Hiroko Miyama is an award-winning quilter whose beautiful works have been featured in top U.S. quilting shows, including the American Quilting Society QuiltWeeks and the International Quilt Festival.
Her quilts are known for their bright, cheerful patterns and heartwarming scenes starring her pets and family members. Hiroko currently lives in Japan with her husband and quilting partner, Masanobu Miyama.
We sat down with Hiroko to explore her quilting journey, the sources of her inspiration, and the tools she relies on most—including a well-loved cordless iron that has served her faithfully for decades.
How long have you been quilting, and what inspired you to get started?
I’ve been quilting for about 38 years. After my little ones entered Kindergarten, I had more free time, and quilting was just starting to become popular in Japan, so I jumped on the bandwagon. I began machine quilting in 2008 because I thought it would be easier—but it wasn’t as simple as I expected! It definitely took some practice to get nice, clean quilt lines.
Where do you usually find inspiration for your quilts?
I’ve always loved pictorial quilts since I started hand quilting. Once I learned how to fuse appliqués and could create more realistic expressions, I started making quilts featuring my dogs and granddaughters. Eventually, I added scenes of my sons as kids and even myself as a high school student. I really enjoy going through the photos I’ve taken and thinking about what kind of scene I’d like to depict next.
Can you tell us about a quilt that holds a special place in your heart?
It’s hard to narrow it down to just one—each quilt has a special attachment for me. Some of my favorites are My Treasures, which was my first award-winning work in a U.S. contest; Sakura Sakura, which was chosen as the Viewer’s Choice; Chasing Bubbles, which won the Best Wall award at the AQS Paducah contest and is now part of the National Quilt Museum collection; and If They Were in PEI, which recreates a photo I took at just the right moment.
What quilt shows do you enjoy participating in?
I love participating in AQS QuiltWeek, the International Quilt Festival Judged Show in Houston, and Road to California.
Is there a quilting tip or technique you wish you had learned sooner?
Not really! I enjoy taking techniques I’ve learned in workshops and trying them out in my next project. Sometimes I even look for workshops that fit with a project I’m already thinking about. I love that back-and-forth between learning and creating.
How did you first discover the Panasonic cordless iron?
I first saw it in a TV or newspaper ad more than 30 years ago. At the time, it was a little more expensive than a regular corded iron, but I decided to try it and never looked back. I've enjoyed upgrading my model with Panasonic's latest innovations.
What do you like most about the cordless iron? What makes it different?
I think it’s very easy to use because the cord doesn’t get in the way. The earlier model were a little heavy, but over time Panasonic irons gotten lighter and easier to handle. The newest and smallest model, NI-QL300, not only has a slim tip, but it’s also really maneuverable—perfect for quilters! It’s great for pressing open seam allowances when sewing small pieces together.
From the inspirations that spark her creativity to the tools that have stood the test of time, Hiroko’s journey reflects both exceptional skill and unwavering dedication. As we celebrate her artistry, Panasonic is honored to have played a role in supporting her remarkable creations.
