Super kawaii stitching - go!

 

Stitching desperately in to the early hours of the night I just about managed to finish this "kawaii" cutie in time to present it to a fellow Japan-loving friend for her birthday.

I love the little details of the flowers on her kimono, the French knots on her sleeves and the subtle white backstitching on her obi belt.

  

I Think I'm Stitching Japanese....

I have always been attracted to Oriental art styles and am something of a Japanophile, with a large interest in Japanese art, fashion, food, literature, folklore, films etc...              Cross stitch and embroidery in general has often featured Oriental designs; no surprise with the richness of textile history in Asia to take inspiration from; so there are a great many styles and patterns to choose from.  I stitched the cherry blossom design, quite early on in my quest to re-learn cross stitch.  It had some challenging fractional stitches but I loved the example of such a classic motif.

 

 This kokeshi doll inspired design was a quick easy stitch and so cute, I couldn't resist her. Having been something of a momiji collector, she reminded immediately of those cute little dolls.