6 & 6 in 2018 - April Report

This month I worked on my kogin project, but there's still a lot to do.

You can check out who is joining in on 6 & 6 in 2018 on Meredith's blog here.

Golden Week in Japan

In Japan, there are three big holiday (travel) times - New Year's, Golden Week, and Obon.  Everyone has the same holidays so it is very crowded and expensive all over the country.  

Golden Week is made up of four national holidays in a seven day period.  Adding in the weekend days, this makes for a nine day holiday period.

Today (April 29th) is Showa Day, the birthday of the former Emperor Showa, who died in 1989.  Because this falls on a Sunday this year, it is observed on Monday.  

Constitution Day is May 3rd.  The postwar constitution went into effect on this day in 1947.  

Greenery Day is May 4th and is dedicated to the environment and nature. 

Children's Day (Boy's Day) is celebrated on May 5th.  Families hang up carp streamers and display samurai dolls to pray for the future success of their sons.  Girl's Day is celebrated on March 3rd.

I am taking a little trip this week and I'll post all about it when I return!  Have a great week.

2018 Smalls Stitch A Long - April

This month's ornament was designed by Carole Rodgers and called Hardanger Poinsettia on White.  I did not use the called for fabric or threads.  I finished the ornament with cording I made from #5 perle, a store bought tassel, and moire fabric for the backing.

I'm linking up with Heather, at Stitching Lotus, the hostess of this stitch a long.

Friday Finish - Chicken Scratch Runner

I finished the chicken scratch into a dresser scarf or runner, not sure what to call it.   (I guess I should have given it a press before taking the picture.)

I did not line it and just turned the edges under and stitched by hand.  

I'm pleased with how it turned out.

Turtle Island

I love seeing turtles and other creatures when I am out and about!

Work In Progress Wednesday - More Chicken Scratch, Plus Fabric

I continued with the chicken scratch this week.  It is hard to put down!  

I'm also thinking about what I will make out of these beautiful fabrics my friends brought back from Kyoto.  Arigatou!

Easy Orange

There are many different kinds of citrus fruits in Japan.  Some are easy to peel, like the mikan.  Others have a thick skin and are harder to peel.  

I was given these big, thick skinned citrus fruits and this handy dandy tool!

The tool opens up and can be taken apart.

The white side is for scoring the skin, making it easy to peel.

The orange side has a little blade to take off the outside of each section.

Amazing, isn't it?  What a great gift!

Monday Morning Star Count - Week 51

Week 51 of the temperature quilt 

April 15 - 21 

70, 64, 54, 63, 70, 77, 79

Sarah at Sarah Did It! is hosting a link up for those making temperature quilts on Wednesdays. Check it out.

This is my temperature/color (Fahrenheit) scheme: 

100 + Brown 

90-99 Red  

80-89 Orange 

70-79 Yellow  

60-69 Green  

50-59 Blue 

40-49 Purple 

30-39 Pink 

20-29 White 

10-19 Black

Until Next Time ...

Good-bye Okinawa!  

Here are a few more odds and ends from the trip.

The Mystery Beach

Sometimes we just go where our feet take us without knowing exactly where that is.