What is it about the oriental?
Remember I mentioned a quilt exhibition in my walk at Belsay Hall and gardens on Monday? I thought that some of my craft working friends might like a closer look. Personally, I can look and admire, but I’m not much good at the making.
The hall is a mighty Palladian building and you step inside respectfully. The wood panelled walls and lofty ceilings create an interesting exhibition space, where my eyes are drawn immediately to the kimonos, bobbed hairstyles and coy smiles of the oriental ladies. There are many more traditional quilts, ranged throughout a series of rooms, with knowledgeable ladies, poised to enlighten and inform.
It was the last week of the exhibition when I was there, but Belsay regularly hosts events in the house, castle and magnificent gardens. Debbie has us dangling this week in Six Word Saturday. Why not join in?
Wishing you a great weekend!



Beautiful. I think my favourite is the tree. I think. I could change my mind several times!
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I felt a bit like that, Anabel. 🙂
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I like looking at quilts especially those that are created to tell a story like a wedding quilt with the various patterns. I once, believe it or not, was very in to quilting and applique work when my children were very small, though as a dressmaker I suck! Cushions and curtains, blinds etc – anything with straight lines and I am fine, though I haven’t done any stitching in decades.
The contemporary Japanese ones here are rather fun, but my favourite has to be the last one of the birds.
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That’s my downfall, Jude! I can’t do straight lines. Now wiggly, waggly ones- no problem. 🙂 🙂 You feeling any better? I did say to Becky that the birds reminded me of the Algarve.
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The birds certainly look like Becky’s lovely photos. Feeling a little better today though woke at 5:30 with stomach ache! Haven’t had that in a long time (and don’t want it again thank you). Looks like we are in for a week of rain 😦 but still need to take OH out for his birthday lunch – sadly I was too ill to even do that last week!
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I saw a few interesting bits about Madrid in the Easyjet magazine. Will include them in the next email. 🙂
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OK. Thank you 🙂
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When I saw these pics on my phone I thought the quilts were vintage, but they’re contemporary, what a lovely treat. I’d like to try quilting one day, but then i want to do everything! My favourites are the one above 201 and the one beside 340, which are yours?
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201 is my absolute favourite, Gilly. I love that sort of ethereal Geisha look. And I like the birdies and the cute Japanese stuff. The black lacy tree reminded me of Lisa. Something for everyone 🙂 🙂 Of all places, James is at Epsom today! At a birthday bash 🙂 Yes, he saw the Queen and no he didn’t win. Hugs, sweetheart. Thanks for your company!
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Good for James, hooray and thank you for cheering me up, have a big hug back x:-)x
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Beaming at you! 🙂 🙂
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Nice
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Thanks! 🙂 🙂
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Those quilts are ever so beautiful, Jo! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Aren’t they nice? I don’t suppose you need quilts much in Texas, Pit 🙂 🙂
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Well, Jo, believe it or not, we do have a quilt on our bed and we usually have it on during the nights. I admit, it’s kind of crazy, to have the air-conditioning on on the one hand, and then – on the other hand – get under a quilt at the same time.
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Lovely captures, Jo!
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Do you have a favourite, Sue? 🙂 🙂
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The first two are nice, but the 5th one does it for me!
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Ah! The sort of firefly one 🙂 🙂
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Yes!
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Such beautiful works of art. My grandmother used to quilt with a group of ladies on a weekly basis & their creations were stunning!
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I can only admire Lynn. Wonky lines are my speciality xx
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I think your creativity shines in many other ways my friend ❤️
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I admire quilt art and in this post there are marvelous pieces ( no 201 , for instance) , but I’ve never had any in my house….and don’t know if I would mind having one…..
Definitely this is a very artistic collection, thanks for sharing!
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I love 201! I can only dream. No skill whatsoever Anna xx
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Quilting is one of those things I’ve always wanted to have a crack at but haven’t yet managed it. I love those top ones and the beachy one with the birds at the end. I have friends who would have loved this exhibition.
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Same here. Another of life’s many skills that have eluded me Heather xx
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Oww those Japanese motifs are very interesting, never seen an exhibition like that 😉
I’m sure it met your expectations!
Thanks for sharing, have a nice weekend!!
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It was a total surprise, Eleazar. I didn’t even know the exhibition was on till we got there. 🙂 🙂
Sunny here, so I will, thank you!
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Coming from someone who can barely sew a button, I’m in awe. Thanks for sharing, Jo. These are simply amazing.
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I’m in exactly the same boat Jill xx
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Beautiful work, especially the Japanese triptych (201). Wowzer!
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That’s my favourite too, Ron 🙂 🙂
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I love these beautiful quilts, especially the birds on the beach.
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Cute isn’t it? Reminds me of the Algarve xx
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Beautiful quilts. I especially love the Japanese ones.
Alison
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Me too Alison xx
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I love quilts probably because I am all thumbs when it comes to creating with needle and thread. These are gorgeous Jo . . .the bird one I adore but I think I’d probably walk off with the Japanese one too!
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I’m rubbish too Becky. Have a good weekend xx
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I’m contrary. My favourite is the unJapanese bird one on the beach, the last one. Just to prove I don’t always fixate on the first one. Although I’m also a fan of fans. Hope Saturday gives you every pleasure you hope for, and Sunday the rest. Unsmiley face – no Skype tonight: kids are at Pruszków, while mum writes an essay and dad does work bonding on a weekend kayak trip. (Haha)
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ooh that’s my favourite one too – the birds!
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I like the birds very much. Actually it reminded me of one of the very rare decent bird photos I took in the Algarve last trip. I was tempted to include it in here but it wasn’t quite appropriate. 🙂 🙂
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Hee hee . . .will wait with anticipation then for that photo 🙂
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My favourite people are always allowed to be contrary. 🙂 🙂 And I love the birds too. Sun’s shining and I’m off to Saltburn to inspect the pier soon. Parents have it hard these days…. sometimes 🙂 They’ll chatter twice as long next time!
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So much beautiful work. Lucky you, Jo to find this lovely exhibition.
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Pure chance as these things often are Carol xx
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These are amazing! I particularly like the simplicity of the starkness of winter branches against a floral background. The last quilt is amazing. I’ve always wanted to try this.
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That struck me as something my daughter would do Pip, the branches one xx
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It’s wonderful, the colors, the vibrance and the detail of it all. Love it. 💕
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I am totally useless when it comes to sewing, Miriam, but I love to look. 🙂 🙂
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Oh, me too! Funnily enough, mum was an expert but unfortunately I didn’t inherit her skills. 😏
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Same here. My daughter is the seamstress xx
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I thought you had been super busy when I first looked at this Jo 😉
I am not a big quilting fan, at least not of new ones in traditional style. But I love the first two that you’ve shared with us. Brilliant detail and, of course, a temptation to travel!
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I don’t really fancy Tokyo but I’d love to see Japan, Debs. How about you? 🙂 🙂
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