Quilt Market

Yoko Saito Visits the Bunny Hill Booth!

October 17, 2009 / 28 Comments

So, I’m in the Bunny Hill Booth, and two lovely Japanese women walk in.  They start talking and smiling at each other about my Scottie dog quilt.  I leaned over to get them a pattern and when I came up I saw the name tag;  Yoko Saito.

First came a gasp, then tears, and then the bowing started.  Back and forth we went, bowing over and over.  I wasn’t sure when it was polite to stop, so I just kept going and so did she!  I felt so graced just to have her visit my booth!  She is, in my humble opinion, the best appliqué designer ever.

There she was, this fashionable lady, dressed so nicely in a beautiful scarf around her neck (note to self; get a scarf for market and try to remember to wear it.)

Anne and Yoko

 

A picture was called for, in front of the Scottie dog quilt of course! Note to self; think about red glasses too.

For those of you who are not familiar with her work, I’ll share some close-ups with you.  Think itty, bitty tiny pieces of fabric, appliquéd, and then hand quilted with rows of quilting 1/8” to 1/4” wide.  It is amazing to look at her work!

Basket Detail

Not only is she known for intricate work, she is also known for her light-hearted whimsical style!  Just look at her little appliqué tote that was on display at market!

Yoko's applique purse

I am fortunate enough to have almost all of her books in my personal collection.  A very special friend has given me one of her books for almost every birthday.  To have met Yoko, and own her books, is a dream come true.

Applique close-up

Have a safe trip back to Japan Yoko.  I loved meeting you!

Next post I’ll wrap up my market pictures.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hugs,

Anne

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28 Comments

  • Peggi

    October 24, 2009 at 5:41 am Reply

    Oh I am so GREEN that you got to meet Yoko Saito!!! It's such a bummer that her style is so hard to find in the states. I can only imagine how excited you were!

  • Hi! My name is erica. Would you be my friend?

    October 19, 2009 at 7:42 pm Reply

    That's so sweet! It's wonderful to meet someone you admire so much, but to have them like your work as well has got to be incredible! :)

  • Sheri Howard

    October 18, 2009 at 3:54 am Reply

    You are not just a kidding…I saw her work and couldn't believe what such a work of true art it was….very inspiring!

  • Miss Jean

    October 17, 2009 at 10:31 pm Reply

    I'm so happy for you that you met your idol!

    I just returned from PIQS and wanted you to know that I went to the Thimble Creek booth to see your new quilt Le Jardin! Oh, my goodness gracious! You are my quilt design idol. Has everyone noticed the bunny profile picket fence posts or do I get a prize for that? I very carefully and lovingly petted it when Roxie wasn't looking!!

  • Chriss

    October 17, 2009 at 9:30 pm Reply

    I cried when I read this! I understand how you feel, actually getting to meet someone who you rever and admire so much. Love her work, as well as yours.

  • Carrie

    October 17, 2009 at 6:28 pm Reply

    Like everyone else, I was curious to know who it was that would have brought you to tears to meet. But now I understand ~ Yoko Saito's work is exquisite. And more.

    I'm so happy you got to meet her ~ and I'm even happier that she obviously enjoyed YOUR work enough to stop and take a closer look. :)

  • Suzanne

    October 17, 2009 at 2:32 pm Reply

    Meeting Yoko Saito for you is the same as us meeting you. I waited in your booth to speak to you on opening day but the ladies in front of me were going on and on. It was like waiting your turn to have audience with the Queen, you want your turn but don't want to take time away from someone else. I finally told your assistant that I'd come back, but when I did get back the next day you had stepped out. I'm so sorry I missed you because I'm sure I would have stood there bowing or curtseying or what ever you do in front of royalty.

  • Anonymous

    October 17, 2009 at 1:47 pm Reply

    Silly question here, but are her books written in Japanese?

    One more….does she have a pattern for that bag you showed?

    Gina

  • Kathie

    October 17, 2009 at 8:21 am Reply

    oh my gosh I would have been speechless and started babbling on and on and on
    I love her work and yes I have that book!
    I have a few of her books , guess I had better start collecting all of them
    isn't it wonderful to meet someone you really admire?
    Kathie

  • Jeanette

    October 17, 2009 at 4:01 am Reply

    Anne, the way you felt meeting her is how most of us would feel getting to meet you.

    I feel like bowing to my computer now =0)

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