After four years, numerous prototypes and much procrastination, I have finally finished a basic kit for hinagata (“miniature”) kimono. When I set out to complete a kit myself and document each step, I found it easier than I remembered to sew everything together! Maybe the fabric choice made a difference. Previously I’ve used vintage kimono…
Category: news
creative people are everywhere
You amaze me. You really do. All those crazy, wonderful, beautiful projects you create out of just about anything. And if you made something special out of materials from my shop or somehow include me in your creation, then you are definitely special in my book. Barb’s Blue Willow Apron is one of those special…
here we go again
I wanted to explain why my postings have been so sporadic again. Last autumn my family and I were dealing with moving out of state and losing my mother to Pancreatic cancer. Since July we’ve been dealing once again with the very wonderful folks at our local hospice group as my father is now dealing…
And the verdict is…
Cut, by a vote of 7 to 3. Thanks all for participating in the mini poll! The winner of the fabric pack is Lauren of ABC Rags. Congratulations, Lauren, let me know where you’d like me to send your fabrics and they will be on their way post haste. It’s been a year or so…
hot ‘n spicy
It was 100 F in the shade today, but I braved the sun and took a few dozen photos of new items before hunting down a cold cup of tea and a cozy tile floor to lay down on while spraying myself with Tumalo Lavender water. Only two new items listed so far: new kimono…
Developments
Remember that post about lead in silk I wrote ever so long ago? Well, it came in handy this week. Seeking to finish (at long last) my Bachelor’s degree, I’ve applied at Mills College here in the Bay Area. The application gave me the option of submitting graded work from my previous college (none of…
Full circle
The complicated dance of having three (somewhat cranky) generations crammed under one roof has taken a new turn as I move my bed into Mom’s old studio. Three decades of craft supplies, unfinished projects, patterns, equipment, photos and books are being boxed up and moved out of the way, at least for now. I’ll be…
Bundles are back
The ever-popular kimono scrap fabric bundles are back in in the shop. My stash practically exploded and spilled out across the studio floor over the weekend, prompting me to take notice of all the bits and pieces I’ve been collecting for years and not passing on to wily crafters like yourself. Last time I put…
June sale now up
The special for this month is 15% off all Japanese yukata cotton yardage. I have a few bolts that are down to just one or two meter-long panels and I’d like to see them find good crafty homes.
Lovely!
I have been mentioned on the beautiful Ennui blog today. A blog of few words and many images, Ennui isn’t at all boring and really lit up my morning. I highly suggest taking a stroll through the collection of images there if you day is getting hectic and you need a breath of fresh air….
Where we are
Still playing catch up. Honestly, it’s the most frustrating feeling to wake up every morning not knowing what will come next, but ignoring work hasn’t really helped much, that’s for sure. Pushing myself out of a depressed phase and into a manic one is an uphill struggle, but worth it. It also makes me even…
Catching up
After attempting to maintain regular posts here, I found myself dealing once again with depression and managed to let it all slide. I’m told the mourning process often takes a year, but really that’s not much of an excuse for slacking off on my business. Working in my mother’s old studio space is difficult psychologically…
A love for both the common fiber and the extraordinary textile @KimonoMomo 