Suzuko Koseki (with a side of Lizzy)

Though, I've mentioned her before. I wanted to revisit Suzuko Koseki today, because I pulled out many of her fabrics for a project last night.


It was Belinda who really ignited my enthusiasm for Suzuko Koseki. After my first trip to Japan, she saw one of prints I picked up and mentioned casually "I sort of collect Suzuko Koseki, would you want to sell me any?" By the second trip, she'd sent me several links of her favourite prints. By the 5th trip (or is it 6 now?), there was no question that I should pick up any Suzuko Koseki I see. Then I should buy twice the amount that I think I need. Suzuko Koseki's prints have an undeniably appealing mix of typography and shapes. While they are distinctly modern in color, the designs evoke a multitude of eras. By most the standards of a collector, my stash is meager. Ayumi aka Pink Penguin recently showed off her Suzuko collection. Go have a sticky beak, this post will still be here when you return.

When I was recently invited to contribute to a project to celebrate Suzuko's work, I jumped at the chance. Spearheaded by Ayumi, together 18 patchworkers from 8 countries are working together to micro-quilts (aka coasters) as an homage to Suzuko Koseki's fabric and patchwork books. The photo above is the start to my project. I'm choosing to use elongated hexagons and eventually need to integrate a Z into the design.

I could continue to talk in arty-farty terms, but what it really comes down to is this: I really dig Suzuko Koseki's fabrics. What stands out the most to me is her use of vivid and intense colour, set in designs where the bolt colour balances type and script. And when simple bold colours won't do, she gives us this:


The top print is my favourite colorway of her button print. There are 20 different colours combined to make up the design as indicated by the selvedge dots. The next closest in my stash had 14. How about your stash? There's a long standing challenge on flickr to find more.

As an aside - If you would like to know a bit more about the meaning of selvedge dots, I recommend the Lizzy House e-book. During the course of the challenge, it was recommended to me. As I have no plans to be a fabric designer, I had overlooked this little gem simply based on title, How to Enter the World of Textile Design: for the Quilting Industry. I feel fortunate that someone made the recommendation. Her explanations of balance, value and continuity are helpful for any artist; and her inclusion of personal experiences and the rich insight she's gained are remarkable for one so young. (Oh my! I am embarrassed that I just wrote that. As a spry 37 year old myself, I shouldn't view someone in their mid-twenties as "so-young". It's a topic for another day, but I seem to have crossed the line of "youth" in my head.) Back to Lizzy's book. This isn't a craft book that teaches you to make things. This is an art book that teaches you to think for yourself.

Because, by now, you've had a gander at Ayumi's remarkable collection and are eager to order Lizzy's book. I'll leave you with a few photos of mine with Suzuko Koreski in them and say that I feel fortunate to be able to give something to a designer whose work has brought happiness to others.



If you are looking for sources of Suzuko Koseki and live in Sydney, get ready for 2011. I had an early peek inside Calico and Ivy. The Yuwa table in the back of the shop is swoon-worthy, as is the rest of the store. Sheridan also had the foresight to pick up a little extra on her Tokyo trip, so you might be able to wrangle some from her. And, of course, the Suzuko Koseki flickr group has shop recommendations.

What do you think? Do you see any Suzuko Koseki in your stash any time soon?