The fabulous new Japanese-themed 'Hajime' collection from designed by Stuart Hillard is a fresh take on traditional Japanese patterns, with that crisp, contemporary look typical of Lewis and Irene fabrics. Great if you want a slightly more modern look to traditional designs.
 
This listing is for 'Linen' with karakusa (Chinese vine) scrolls and chrythansemums in blues, taupe and white on cream. It would be great for clothing as well as patchwork, or to go with a sashiko panel. This is one of my favourite prints from this collection.
 
Available as fat quarters, half metres or metres. Fabric will be supplied as a continuous piece whenever possible.
 
110cm (43in) wide (approx).
 
100% cotton

Stuart writes about his fabrics -

'Hajime…is the Japanese word for “beginning” and is also a command “to begin”… My first collection for Lewis and Irene is named “Hajime” from the Japanese “to begin” or “beginning”… A fresh beginning, a new start, sometimes to begin a new project is the hardest part…I made rough marks on a page, thick brushstrokes in wet paint on paper, hatched lines in pencil and running stitches on cloth…those loose lines became stylised florals, windblown reeds, clouds and interlocking cubes…all drawn in shades of indigo, blue and tan…my collection and colours are inspired by vintage mens kimono, once ubiquitous in Japan, everyday workwear made almost obsolete but re-imagined for modern sewing projects, clothing, quilting, bag making, crafts.