Before I jump into my “topic of the week”, I’d like to make you aware of an urgent need – face masks for health care workers.
A dear friend of mine has spearheaded an initiative to get quilters sewing reusable cotton masks which will be distributed to hospitals in the greater Milwaukee area. Even if you’re not nearby, please consider sewing some masks and helping with the need in your area. All the information can be found on my website at: https://www.chrisquilts.net/urgent-face-mask-need/. Thanks!
And now – Roketsu Dyeing!
All of the classes we took in Japan were great, but this one was hands down my favorite ?! It was also our last class – and what a finale it was!
We were each invited to decide whether we wanted to create a t-shirt or runner, and to choose a pattern.
We sat two to a special table with a hot wax pot and brushes in the center, and a built in lightbox.
After “painting” the first coat of wax, the light tables were turned off and a second coat was applied.
And then if was time to prepare to dye:
Our pieces were divided into two groups and we took turns stirring the indigo dye.
This is Jim’s fish – quite impressive!
The pieces were then removed from the dye, rinsed and hung to dry a bit.
Next the pieces were put into boiling water and we observed our instructor stirring and teaching as the wax was melted out of the fabric. Thank goodness Izumi was interpreting.
From there they were rinsed, had the water spun out of them and handed to us to iron dry.
Once again we had a fantastic group of teacher/helpers.
And a good time was had by all!
It’s been a joy for me to share the fiber related memories of our trip to Japan, and I hope you’ve enjoyed it. I have to admit, I have one more blog post about the trip in me because it was such a fascinating part of our tour – “Food In Japan”. That will happen next week ?.
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And, on a non-quilting note:
This past week one of my granddogs, Mosely, passed away. He was almost 13 and died of natural causes. This has hit my son’s family hard – Moseley was a very sweet dog.
A few years ago I made this quilt of him in a class with Barbara Beasley and I decided this would be the perfect time to finish that quilt and gift it to them. Praise the Lord – it was a great comfort.
Moseley, you will be missed!
Gal C. says
What a lovely remembrance of
a sweet family dog…..
Susan says
Thanks for sharing the many fun things you did on your trip to Japan. Your quilt really captured the sweet adoring face of your son’s family pet.
Tomi Fay Forbes says
While making the masks sounds wonderful – I would check with local hospitals first. My daughter is an ICU nurse at Froedtert and she is saying don’t make them yet – more guidance is needed in this area. I asked her because I am reading some places to make the masks and in other places the hospitals won’t accept them. It is more than a little concerning that the medical staff don’t have the masks they need due, in part, to people who bought them up in fear, leaving our front-line people unprotected. (I sound like a protective mama – don’t I?) Meanwhile tackle some other projects. I love the idea of quilters coming together to serve others with our God-given talents.
clkquilt says
The pattern we posted was ok’d by the infectious control nurse at Roger’s Memorial Hospital. A woman on the hospital board is the one collecting and distributing the masks. At this point this pattern is the one they have told us to share – and the need is urgent. So please make them and drop them off as soon as you are able. These masks are being used in lower risk areas of the hospital, and not in the emergency room, ICU or other front line areas.
If there is any change concerning the pattern, I’ll update the post and send out an email to my readers, as well as update the info with the other outlets that are sharing this information.
Janet says
Thank you so much, Chris, for showing how these different fabric designs are made. What a treat to be there and doing them! Condolences on the loss of a grand puppy. Great to have that quilt for them.
Jodi Grzeczka says
Great post, Chris! As usual, your experience has me thinking of other ways I can do that sort of dyeing project. Love the results! So sorry about Mosely, but I remember that project, and with a tear in my own eye, I can tell you, the family will cherish your portrait of him. Be safe! God Bless
Laurie says
Chris,
What a fun dying project in Japan. Did you make a t-shirt or table runner and what was your design? The results look beautiful!
Sorry to hear about Moseley! I remember your class on portrait quilting and showing us his wall hanging picture! It was unique. Your family will treasure it forever! ♥️??❤️
Tomi Fay says
If you are in the Milwaukee area, here is a post from Children’s Hospital and Froedtert giving the instructions on masks that they can accept: It just came out today.
https://chw.org/-/media/files/for-patients-and-families/covid-19/mask-guidelines.pdf?la=en
Ellie Burbach says
Enjoyed your fabulous trip. Thanks for sharing. So sorry of losing Mosley. They become part of the family. I have Lady ( a true lady) she is 10, slowing down like me. She looks like Mosley. I always wanted to do a wall hanging of her. Maybe one day. Stay safe and God Bless you!