Yasuko Saito

As I entered my 50s, with my children becoming more independent, I began to glimpse the shape of my future life. With only one life to live, I want to ensure that it is a joyful one. Although the uncertainty of what lies ahead for both myself and those around me can be unsettling, quilting has become an essential part of my life. Each piece I create is, in a sense, a reflection of my personal history. I would be truly happy if I could continue to hold a needle in my hand until the end of my days.

My work began with traditional patterns crafted from cotton, but it soon expanded into the realm of crazy quilting, silk, synthetic fabrics, buttons, and ribbons. My creative journey took a turn when I discovered the spiral patterns by Debra Lunn for Lunn Fabrics, which led to the creation of my contemporary MOVEMENT series.

My style blends delicacy and boldness, with a focus on dynamic, powerful lines created through machine quilting. At times, I enhance my finished pieces with additional elements such as paint, ink, and gold leaf to add depth and expression.

Recently, I have also started incorporating handmade Japanese paper (washi) into my work. Alongside my quilting, I teach workshops on using traditional Japanese fabrics (wafu) der...

I began my journey in patchwork in 1982. In 1989, I joined Hearts & Hands. Over the years, I have received numerous awards at both domestic and international quilt exhibitions, including Quilt Japan.

Selected for the *Quilt National
・In 1999 with "MOVEMENT #4

・In 2001 with "MOVEMENT #6

・In 2015 with "MOVEMENT #71 (was purchased by Luana Rubin, a juror for the Houston International Quilt Association (now IQF) at that time

・In 2020, I was honored by a request from the International Quilt Museum in Nebraska, USA, to contribute a work to their collection.
They acquired my piece "MOVEMENT #89

・In 2021 with "MOVEMENT #91 Zen-1", which was featured on the cover of the Quilt National catalog, marking the first time an Asian artist, specifically a Japanese quilter, received this honor.

*One of the most prestigious events in the contemporary quilting world is the QUILT NATIONAL, held every two years at The Dairy Barn Arts Center in Ohio, USA. It is said that those who are selected for this competition possess the skills to teach anywhere in the world. Out of many applicants, only about 85 are chosen each time, making it a highly competitive event.