Work in Progress Wednesday

The Tale of Genji progress

Knot Garden progress 

A new project that is actually old - 

When I lived in Hokkaido, I went to a craft sale with a friend and posted a picture of my purchases. If you look in the upper right of the photo, you can see a kit for a zipper pouch.  

Finally, I decided to start working on it. I cut out all the pieces and made the bias binding. Stay tuned to see how I do with the instructions.

Susanoo Shrine and Kawazu-Zakura Festival

Last week I went to Susanoo Shrine’s Hina display in Izu-Inatori and the Kawazu-Zakura Festival. 

I visited this shrine in 2018 to see the Hina display, and even met the Hina Princess. This year, there was no princess, but the display was still beautiful. There are 118 levels and 380 dolls.

Looking down from the top.

Next, I went to Kawazu. The Kawazu-zakura is the earliest cherry tree to bloom. Every year in early February, the town holds a festival along the 4 km river with over 850 trees.

This photo from Asahi Shinbun 

           

The trees are on both sides of the river. There were a lot of people (and dogs) taking pictures of themselves under the trees. There are also many food and drink stands.

The cherry blossom festival runs through March 8th.

Monday Morning Star Count

Today is a national holiday in Japan, in honor of the Emperor’s birthday. He is 66 years old today.

I made nine new hexagon flowers this week. I continue making more hexagons with all my small bits of fabric.

Atami Castle

This is a totally fake castle. There was never a castle here, and it was built as a tourist attraction in 1959. The admission is 1200 yen. 

The first floor is the Samurai Culture Museum, with displays of armor, swords, and matchlock guns, and is the best part of the castle, in my opinion. Other floors include the Japanese Castle Museum, the Ukiyo-e Erotic Art Exhibition, World of Rebus, Touch and Try Edo Corner, and the Panoramic Observation Tower.