Best Friends

Nellie is an 18 month old Lab/St. Bernard cross and Peanut is a 12/13+ year old male cat.

I made these kokeshi dolls for a house warming gift for extended family. They'd recently visited Japan and are enamored of all things Japanese.  I found the pattern online (free) from Melly and Me (see links). I varied the color and sash patterns, and also tweaked the pattern a bit, adding an oval base so the dolls would stand on their own. 

China Bound

I'm moving to Beijing for two or three years in January (2011). At first there will be a back-and-forth transition time to meet family needs and professional commitments, then it will be full time. 

This is a park near the apartment. 

I'm interested in Chinese culture in terms of time, ancient to contemporary, and locale, rural to urban. I plan to immerse myself in popular culture and fiber arts/crafts. At this point, I know very little about contemporary Chinese fiber/textile arts.  Some of the world's best quilters come from Japan and South Korea, both countries are just a couple hours away by plane.

Another park near the Beijing apartment.

First, I have to get my head around such a major shift in location and lifestyle.