I knew straight away that this is the design I wanted for the baby quilt. I'm so in love with origami cranes and what they symbolise; peace, happiness, longevity and joy. At a young age, I was read the story of Sadako Sasaki, I was so moved by it and remember it being my first memory of this mysterious land of called "Japan". Many years later, I visited her memorial in the Hiroshima Peace Park and was amazed by all the hand folded cranes that had been sent their from all parts of the world.
I've used origami cranes a lot in my crafts and design; in my wedding, I've made cranes not only in paper but also in fabric and silver and also used in digital design work.
We still don't know if our little one is a boy or a girl. If it's a girl, I've asked mum if the colour theme can be red and pink with a touch of orange. For a boy, the Japan indigo blue and whites. I have of course collected large amounts of gorgeous Japanese cottons for it and have said that I'd like to try to make a few blocks for the quilt myself.
I'll leave you with a hiaku that appears in one version in the Tale of Sadako, thoughts of peace on Anzac Day;
"I shall write peace upon your wings, and you
shall fly around the world so that children will no longer have to die this
way."
15 comments:
The perfect quilt design for your little one!! I have always loved that story. It will be beautiful made up in the traditional Japanese fabrics.
Beautiful poignant thoughts in this post...I think when you have children it highlights to you even more the futility of war...looking forward to seeing how the quilt goes...it looks so complicated...lucky you to have a quilting mum!
I remember the story of sadako frommy childhood and making paper cranes with a Japanese exchange student staying with my aunt. It was such a quiet peaceful thing to do as a child. The quilt will be beautiful.
I have seen this quilt in real life several times (Margaret is a Canberra quilter (and she's also LOVELY!)) and it is just outstanding. The first time I saw it it actually took my breath away, and then I cried a little because I remembered the story of the 1000 paper cranes from school.
I'm so glad your mum will be making this for you! You should be able to contribute no problems - it's a foundation pieced pattern and perfect for getting your lines straight!
Wow - a gorgeous pattern! I look forward to seeing photos of your quilt!
What a stunning quilt. Lucky your mum can do quilting.
I love the quilt pattern - it's quite fitting!
That book is really good - I read it as a pre-teen and cried for days!
Lovely choice! Very fitting.
What a beautiful quilt and just perfect for your little bub! I can't wait to see your finished product :)
The quilt is gorgeous!! How beautiful to have a quilt of cranes! The colour themes that you have chosen will look wonderful! My Mum is also a quilter and she has mentioned that she really likes Margaret Rolfe's work too!
How strange. I have been away for the Anzac Day long weekend at our house in Dawesville so had no internet. It's now Monday night and I have logged into blog friends to see what has been going on and see your beautiful quilt blog. I had never made an origami crane, even though I am addicted to origami and love it. On Saturday night I just decided to do some cranes for people who are coming for dinner (okonomiyaki) on Tuesday. I couldn't stop and made about 15 (only needed 4) and then I come back to see cranes have been on your mind too. I absolutely love that quilt. It is going to be spectacular. Your baby is going to be surrounded by so many wonderful things and so much love. (-:
Wow! What an amazing quilt-your mum is very talented. I love cranes too and that story is so moving. I often read it to my class and you can hear a pin drop. They come up with all kinds of questions and often are very sad but they always want to hear it again!Hope you well. How did your granny square turn out?
Hi Melanie, I have been following your postings for a few months now. Your choice of quilt touched me, as my husband & I went to Japan in April 2007.(my BIL has worked & lived in Tokyo for the last 8 years)We went to the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshiama and saw all the paper cranes, I also bought the book which I read on the plane back home to Melbourne...and I cried. Another thing that touched me at the peace park was the Bell of Peace, which my husband & I both rang.
The sign at the bell read..
We dedicate this bell, As a symbol of Hiroshima Aspiration: Let all nuclear arms & wars be gone, and the nations live in true peace! May it ring to all corners of the earth to meet the ear of every man, for in it throb & palpitate the hearts of its peace-loving donors. So may you, too, friends, step forward and toll this bell for peace! Dedicated September 20th 1964 By Hiroshima Higan-No-Kai.
May your baby be blessed with peace all through it's life.
from Jenny McH
The quilt is amazing, your Mum must be a very talented quilter if she's planning on pulling this one off!
I love paper cranes too, in fact I started my crafty journey with a paper crane :)
Such a beautiful book - much loved ! and a beautiful thought. A thousand congratulations too you.
Post a Comment