Tuesday, February 28, 2017

17 in 2017 - February Progress Report

This month,  I have worked on is Mary Queen of Scots. She's coming along, but still has a lot to go.



I also finished the February cat.






To see all of my 17 in 2017 projects, check out this page.  To see the progress other participants have made, check it out here.

Monday, February 27, 2017

Monday Morning Star Count - 76 Hexagons

This week I have basted 76 green hexagons in preparation for my Christmas tree wall hanging.  I don't know how many I need or if these will work, but that's okay.  Christmas is a long time away.





Linking up with Anthea at Hibiscus Stitches.

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Hina Ornaments - Just in Time

I have long admired Queenie's Hina ornaments and have wanted to start my own collection.  Well, this is the year.  I made three simple ornaments (no way to hang them yet, but that will come).  



The flower and triangle directions were found here and the dragonfly was a little Japanese kit I bought.  Hina Matsuri is next week!  


Trees are already blooming in my area of Japan.  This tree is a block away from where I live.



Saturday, February 25, 2017

The Japan Skills Olympics

My friend invited me to join her in Shizuoka City to attend the Japan Skills Olympics.  I had never heard of anything like this, so I was happy to say yes!  The venue was a huge exhihibition area in several buildings.  



Participants  compete in various areas, with everyone making the same thing in a set amount of time.  Observers could watch from outside the area.  Each area had officials to watch the making.  I'm not sure why - surely you can't cheat in a competition like this. Afterwards, the finished pieces were judged. I don't know what all of the things are, but I'll try to explain anyway.   Flash photos and talking to competetors was prohibited.



Wood Furniture Making 


 






Room Painting - finished.  


Glass Construction  - this competition was finished and was being judged when I saw it.




Screens or frames ?  I don't know. 


Tetami Floor - this competition was finished and was being judged when I saw it. 



Women's Suit Making




Fabric Repair - I don't know what the name of this is, but competitors used some chemicals to remove stains and repaint the fabric.




Jewelry Making 



Roof Construction




Stone Carving 



Tile 



Men's Suit Making  


My Favorite - Kimono Making  




I'm so glad I could attend this amazing event!