2023: Vietnamese Year of the Cat!

I'm super excited to see this latest stitchery project coming together!

May is right around the corner, and this is the project I'll be presenting to my Vietnam travelers in early May! 

"But Bonnie - a cat? Why a cat? Isn't it the year of the rabbit?"

As China, Japan and other East Asian countries celebrate the start of the Lunar Year of the Rabbit, the people of Vietnam will be an exception - welcoming instead the Year of the Cat.

There is no official explanation for when and why the Vietnamese embraced the cat instead of the rabbit. They also replaced the Ox with the Buffalo on the 12 year lunar calendar.

Whatever the reason, Year of the Cat works for me - cue up the Al Stevens version:

Oh, boy! Does this ever take me back!

After the Sulky Stick 'n Stitch was washed away, I blocked my stitchery and let it dry and pressed it.  From here I trimmed it to size and added a skinny little border. 

And then the fun really began!

I dug into some pink and neutral scraps.

The sewing was easy and fun -

Small projects are so great when it comes to the feeling of quick rewards.

Oh such fun variety!

This is where we are now!

Next up, of course is finding a backing, getting it quilted, and some easy binding.

I was thinking of making this into a cushion cover, but traveling overseas with a stuffed pillow didn't make any sense, so it's going to be a wall hanging/table topper.

The folks headed to Vietnam with me will get to stitch it first!

I worked on the stitchery part on my flights to and from Phoenix - finishing before I reached home- so I know my travelers can finish the stitching on their return flights home too - or maybe while enjoying our overnight cruise sailing in Ha Long Bay onboard a “wooden junk vessel!

Discover the hidden treasures of Vietnam with me!

May 1-10, 2023

• Round-trip international airfare from New York City to Hanoi. (Airfare available from your closest international airport for an additional fee. First/Business class upgrades available)

• First-class hotel accommodations in Hanoi and Sapa. (Suite upgrades available)

• Transfers to/from the airport/hotel in Vietnam for full package guests.

• Hands-on "Lacquer workshop" taught by a local master artisan.

• A demonstration in Black Hmong batik.

• A professional Craftours escort throughout your entire journey.

• A scenic drive through a river valley and hillside rice terrace.

• Visits to villagers in traditional ethnic communities.

• A delicious welcome dinner, introductions, and orientation meeting.

• Delicious buffet breakfast served daily and special farewell dinner.

• Private deluxe motor coach and professional driver the entire time.

• Panoramic city tour of Hanoi with a local professional guide.

• Touring Hanoi’s Ethnology Museum.

• Hands-on workshops in Red Dao embroidery.

• Visit to the village of Van Phuc to see weaving and dyeing silk.

• A professional Vietnamese tour guide the entire time.

• A fascinating visit to a local Pearl Farm.

• Overnight cruise sailing in Ha Long Bay onboard a “wooden junk vessel."

• A visit to the Temple of Literature.

• A tour of the Women's Museum and Craft Link Gallery in Hanoi.

• An opportunity to shop in local markets for hand-made crafts.

• All taxes are included, and insurance is highly recommended.

• A Craftours lanyard, luggage identifier and commemorative gift.

Click for more info! Registration is in LAST CALL and we have room for just a few more folks, so hurry!

This binding was started last evening!

I'm really liking the red. The Sugar Grove quilt is now in the done column, but it's got to warm up a bit more before I go wandering out there to take photos of the finished quilt.

I love how Triple Treat came out - super old fabrics and all.

This is one of those quilts that can be thrown in the back of the car, used on picnics, without the fear of abusing a "good" quilt. We all need projects like this that allow us to use our "outdated" and otherwise lesser loved fabrics without shame!

And it turned out better than I dreamed. This pattern is a keeper to be used again and again and again.

It's still crazily cold outside - it was in the teens when I woke up.

I have no plans for my weekend other than to lay low, putter at this and that - and perhaps turn my attention back to the string star I started before leaving for Arizona.

How about you?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

These are my guidelines for a fulfilling life.

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It makes sense. It works. Adjust as needed!

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Vintage string quilt found in North Carolina

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Have a great weekend, everyone!