japanese swallows

We love birds in our house (but not literally) and swallows are one of the favourites. I love the way they fly along so low to the ground at great speed, grabbing their food as they do so. The children love them through stories, think rescuer of Thumbelina or the classic Swallows and Amazons and as well as being synonymous with the onset of Spring, they are linked with many other tales and legends too.

• It is Estonia's national bird and there it represents free blue sky and eternal happiness;

• Swallows are often the first birds to land on a ship that had been out to sea for long periods of time. So it came to symbolise being close to, or finding your way home;

• It is said in an old superstition, that when you see a swallow for the first time in a new year, it is an omen of wealth. You're supposed to rub the money in your wallet whilst watching the bird, to help the cash roll in;

• A tattoo of a swallow became popular for it's symbolism of home, pride, love and a host of other reasons that you can read about here.

But fear not, I have no tattoo to show you but I have been sewing. Again.

I've been hoarding this Japanese swallow-print cotton for too long now and thought that, with the onset of warmer weather, and like the bird, it was time for it to make an appearance. This Japanese book is a new release and has some really pretty patterns inside which are divided into sections for Town, Party and Resort.

The instructions did have me baffled a little this time, namely the pleating across the top which, once underway became completely obvious and crystal clear. The illustrations weren't as concise as previous patterns I've used so I had to fill in the gaps but this is becoming easier as each project goes by thankfully. My Mother still finds it amusing that I'm teaching myself to sew from Japanese patterns but there you go, in for a penny (or perhaps I should say Yen) ...

I love the sweet sleeves with their double layers.

The fabric is soft and lightweight too, so it'll be perfect for the Summer and the warmer weather, should it decide to return. In fact I wore it on Monday in the searing heat and it was a godsend then.

So, all I need now is a Party!

Have a wonderful long (and sunny?) weekend xx