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From Tokyo to Your Quilt: The Inspiration Behind My New Sushi Pattern Pack

Hello, fellow quilters and creative souls!


Have you ever been stuck in a creative rut, unable to push through a project no matter how hard you try? That’s exactly where I was recently—until a burst of inspiration hit me during my trip to Tokyo. Yes, the vibrant city that never ceases to amaze sparked a delightful new idea: a sushi-themed quilt pattern pack!


Tokyo is a city bursting with energy, culture, and, of course, incredible food. Among the countless delights I experienced, the artistry of sushi truly stood out. The meticulous care, the vibrant colors, the perfect balance of flavors—all these elements come together to create something truly special. I thought, why not capture that essence in fabric? And thus, the idea for a sushi-inspired Foundation Paper Pieced (FPP) quilt pattern pack was born!


Meet the Sushi Quartet:


1. **Nigiri** - A classic favorite, featuring fresh fish elegantly draped over a bed of rice. In quilt form, it’s a delightful blend of simple yet effective colors and shapes.


This is a quilt block that makes a picture of sushi! How cool is that!


2. **Maki** - Rolled to perfection, this pattern captures the iconic look of rolled sushi with its contrasting layers of seaweed, rice, and filling.


These quilt blocks are great for beginners and people who want to learn how to paper piece. This quilt block is a Sushi Maki Roll and has Tula Pink fabric for the background. It would be fun to make as a pot holder or coaster gift set!


3. **Temaki** - The cone-shaped hand roll, bursting with ingredients, offers a playful and dynamic design.


Now you can make a Temaki sushi quilt block like this one. This uses fabrics by Tula Pink and is great for using up fabric scraps.


4. **Oshizushi** - Pressed sushi, showcasing neat, compact layers for a unique visual and textural experience.


This is a 7” sushi quilt block made using foundation paper piecing. It is beginner friendly. The quilt block is bold and colourful and is staged next to some ornate sewing snips and Scanfil threads.


These patterns are designed with versatility and accessibility in mind. They come in two block sizes—6 inches and 7 inches—so you can choose the scale that best suits your project. Whether you're looking to create small coasters (how cute would sushi coasters be?) or a mini quilt to hang on the wall, these patterns have you covered. And for the ambitious among us, these blocks could even become part of a larger quilt, showcasing your love for sushi and quilting in one unique piece!


Why Sushi?

You might be wondering why I chose sushi as the theme for this pattern pack. Well, sushi is not just food; it’s an art form. Each piece is crafted with an eye for detail and a passion for perfection. I wanted to bring that same sense of artistry to quilting, using fabric to celebrate the beauty and creativity found in sushi. Plus, it's a fun and unexpected theme that can add a touch of whimsy to your quilting projects.


Creating the Patterns

Designing these patterns was both a joy and a challenge. The goal was to keep the designs detailed enough to capture the essence of each type of sushi while ensuring they were approachable for beginners to Foundation Paper Piecing. This meant focusing on simple shapes and clean lines, avoiding overly intricate details like rice grains, which could overwhelm a new quilter. The result is a set of quilt blocks that are fun, accessible, and satisfying to sew.


These sushi quilt blocks are fabulous scrappy patchwork patterns and are incredibly Easy to sew quilt patterns, even for beginners. There are four quilt blocks included in the set.


A Creative Reset

Working on these sushi patterns was like a creative dose of wasabi as a palate cleanser. It allowed me to step away from the project that was giving me trouble and dive into something completely new and exciting. And guess what? While I was busy piecing together these sushi blocks, the solution to my original project dilemma finally came to me. It’s funny how creativity works sometimes; stepping away can be just as productive as pushing through.


I hope you enjoy creating these sushi quilt blocks as much as I did designing them. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting out, these patterns are a great way to practice Foundation Paper Piecing and add a unique flair to your projects. Happy quilting, and may your stitches be as satisfying as your favorite sushi roll!


Until next time,

Happy Quilting and Sewing, Rachel