Chinese Lantern Block

Description

Chinese lanterns are so Iconic!  They are an easy way to send the message: “This is an Oriental Quilt!”  Because I love the Orient and oriental things I wanted to broadcast it to the world! 

I love my Chinese Pandas quilt! Many people have asked for a pattern for it!
So, this year for Chinese New Year I’m delighted to offer you a simple pattern for the Chinese Lanterns I made to border the Chinese Pandas Quilt.
In Asia I had many opportunities to enjoy the beauty of actual lanterns! First in Korea as a parade of people with their flickering lanterns walked through the streets of Chuncheon. We followed along and at their destination walked through the aisle of glowing lanterns on each side. Their beauty and warmth lit our faces and our hearts.

The next time we enjoyed their beauty was when we were living in Malaysia. We arrived in Kuala Lumper at Christmas time. And were still bundled in the hotel when the New Year arrived. I suppose it should be called Asian New Year since most Asian countries celebrate “Chinese New Year!” We had special foods to celebrate! And we could swim at the beach – Well, yes, it is a tropical country!

In Thailand where we worked as missionaries in both KhonKaen and UDorn Thani we reveled in the city-wide celebrations! These iconic lanterns were everywhere at the New Year! They were hung along the streets interspersed with flowering trees and Palm Trees, too! They were announcing the entrance to “Shopping Malls” and inside too. The beautiful red lanterns were everywhere. See some of my favorite pictures!