Pam,

I use DMC 5 for my tassels. It seems a nice weight; usually about 1/4 of a skein. Regular embroidery thread is DMC 25 and is too thin I think. You might even want a bit heavier. Di

Wow... I didn't find a fabric panel of cherry blossom branches like I wanted but I did find this. I have 9 of the floral appliques and I was looking at the site again and found the Bonsai patterns.

My original idea for the Asian fabrics was the parasol in the middle with delicate cherry blossoms on the parasol. I do like the idea of using the large pieces of fabric but I also love the branches idea. I'll work on the design again to incorporate this applique, probably without the planter. Either as the pattern for the parasol, around the edges/corners of the quilt or coming out from the parasol to the corners.

I wonder if any of the fabrics I have would have florals that could be fussy cut for the blossoms.

http://distinctivepieces.home.att.ne...l/bs_cherr.htm

Another idea, Pam - I saw some lovely oriental batik panels at the last quilt show I went to. Not sure who the vendor was, but you might be able to google 'batik panels' or look on Ebay - or look there for ideas for your appliques. Or not - you could end up with TOO MANY ideas! Sort of like I did for my black and white block for the exchange!

Fat Cats has some orential patterns :D

Thanks... I'll take a look.

Yes, there is a danger of overthinking a design when sometimes simple or your first idea is best.

Here are some batik panels, they also sell on eBay. I like a few of these though I didn't see any cherry blossom branches.

http://www.interactchina.com/servlet...172/Categories

These gals sell some marvelous Asian Kimono / yakata fabrics etc.
Not batiks but might make a fabulous statement in an Asian quilt.

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/kimono...Q_fromZQQ_mdoZ

warm quilt hugs, sue