Japanese Lantern

Well, what's a kimono without props? I designed this block about 25 years ago for paper piecing. Then I turned it into one for rotary cutting and sewing. I call it my Japanese Lantern. It is the April 17 block in my upcoming Block a Day Calendar by C&T Publishing.

Japanese Lantern: 9"

I realized (too late) that I should have made it 12" so that it can be used with the Kimono from yesterday. So, I will offer this to calendar owners in the 12" size, too. Once it comes out I will make that announcement. Then the two blocks can go together!

Here is a digital file created 25 years ago for Quilt Magazine. The kimono is slightly different, but this is how I envision the two blocks together in a simple quilt:

All I need to do is add a simple strip to the bottom of the Lantern to make it the 14" height.

Here are two blocks I made yesterday using the Equinox Collection by Benartex. I am going to remake them one more time using a lighter blue for the Lantern (and a larger Lantern in a 12" size).

9" Lantern Block

And my Kimono block:

Kimono Block: 12" x 14"

I still have some scraps of my Asian inspired fabrics. And some of the Sashiko Collection by Windham. Do you remember my Kimono quilt using those fabrics from a few years ago?

Kimono Quilt using the Sashiko Collection

Well, enough on these two sweet blocks. Hope you enjoyed seeing them.