Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Mah Jong Flowers by Ngaire

I enjoy playing the game of Mah Jong and when I was given the cross stitch patterns for the flower tiles I thought this was a good way to showcase the Orient and a good chance to combine two of the crafts I like doing.
 Each flower represents a season of the year - Summer/orchid, Autumn/chrysanthemum, Winter/bamboo and Spring/plum blossom.
Thank you for all the work you all put into the little quilts. It is always great to see what everyone does with each given topic.
Ngaire.

"Misty Mountains" - from Kay H

Loved the Orient Challenge, Ngaire!

The misty Mountains in China's Hunan Province have always amazed me.



























I hope you like my interpretation,


X   Kay H

Deb - 'Maneki-neko'



The 'beckoning cat' is a common Japanese figurine (lucky charm, talisman) which is believed to bring good luck to the owner. It is also called the 'Chinese lucky cat' and is popular among Chinese merchants. The Maneki-neko is also the subject of a number of folk tales. 
I had fun researching this challenge Ngaire - thank you. I will look at these little cats in restaurants and shops with a different eye now!

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

"Spices, Riches from the Orient" stitched by Margie


In the Middle Ages trade in spices from the Orient dominated the world economy. Inspiration for my little quilt came from the spice stalls now ubiquitous to the markets of Provence. Machine pieced and hand quilted.