Happy Flower Quilts Blog Hop + Giveaway

Today is my turn on the 'Happy Flower Quilts' blog hop, the sweetest quilting book by legendary Japanese designer Atsuko Matsuyama, finally available in English thanks to publishers Zakka Workshop!

I coveted this book ever since I first came across it on Instagram. Alas it was out of print and highly desirable, and copies were selling for extortionate amounts on Etsy and ebay. I couldn't believe my luck when one day I came across a copy in Chinese for an 'affordable' sum, so I grabbed it. How lucky I am that I now have the English version also!

This book is full of so many sweet projects, all in that special Japanese style, with lots of lovely hand-sewn details. If you love florals and pink, you've got to add this book to your collection! So many cute things to make, ranging from bags to snack mats, baby quilts to decorations.

For my first project I chose the snack satchels - three to be precise! I like making pouches whenever I get a chance as they are great for giving presents - fill them with cookies, lollies, fabric, or toys! For the floral fabrics I used Retro 30s Child Smile Fall 2016 by Lecien and paired them up with some gingham blenders.

For my second project I made a Dresden Plate Pincushion, in a happy mix of pinks and greens. I love these colours, they remind me of spring! The fabrics are a mix of Japanese prints from my stash.

Zakka Workshop are kindly giving away a copy of 'Happy Flower Quilts' to one of my followers so if you would like to win a copy please head over to my Instagram account and leave a comment on the giveaway post! Open worldwide, I will draw a winner on Friday.

Here is the full blog hop schedule if you would like to have a look at what the other designers are making:

Monday 1/23 Kristyne  @prettybyhand   www.prettybyhand.com
Wednesday 1/25 Lisa  @aspoonfulsugar   www.aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com
Friday 1/27 Sarah  @sarahedgarprettyfabrics   www.alittlehappyplace.blogspot.co.uk
Monday 1/30 Minki  @zeriano  www.minkikim.com
Wednesday 2/1 Heidi  @fabricmutt   www.fabricmutt.blogspot.com
Friday 2/3 Clara   @claralovestosew   Instagram Only
Monday 2/6 Ange   @alittlepatchwork   www.alittlepatchwork.wordpress.com
Wednesday 2/8 Erin  @whynotsewquilts   www.whynotsew.blogspot.com
Friday 2/10 Lauren   @transientart   www.transientart.com
Monday 2/13 Sedef   @downgrapevinelane   www.downgrapevinelane.com
Wednesday 2/15 Ayda   @cafenohut   www.cafenohut.blogspot.com
Friday 2/17 Renee   @sewnwithgrace   www.sewnwithgrace.com
Monday 2/20 Heather   @vintagegreyhandmade   www.vintagegreyhandmade.blogspot.com
Wednesday 2/22 Melissa   @ohhowsweetco   www.ohhowsweet.com
Friday 2/24 Greg   @greydogweoodstudio   www.greydogwoodstudio.com
Monday 2/27 Stacy   @stacyolsondesign   www.stacyolsondesign.com
Wednesday 3/1 Wynn @zakkaart   www.zakkaart.blogspot.com

But of course, the real star of this book is the sampler quilt on the book's cover. It is all kinds of fabulous, and such an achievement to complete. If you would like to make it, there will be a quilt along (#happyflowerqal) starting March 6th and will run for about a year! The quilt along will be hosted by Kristyne (@prettybyhand), Wynn (@zakkaart), and Melissa (ohhowsweetco). Come and join in on the fun!