It is ironic that the latest FreeSpirit fabric line, Garden Divas, is just arriving in stores and I am already deep into designing the next collection! When I am in “the designing zone” all my energy is focused on my pencil and paper, instead of my sewing machine, so this week I have decided to get my “fabric fix” by sharing the work of a new friend and fabulous quilter, Noriko Endo.
Our paths had crossed before, but this year at Houston Market, we really had a chance to talk and get to know each other. She is a very quiet, lovely and gracious woman with a surprising sense of humor and many tales to tell about her quilting adventures.
Noriko was at Market to introduce her lovely new Dragon Threads book, Confetti Naturescapes: Quilting Impressionistic Landscapes. I am always fascinated by work that is so different from my own and this colorful book takes you through her inspirations, explains her collage techniques and gives you a glimpse into her “real life” in the studio and at home
(I always enjoy seeing where other artists work and live).
This is a wonderful picture of Noriko in her studio. She looks very peaceful and happy working on this giant quilt! I’m afraid my expression would be much different!! But I don’t have a George, either, and I suspect that may help her attitude.
I’m sure this little tour of Noriko’s work has stimulated your crafting instincts this week. It certainly has made me anxious to do some stitching. So to keep the creativity flowing, Dragon Thread’s has generously donated a copy of Confetti Naturescapes for us to give away! So post a comment below before next Tuesday, January 18, for a chance to win this inspiring book.
PLUS Dragon Threads is having a reciprocal drawing on their blog! They are giving 2 pieces of the new Garden Divas fabric, as well as the new Pretty Perfect Pocket Purse Pattern to a lucky reader.
Wow! This looks like a book I NEED to have even if I don't win 🙂 I love your books as well. Thanks for the giveaway offer.
She is such an amazingly talented artist. You can tell from her work that she has unbelievable patience, not just crazy skills.
Thanks for sharing the inspiration.
Very cool. This is just the technique I need for my Heron wall hanging I will do for my Solo show in May.
Beautiful effects.
Mary Ann
Between Noriko's tiny pieces and your sweeping pieces, you both explore exciting directions in textiles. Thanks.
The texture of that quilt is amazing- one to see really close up and loose yourself in.A meditation.
A little bit of inspiration is always greatly appreciated!! I have admired her work whenever I have had the chance to see it!
i would love to study the work of this artist
This looks awesome – very inspiring!
Sa technique est absolument géniale
You are both very different and it is great to enjoy it all. Wonderful!
The book looks great! Enjoy reading your blog and love your fabric.
The quilts look amazing. I would love to own this book.
This is a must have for my collection. Pick me, pick me!
Another must have book, amazing.
Just recived my order of Garden Divas fat 1/4 bundle, WOW
Looks like an amazing book, another must have. Just received my order of a fat 1/4 bundle of Garden Divas, WOW
George eh, if it help me feel half as relaxed as she looks I'm ready. I'm afraid I look like I'm wresting an elephant with my dm and I know I feel like I am.
Noriko's work is fascinating! Thank you for the chance to win her beautiful book!
Noriko Endo's book is one that I would like to own. There are techniques that I may be able to learn and use. Thanks for the lovely giveaway.
It certainly looks like a book full of eye candy.
Thank you for sharing with us about Noriko. Her work looks amazing.
Thanks for this nice review, Jane. Don't we all wish we had a George! I'd love to own Noriko's book. Thanks for counting me in.
Jane, How great to have made a friend in Noriko. I love that Japanese serenity and 'at-oneness' with nature. I have just got back from my sixth visit to Japan, which was just a cold and snowy as most of Europe and the USA.
I would adore winning this book, she is an amazing quilter. Good luck with your designing.
“the stuff that dreams are made of…”
The new fabric is beautiful! The book is inspirational! Put the two together and how can you not win!!!!
What amazing work! I'd love to pour over that book.
How gorgeous! I couldn't not comment. 🙂 Thank you for the opportunity Jane!
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Incredible work, my coffee table is crying out for this book please….
What colourful and exciting work, so different from your own, but yet so inspiring! Its making me want to finish getting my sewing room painted, and get sewing!
From sunny yet flooding (not my house luckily) Brisabne, Jane
Jane,
You continue to inspire others through your own work and being generous to turn our eyes and minds to others. Thanks you.
PETE
I am huge fan of Noriko Endo's work and always look forward to getting an up close look at her quilts at shows. One way or the other, I suspect this book will find a way onto my bookshelf … what a great give away and a generous gesture to a fellow quilter.
She is new to me and her work looks inspiring and amazing.
Thanks!
The book looks beautiful!
I'm looking forward to seeing the new designs you're working on!!
Have been saving for this book since I read about it – how kind of you to host a giveaway! I just love cross-polination.
I'm not familiar with Noriko Endo, but her work is lovely. I'd love to learn to know her and her work.
Love the creativity of both these artists. The book would be VERY welcome in my inspiration corner. Thank you both.
This book looks amazing! Draw me, draw me, draw me, please…..
I have always admired her work (and yours)!!
Noriko's work is so stunningly beautiful and detailed! Simply awe inspiring! WOW! I would love to learn her techniques for making such wonderful realistic quilts.
What gorgeous work she does. Would love to see one of her quilts in real life!
I love Noriko's work — and yours, too!
Hi Jane,
I would love to win a copy of this book. I have long admired her work. Thanks for the chance to win. Chris
What talent. I'm in awe of such talent and creativity.
I aspire to be just a fraction of creative as she.
Hugs,
Gerry
Noriko is a delightful lady and I am trying to replicate her toning success with MBT's Mary Janes
I think I have seen one of her pieces in person and up close it is still hard to tell it's fabric. I would love to learn about her technique.
Your blog is beautiful! Love your new fabric line – definitely on my “to buy” list now. I would love to win this book, it looks like it is full of gorgeous inspiration. Thanks!
She does look happy and I can say the same thing about my expression when working on a large-ish quilt!!! I also have admired her work.
What a great book – thanks for the giveaway!
Oh my gosh… how awesome. Thanks for sharing and for having this giveaway.
Such amazing work—beautiful–thanks for the chance to win this fabulous book…
Noriko's work is lovely. Great inspiration.
Oh my. Noriko's work is stunning. I am sure that book is superb. (love your work too, having just discovered it after effectively been sent here by Melody…)
I've been collaging combining fabric, paper and other ephemra for about a year – how exciting to find such a talented artis who's willing to share her technique in a beautiful book. Proud owner of some of your wonderful fabric.
I was teaching a class last night and had the chance to check out this new book. Noriko has a great eye for landscape quilts, and I love her technique. Can't wait to try it!
Beautiful!
I feel like I could easily step in to the woods and weave my way amongst the trees and bathe in the autumn glow from the trees. What a wonderful talent! I would love to have Noriko's book!
Thank you for the offer of this amazing book. Count me in. P.S. You remain one of my all time favorites.
Noriko's work is so delicate and impressionistic while yours is so vibrant and strong. Thank you for sharing this work. I am itching to get to work! I hope to take your June workshop in Portland.
Cheers, Jill Hoddick
Thank you for the chance to win this beautiful book. Her quilt is amazing.
Since my business partner passed away last year, I am looking for some new project to start in 2011, and this book looks like just my cup of tea. I've always wanted to try fabric collage. I'm also looking forward to seeing you in Phoenix at Quilting in the Desert in another week!
Since my business partner passed away last year, I have been looking for a new project to start in 2011. This book looks like my cup of tea. I have always wanted to try fabric collage. I'm also looking forward to seeing you next week in Phoenix at Quilting in the Desert.
Hi Jane, I love your work and was so bummed not to make it to the SF guild meeting when you were in San Francisco last year. Glad to have found your blogsite! Thanks for being here!! Noriko's stuff is pretty fab too in a totally different way…Great to see! She sure does look happy and relaxed. It would be interesting to read her book for tips on that as well as technique!
Her work is so inspiring and beautiful—thanks for sharing!
Dian
Love Noriko's art and style. I was lucky enough to take a class with her at QSDS. She is a treasure.
Count me in.
I am grateful that I am alive at a time when we can 'meet' such amazing women! How lucky am I that while I was 'googeling' “jane sassamans new fabric line”, it eventually brought me to this link. I feel that even though I may be in my 50's, I have a new lease on life since discovering this new world of cyberspace quilting. We love you both…
Dear Jane…how wonderful this amazing quilters world is?! Both you and Noriko have such passion and love for your work. It is evident when we see you gaze down at whatever project you may be working on. But oh my goodness Jane! Years back you were a guest on Fons and Porters show…I think you taught us 'suns and moons'? anyhoo…I loved how even tho Liz was rude and pushy during your demonstration, you just took your time in explaining the steps to us!! Love you Jane, and I would be so happy to win Noriko's book!
MY BAD EVERYONE!!!! I just realized that my comment was actually being posted when I thought something was wrong because I did not get an acknowledgment! My apologies. I think sometimes I am too old for this stuff…