My parents met in New York forty-two years ago. They were in their early twenties, both from Japan, staying in a boarding house across Central Park. My mother had recently arrived via Germany, where she had been an au pair for a Chinese family (confusing, I know). My father was traveling around the world with friends. My mom boasts that there were several choice young men to choose from back in the day (she claims to have been proposed by an African prince), but my father was by far the ... Read more
Kid Fashion
Today I sketched some imaginary outfits for K. I love miniaturized grown-up clothes using sophisticated colors, shapes and fabrics. It's so easy to end up with garish and overly cutesy when it comes to kids' clothes, and that's probably why I gravitate toward patterns from Japanese craft books. The models are styled so simply and evoke a sort of nostalgia. Very lovely. I also love Oliver + S, and I recently discovered Figgy's, featuring fun, modern patterns for kids. I have a few patterns in ... Read more
A touch of spice
I am trying to broaden my culinary horizons, and as I flipped through my many cookbooks, I came across this recipe in this book, and I had a sudden craving for a sweet yet spicy cake. And that is exactly what I made. It got rave reviews from M, and I may have eaten several slices myself... ... Read more
“Young Adult” Books
This summer, I read The Floating Islands, a fantastic young adult book about cities that are buoyed in the air, tethered by magic and unfathomable technology. There are dragons and wizards and the usual suspects of fantasy novels, but the book felt fresh and was one of my favorite summer reads. I am a huge fan of young adult sci-fi/fantasy novels. From Twilight to Hunger Games to the Wildwood Chronicles (which, by the way, is awesome) - I am fully up-to-date on the latest YA hits. Maybe it ... Read more
Happy Friday + Geometric Top
Can't believe it's Friday already! Above is a little top I made for K from this book (isbn 978-4-529-04894-1). I LOVE IT. I desaturated the image a bit for a vintage-y feel, so the color is a much stronger fuchsia in actuality. The images below are a better representation of the awesomeness of the top. The cute blue and white striped button is from a dear friend, who brought me back a packet of adorable buttons from Amsterdam. They're from a store called HEMA, which is like Target, but ... Read more