Wednesday, April 22, 2009

ミシンで着物 (Making kimono with a sewing machine.)


Last year I purchased this book. I didn't think too much about it, as soon as I saw the pink fabric with the rabbits it was over. The kimonos themselves are made of non-traditional fabrics and styled in an interesting way. Some of my favorites:







I have to admit there are a couple that are too crazy. There's one that reminds me of the plaid flannel robe my brother once had. I could never walk down the street in something that looks like pajamas. However the rest of the book more than makes up for those few.

The book also includes a paper pattern, step by step sewing instructions with color pictures, ideas for accessories, information about what to wear underneath your kimono, and an illustrated guide for putting on the kimono.

# ISBN-10: 4766119010
# ISBN-13: 978-4766119015

Sunday, April 19, 2009

one coin, 100 yen, de shiawase (part 2)



Do you see how large this leaf is? Can you guess what it is?

Here it is with some lettuce and a cute tomato:



Would you believe it's a basil leaf?! Recently I went to a discount supermarket and discovered that they sell two packages of herbs for 100 yen plus tax. Amazing! Usually it's hard to find fresh herbs and when I do they are of course expensive. The first package I used was pretty normal but the second package had some of these enormous leaves. Crazy. I can't wait to go back.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

denim ribbon

A few weeks ago I was browsing through Felissimo's haco. catalog and came across this adorable bag:

It's constructed of 12 oz cotton denim. The bag also has pretty purple lining and a handy strap.



It costs 3,300 yen and if it wasn't made in China I would probably consider purchasing it. Although while I'm describing it to you I'm starting to forget its origins. This bag has just the right amount of cuteness.


However the real reason for sharing these images is that I am pretty sure that it can be copied by any sewist.

(Dimensions: Height: 20cm Length: 40cm Width: 5cm)