CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Sashiko, the Japanese quilting practice that dates back to the 17th century, will be featured at Japan House on Saturday (Oct. 5), during open house, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In presentations at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Mary DeRay will display and discuss both traditional quilts and quilts that combine traditional American techniques with sashiko and Japanese fabrics.
Jim Bier - designer, donor and caretaker of the Japan House gardens - will give tours at 1 and 3 p.m. Tranquil tea ceremonies, with a bowl of matcha tea and a traditional sweet, will be available throughout the day for a reduced rate of $5.
Visitors at the open house also can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes, including a pair of tickets to Nick Offerman's Oct. 26 "American Ham Tour" performance at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts; a tea ceremony with Offerman and professor Shozo Sato at Japan House; a poster autographed by Offerman; or one ticket to East Meets Midwest, an 11-course dinner hosted by Offerman and Sato at Prairie Fruits Farm on Oct. 27. The raffle tickets, $10 per ticket or five for $40, will be drawn Oct. 25, with winners notified by email.
Japan House is located on the U. of I. campus at 2000 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana. For more information, or to purchase raffle tickets, call 217-244-9934.