Happy Flower Quilts + giveaway

Happy Flower Quilts book reminded me of my very first trip to a local quilt shop in Korea almost 15 years ago. I was in between of jobless that time and was looking for something to kill time. As I had always wondered what's happening behind the showwindow of that cute quilt shop, I stepped in with my sister and that changed my life. The shop was filled with all kinds of handmade beauties such as mini quilts, bear dolls, dolls, home shoes, quilts hats...and lots of cute fabrics. On the center, there was very long worktable and ladies of different ages were sitting around and busy hand sewing and even more busy chatting. One lady looked younger than me was pregnant and hand stitching baby stuff. It was new world to me since I have never learn anything like that before and my only sewing knowledge was from high school. My sister and I sat and listened very carefully what the teacher(=shop owner) said. Not long later, we became the fast and the best students, seriously it's true! Because for many nights, we often stood up awake to finish the project the teacher gave us and showed our makes to the other ladies trying to not to show off our triumphant achieve. My first project was four-patch pincushion and then a small pouch, a heart quilted mini...sort of zakka projects was all we learn for two months. The funny thing was at the end, all of other ladies tried to follow me and my sister's way, not the way teacher showed. It was only two month of the most fun break with my sister in my life. I got the job and became a boring office worker later. Then my sister get married and started to live in Japan. When I opened the Happy Flower Quilts book, all the instructions and patterns were just like what my teacher taught me! I was very excited to recall my old memories and wondered if that quilt shop is still there, if my very first (and last) sewing teacher is still teaching people like me (and help change their lives!) I really wish I could revisit there once again.

I didn't know anything about Atsuko Matsuyama and there was an original Japanese version in 2009 nor she is fabric designer of Lecien and Yuwa. Everything what I know now is just because of this blog hop so I feel very honored that I am in the team. What I can tell you is that with this book, you can make what I made and don't need to know any Japanese quilt background. :) My first project from the book is Big Sister Tote with my own twist.

I used By Annie's Soft and Stable batting and I love how it holds it's shape.

As I wanted to create a durable bag, I had to think hard how to solve the handle problem. My clever idea was to make the same look cherries using felts.

First I drew a pattern on the paper (I used a Quarter coin for two cherries) and traced on the felt. As I used to be a paper-crafter, I have stuff like this. I don't know the name. I bought at Michaels.

This side is for mama and the other side is for my Claire bear. :)

I just love love my name engraved leather tag. You can order yours here .

Cotton ribbon used is from Dailylike Canada

To add extra charm, I hand stitched every two inches using Aurifil 12 weight threads.

I wished to have a set of pink cherry handles but I love my green handles more now. :)

My second project is Strawberry Spring Mini Quilt .

I used Quilters Dream Cotton Select for the batting. Find the right batting for your project for they have variety of selections.

I used my own twist; sewing illustration method instead of hand applique.

I realized how hard to sew triangles by machine. I regret not to hand stitching but well, life is too short to worry about uneven corners. I hope my mistakes help you make yours perfect!

Fabric used: Old New 30's Collection 2017 from Lecien Fabrics. and Retro 30's Collection 2016. They will be available at Sunny day Supply . Zakka Workshop are generously giving away a copy of Happy Flower Quilts by Atsuko Matsuyama, at each stop on the blog tour. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post and tell me ' what is your favorite sewing project that you never get tired of '. The Giveaway is open Worldwide until the 17th February 2017 . The winner will be announced here on this post, so make sure you pop back and check. Good Luck! *** The winner is CECILE !! Big Congratulations!! **** Thank you so much for joining, guys. I enjoyed reading your thoughts over and over. I really appreciate for this sewing community and I will be back with more fun GIVEAWAY. Until then, have a beautiful day!! We hope you will follow along on the Blog Tour. Check out the stops below to see what these talented designers are making from Happy Flower Quilts . Monday 1/23 Kristyne @prettybyhand www.prettybyhand.com Wednesday 1/25 Lisa @aspoonfulsugar www.aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com Friday 1/27 Sarah @sarahedgarprettyfabrics www.alittlehappyplace.blogspot.co.uk Monday 1/30 Minki @zeriano www.minkikim.com Wednesday 2/1 Heidi @fabricmutt www.fabricmutt.blogspot.com Friday 2/3 Clara @claralovestosew Instagram Only Monday 2/6 Ange @alittlepatchwork www.alittlepatchwork.wordpress.com Wednesday 2/8 Erin @whynotsewquilts www.whynotsew.blogspot.com Friday 2/10 Lauren @transientart www.transientart.com Monday 2/13 Sedef @downgrapevinelane www.downgrapevinelane.com Wednesday 2/15 Ayda @cafenohut www.cafenohut.blogspot.com Friday 2/17 Renee @sewnwithgrace www.sewnwithgrace.com Monday 2/20 Heather @vintagegreyhandmade www.vintagegreyhandmade.blogspot.com Wednesday 2/22 Melissa @ohhowsweetco www.ohhowsweet.com Friday 2/24 Greg @greydogweoodstudio www.greydogwoodstudio.com Monday 2/27 Stacy @stacyolsondesign www.stacyolsondesign.com Wednesday 3/1 Wynn @zakkaart www.zakkaart.blogspot.com There will be a Quilt Along over on Instagram (#happyflowerqal) featuring the Happy Flower Quilt Sampler (The cover sampler quilt). The quilt along will be hosted by Kristyne ( @prettybyhand ), Wynn ( @zakkaart ), and Melissa ( @ohhowsweetco ). It will kick off on March 6th and will run for about a year! We hope you will join in the fun.