If you’re a quilter or textile artist looking for a new twist — or rather, a new fold — on fabric origami, here it is: my Tanabata block.
Many years ago, I learned how to fold little paper ornaments which are sometimes used as decorations for the annual Japanese Tanabata (a.k.a. “star”) festival. The shapes are strung with beads and other bits of paper, and made into a streamer of any length that can be hung from the ceiling or near a window to catch the breeze. The fold is quick, easy, and great fun to make with leftover gift wrap, calendar pages.
When Kristin and Rose Ann Hunter asked me if I would present a talk and fabric origami workshop for the Essex County Needlework Guild’s February meeting, my mind turned to the tanabata shape. What could I make using it as a foundation?
After a bit of experimentation, the Tanabata Quilt Block was born. True to its name, the finished piece creates a starry set of folds and points. Even better, FOUR different variations on the design emerge by skipping or modifying just one of the final steps.
As I continue to play around with this design, I keep coming up with new ideas and variations. Watch for more details in the weeks ahead. Meanwhile, if you’d like to buy the pattern and start making Tanabata blocks, visit our Studio Store by clicking the Shop link in our navigation bar.
The earthquake and tsunamis that struck Japan on March 11, 2011 left their devastating mark in Sendai and other communities that celebrate the Tanabata Festival. Please consider making a donation to the 
