The PIQF Wearable Art Call for Entry is open....deadline August 30, 2017

HERE is the link to the info.

Studio Art Quilt Associates TrunkShowTuesday for April 18, 2017

Sea Turtle Scarf

This extra long scarf of beautiful batik fabrics gives you a glimpse into the life of the Sea Turtle. The slivers of fabrics depict underwater sea life as well as the sand where they nest. Some of the fabrics are hand dyed Indigo and each sliver is quilted with a different free motion design.

If you are interested in the life of the Sea Turtles please visit the Logger Head Marine Life Center in Juno Beach, Florida

I really enjoyed making this scarf because I was surrounded by all these beautiful fabrics and wanted them all in one project. Once quilted and washed, it came alive with all its texture and softness. It is 72 inches long and 7 inches wide. This makes for a very versatile snugly scarf.





Fold the edge of the scarf to
create a littlecollar to show
the Turtles on the other side.
It kind of takes the place of a
vest/scarf.

Another way to wear it would
be to wrap it around your
shoulders as a decorative
shawl.


Because the length, it can be used as an Obi like belt or just thrown over the shoulder.
When not in use, lay it over the table as a runner. Totally multi use scarf.

Kimura Jacket at the Mid Atlantic Quilt Show 2017 Winner of Judges Choice Ribbon

My other entry in the "Full Ensemble" division won Best Use of Embellishment. 

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 This is my wearable art entry in the Jacket division at the
Mancuso Mid Atlantic Quilt Show which opens 2/23/17.

I wish I could be there. Remember when they did this show in Williamsburg? They used different hotels for each venue:
Quilts, Wearable Art, Fiber, Antiques and more. They had heated buses that delivered attendees to each site. There must have been over ten thousand happy people even when there was snow. I digress.

So I entered this new version of the jacket. I designed this pattern a long time ago. So, back in the day, we promoted bias tape makers, tube turners, and more. This jacket was embellished with meandering bias strips anchored with tube ribbons tied and tucked under the bias strips.

So this NEW version uses raw edged bias and tubes. Should be easier and edgier...right?

 The center back has a strip pieced panel with fan shaped appliques. The edges of the fans are finished with narrow raw edge bias strips.

The cuffs are made with the same strip pieced fabrics as above. A little free motion stitching enhances the cuffs. BTW, this time I quilted the whole jacket before adding all the treatments. The front is made up of my favorite batik. I added Sashiko Design stitching down the front (done on the sewing machine).



Then I made  faux Chinese knotted buttons using rolled up tubes. I used faux Chinese coins with the hole in the center for the "button" part.

I sell the pattern HERE on my website:  StephanieKimura.com 
I include the 3 coins to make the buttons.


Let me explain that the pattern gives all the instructions to make the jacket using the methods of bias tape makers an tube turners. There are no raw edges and every edge is finished. If you went to the show and saw this sample you will need new instructions. I am working on them so if you purchase the pattern and want to use the raw edges...you have to let me know when you purchase the pattern.

It was easier to make half inch raw edge bias strips to curve and meander over the jacket and finish the edges of the fans on the back. I finished all the edges of the jacket:  neckline, center front, bottom hem and back "V" hem with raw edge bias and I decided I prefer that to the pattern. In the pattern instructions, I say to make the entire outside of the jacket and the entire lining of the jacket and place them right sides together, sew the entire perimeter and turn right side out. But, you can decide to use any technique you prefer.
Good Luck and Happy Sewing!

Indigo Shibori

Indigo dyed canvas wrapped on a PVC pole. It wasn't too bad and took less than a half hour. Then left it wrapped in plastic over night. It was great to unwrap it this morning.

Self Portrait: Meditation and Koi.....starting a New Year

Self Portrait