Tanya of By Taniwa writes a most interesting blog on quilting and life in Japan. It was a real treat to actually meet this fantastic lady in person, at the Tokyo International Great Quilt Festival, as I have followed her blog with interest for some time. She was just as energetic and cheerfull as I had expected, and of course, full of kindness. She presented both Julie and me with a beautifully made quilt with the perfect message: Bloom Where You're Planted! After all we, 'foreign wives', are not native to Japan, but 'planted in the Japanese society'.
This quilt is right by my side and puts a smile on my face every time I glance at it.
Sorry to say I had not prepared a gift for Tanya, and wondered what I could give in return. It was some time since I made a stumpwork portrait so I stitched up this card:
Can anyone identify the TAST stitch that I have used for the collar? Yes, it is #58 Woven Detached Chain, and I anchored the stitch with a bead for a bit of fun. 
nice! love it -
ReplyDeleteIsn't the Woven Detached Chain stitch just perfect for the collar!!??
DeleteWhat perfect gifts! I'm sure she loves yours!
ReplyDeleteYes, she phoned me and confirmed it. I love my cheery flower; so nice with indoor plants when heavy snow is forecast for Tokyo tomorrow!
Deletea lovely quilt Queenie and an equally lovely card you sent to Tanya, the hair is very effective and what a great necklace
ReplyDeleteThe hair is made with Stef Francis' silk throwster waste, a fabulous material.I thought the TAST stitch was perfect for the collar!
Deleteyour quilt is so cute, and the woman is really expressive !
ReplyDeleteI love the quilt Tanya made! It is so cheerful.
DeleteWhat a beautiful quilt your friend had made for you, she has put a lot of thought into it, the meaning of it is perfect! I am sure your stumpwork lady will be loved, the way you have tackled the collar is just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the wording on the quilt is great! As for the flower, it makes the whole room glow!
DeleteYour a lucky lady, gifted such a beautiful quilt! Great to see another stumpwork face from you, the collar is beautiful. I still have some unused stumpwork face left to finish, so this inspiration is very welcome.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Annet. I actually got the inspiration to use stitches for a collar/necklace from Jan Messent's Stumpwork Portraits. Previously I have mainly used fabric/ribbon to create some form of clothing. There are so many TAST stitches that would be perfect!
DeleteGoodness me, your stumwork lady is fantastic - I could cry out loud how lovely it is. The necklace !!! The face !! Everything is perfect and most wonderful to see.
ReplyDeleteThe gift of Tanya is sweet and meaningful.
Thank you, Anneliese. I feel a bit embarrassed as these portraits are so easy to do.
DeleteYour stumpwork lady is beautful and the woven detached chain stitch makes a lovely collar.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, I thought the stitches for the collar were suitable, especially with a bead on them.
DeleteEmbroiderers and Quilters are the most generous people.
ReplyDeleteYes, aren't they!
DeleteI love my portrait and flower too. It is sad to have nothing to give in return.
ReplyDeleteYou are so very cleaver to make the most of all your talents.
May I send that last statement back to you; YOU, Julie, are so very clever to make the most of all your talents!
DeleteLovely quilt. Stumpwork portrait is really beautiful. You have used the stitches very effectively
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shami! I think there are a lot of TAST stitches that could be used this way.
DeleteBeautiful quilt! love your stump work,pretty cap! the woven detached chain stitch looks perfect for a collar.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anita. These portraits are really fun to make and I am so pleased with the addition of TAST stitches!
DeleteYour gift received and gift given are both wonderful. The sentiment on the quilt is perfect. Your stumpwork lady is very much like a 1940's woman and the TAST stitch just right for her necklace.. I am fascinated by her hat.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy seeing how you interpret the weekly stitches.
I love my little quilt and the lady who made it for me.
DeleteThe lady just emerged underneath my needle! The hat is made from a piece of silk cocoon and 'mesh' (the same material that tights are made from, but his one has metallic thread in it).