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.)
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!
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!
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.
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
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!
I would fall over and faint if I ever met her in person. You are one very lucky girl, that is so awesome.
I love the scotty dog quilt in the background, isnt the authentic line great?
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! :)
wonderful way to be blessed at market!!!! Does she have a web site?
anne,
it is so wonderful you met Yoko Saito! i am a huge fan of hers as well. so happy for you. what a blessing!
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!
Wow! Wow! I've admired her work for years. I envisioned her as a little old lady though.
KayH
How awesome!
Have a great day!
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!!
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.
How lucky for you to meet your idol!
That is amazing work that she does…and better yet that you got to meet her…How awesome is that?
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. :)
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.
Silly question here, but are her books written in Japanese?
One more….does she have a pattern for that bag you showed?
Gina
how great that you got to meet someone that you admire. I have seen some of her work and it is wonderful. I always admire those who do hand work it is a dying art! I wish I could do it as well as she does.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
How exciting for you, and such beautiful work. Wow is what comes to mind.
What a wonderful memory you have from Market. Two very talented ladies get to meet.
How fantastic to meet someone of that talent! Her work is gorgeous and so very detailed. You're one lucky gal Anne!
Very exciting for you. Yoko's work is just stunning. from Jenny McH
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
How nice to have met her. I adore that little bag with the houses on it.
I agree with Jeanette! (but I also have all of Yoko's books too!!) :)
Bernie Shell
http://quiltedberries.blogspot.com/
(welcome anytime!)
OH WOW I love her work Just look at that quilt how lucky you are to have met her.
Hugs Mary.
What an honor! Love her quilt, and the bag is gorgeous with a touch of whimsy!
How very exciting for you!
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)