Welcome to QuiltNSW’s Special Exhibitors overview.
It promises to be a vibrant showcase of artistry and craftsmanship, celebrating the timeless quilting tradition. Immerse yourself in a world where fabric and thread come alive, telling stories of heritage, innovation, and community through stunning quilts.
Our Special Guests: Japan Contemporary Quilt Association (JCQA)
A vibrant celebration of colour, culture, and creativity
Step into a world where tradition meets innovation.
As part of the 2025 QuiltNSW Exhibition and Sydney Quilt Show, we’re honoured to present a magnificent special guest exhibition from the Japan Contemporary Quilt Association.
Over 50 quilts on display—each a masterpiece of design and storytelling. From bold abstracts to delicate textures, these works reflect the depth and diversity of Japan’s contemporary quilt movement.
Immerse yourself in a showcase that blends modern artistry with cultural heritage.
This is more than an exhibition—it’s an experience not to be missed.
Floor talks daily at 2 pm. (interpreted)
QuiltNSW is excited to announce that Yasuko Saito, Japanese Contemporary Quilt Artist, will be an honoured guest at the 2025 QuiltNSW Exhibition.
About Yasuko Saito
Yasuko Saito is a leader in Japan’s art-quilt movement and has influenced both peer artists and future generations through her dual roles as creator and educator.
Her bold, tactile use of colour, form, and materials continues to inspire new conversations in contemporary textile art.
She is an award-winning artist: recognized at prestigious national and international quilt exhibitions including Quilt Japan, International Quilt Festival (Houston), and Quilt National (Ohio).
Yasuko Aito’s passion for patchwork began in 1982 and transitioned to professional quilting by 1989 when she joined Hearts & Hands quilt school.
Since 2001, Yasuko Aito has been an instructor at Vogue Quilt School, mentoring emerging quilters.
She is the President of the Japan Contemporary Quilt Association (JCQA) and formerly directed the “Wanuno World” class at Vogue Japan.
She resides in Tokyo and is deeply involved with the Japanese quilt-making community.
Artistic Style & Influence
Known for vibrant, dynamic textiles, the quilts of Yasuko Aito feature intricate patchwork set within broad sweeping arcs of colour.
Distinctive integration of handmade washi paper, hand-dyed fabrics, silk, and machine embroidery adds rich texture and layered depth.
Notable Works & Exhibitions
A prolific portfolio titled “MOVEMENT” includes pieces like #52, #70, and #76 – Love, crafted from silk, linen, cotton, and hand-made paper. These works have appeared in major Japanese venues—Seibu Department Store, Nihonbashi-Mitsukoshi, and Qingdao exhibitions in China.
Represented internationally through exhibits with JCQA — for example, in Hangzhou and Shaoxing, China, and participation in the Quilt National ’15.
Yuko Kureyama
Hyakutoku Kimono Card
This workshop is hand stitching using Japanese kimono silks
Celebrate the elegance of Japanese tradition with the Hyakutoku Kimono Card — a beautifully crafted design inspired by the intricate patterns and seasonal motifs of classic kimono fabrics. “Hyakutoku” (百徳) meaning “one hundred virtues,” reflects the timeless beauty and cultural richness embodied in every fold and flourish.
Perfect for special occasions, thoughtful messages, or as a collectible keepsake, this card pairs traditional aesthetics with modern appreciation. Delicate, refined, and full of meaning — just like the kimono itself.
Kit fee: $40
Workshop will be interpreted.
Noriko Shimano
Miniature Star of Bethlehem
This is a 7mm diamond piece. Instead of sewing the diamonds one by one, we will use an original sewing method. You can sew quickly and accurately. This workshop is for the inner part of the block (inside the white) as marked.
This workshop is machine stitching using cotton fabrics.
Kit fee: $55
Workshop will be interpreted.
Jang Young Sook
Pouch using Jang-san’s couching technique
This exquisite pouch showcases the refined artistry of Jang Young Sook, incorporating her signature Jang-san-style couching technique — a traditional Korean embroidery method known for its precision, depth, and texture. Delicate threads are meticulously laid and stitched to create graceful, dimensional patterns that reflect both heritage and innovation.
Elegant and functional, this piece is more than just a pouch — it’s a small masterpiece of textile craftsmanship, perfect for carrying treasured items or appreciating the beauty of handwork rooted in cultural tradition.
Kit fee: $20
Note: Shoulder chain is not included in the materials
Workshop will be interpreted.
