going bananas at Tomato

This Tuesday I visited Nippori Textile Town for the first time. There are 91 shops in the area but I went straight to Tomato's main store. Although I didn't find anything in the 100 yen per meter section I still saved some money. The selection was amazing and it was good to see so much Japanese made fabric. My husband was helpful but I think I've created a monster or at least a fellow fabric piggy. I now have more shirts to sew. Here's the break down of our fabric haul:


(Cotton, texture will wash out. 1st floor) My husband found this at the bottom of a shelf. I think I'll sew a dress out of this. I'm starting to think a shirt dress might be cute?


(Cotton and linen. 1st floor) I don't know what I should make with this fabric. All I know is I love Russian dolls. Maybe I should sew something kitchen related? An apron?


(Cotton. 1st floor) This will be a dress or maybe a tunic?


(Cotton with polyester. 4th floor) This fabric is actually quite black and the design is shiny. A blouse or a dress?


(Cotton. 4th floor) Hubby shirt fabric. I anticipate going a little cross eyed when I sew on the pocket.


(Cotton. 4th floor) Hubby shirt fabric. We completely splurged on this one but I know it will be worth it.


(Canvas) This is from a store near Tomato. Hubby bag material.

We also picked up some shirt buttons at the Tomato notion store. Where I live it's difficult to find nice buttons for men's clothing so I figured we might as well take care of everything at once.

So, I have to say that Nippori is as great as everyone says it is and if you get the chance you should go.

back to the "internets!" (again)

It sure can be difficult to consistently add entries.

This time I got hooked on watching Monster. I recommend it if you like crime suspense stories and/or medical dramas. It was nice to watch a serious animated story that didn't involve space or robots. I enjoy sci-fi but sometimes it's good to see something different. Anyway I thought there were about 20-30 episodes but turns out there are actually 74.

I still managed to get some sewing finished. Here's a preview:


Short-sleeved version of BurdaStyle's Jakob shirt in a crazy plum blossom print.

one coin, 100 yen, de shiawase (part 3 - sewing edition)

(left) I can't believe I could get sewing machine needles for 100 yen. I hope they are at least OK for sewing with cotton. I like using a fresh needle for each project and it would be nice to have a cheaper source for needles.

(right) So far I have no idea what I'm going to use these appliques for. I couldn't help buying them, I fell in love with the bear. Maybe they would be nice on a pouch? Or I could secretly put one inside of a garment?

my first upcycling

Wow, this is exciting for me because for the first time some of my sewing ended up in BurdaStyle's Featured Creations.

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

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)