I left California two weeks ago with a half-filled medium-sized suitcase and a nearly empty duffel bag. I returned from Japan two days ago with those bags packed to bursting and added even more; a new, larger suitcase and a box, both filled with kimono, haori, obi, raw silk, furoshiki, books, obijime, yukata, and other odds and ends.

There were books, many books, all carefully crammed into the duffel bag and hauled through three different airports as my carry-on baggage. A few have already been listed in the shop, with more to come over the next few days. Clothing pattern ideas, small crafts, kanzashi, and dolls round out the library. There were kimono, folded neatly and tucked into bags to keep them safe, layered like precious cakes inside of the new suitcase. Those now wait for a sunny day to be taken to the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco for a photography session. There was chocolate, most of which has now been eaten, and a few souvenirs for the family.

Most of all, my brain has had so much new information loaded into it I can hardly see straight. I’ll do my best to share that new knowledge with you, as soon as I can download it from my brain through my fingers and into the computer. New items will be listed in the KimonoMomo Etsy shop as soon as I can get them all in there. It may take a while.

Also of note: I will be adding insurance to all orders shipped outside of the USA. This is for your protection, as I cannot be held responsible for orders not insured that go missing once they leave the USA. If you would prefer not to have this extra fee on your order–for example, you’re only ordering a few skeins of sashiko thread for a nominal amount–please let me know and I will refund the fee.

Thank you for your support over the past 6 months since I’ve reopened the shop! It means so much to know you enjoy the same things I do, and that I can provide what you are looking for. I’m very fortunate to work with what I love, and I truly enjoy sharing that with you.