Exciting things ahead

I have rather been keeping a lid on this news, but in two weeks time today I shall be flying off to Japan for another two week trip with Stitchtopia! People I tell say they are very envious, and I think I feel rather envious of myself, truth be told. I have wanted to go there for such a long time, for so many reasons, and never thought this would be possible. I am both very excited, and a trifle terrified!

We will be seeing so many interesting things; several temples/shrines, gardens, Tokyo and Kyoto, a museum of quilt art, a weaver's studio, a papermaking workshop, a traditional Japanese dance and a visit to Arimatsu, the home of excellence in Shibori, which was established over 400 years ago. I am so thrilled to be visiting this particular place, as I have tried my hand at shibori from time to time, and will be deeply interested to see how it is done by the absolute experts.

We have been told in advance that gift giving is a long established tradition in Japan, and have been advised we should bring a small gift for our local guide and several good folk who will be hosting us or gifting us their expertise in workshops. Three of these are men, and I am packing gift sets of English tea for them. But for the women I have some small hand crafted items which I hope will bring pleasure.

For our local guide I am bringing a silk scarf which I died using the shibori technique. And for our other three hosts I have made little folded origami pouches with multiple pockets, secured with ribbon loops and some vintage buttons from Mum's button box.

We have also been advised that the wrapping is as important as the gift, and I was so pleased to find matching wrapping paper and tissue paper (in different shops) with butterflies fluttering amongst flowers. Each gift will be wrapped in tissue, popped into a little gold box and further wrapped, with some organza ribbon to secure it all. I do hope they bring pleasure. I also hope I'm not making the mistake of "carrying coals to Newcastle", since both origami and shibori are Japanese techniques. Included in each gift will be a very local fridge magnet with an image of Hastings, Bexhill, Beachy Head or the De La Warr Pavilion, to ensure they have something properly English in their little package.

Time permitting, I shall post a few pictures and commentary during the trip so you can share in some of my joys.