeping budget from next month, I'll be placing a teeny tiny order with Kimonomomo (she even has Japanese craft books! Is there anyone in the world who doesn't love Japanese craft books?) and giving this a go. I am trying to resist ordering acres of her gorgeous indigo cotton to create with as well...
ps: thanks for your patience during my radio silence of the past week. My body finally punished me for my determined denial of illness (I'd been jollying along with a niggly cold and sore ear for weeks) by completely and utterly knocking me out with a horrible bout of sinusitis swiftly followed by a killer ear infection. Just as I began to put in a bit of recovery, Teddy came down with something - we haven't yet quite decided if it's teeth, a cold or a combination of the two, but suffice to say he is Not In The Happy Place. Hopefully he'll be back on top form in the next couple of days and we'll be up to a bit more.