Happy Friday! It's been a long time since I've had technical issues. My laptop seems to be under the weather, and I can't get it to snap out of its sluggish, sickly mode, so I'm going to go back up everything lest I lose my prized files. Have you seen Frida Clements' work? Last weekend, when I participated in the Urban Craft Uprising (for a Little Kunoichi signing), I had the honor of meeting this über talented illustrator, albeit briefly. Frida has a fun book (aptly titled "Have a Little ... Read more
Bralette
Yes. I made K a "bralette". Or, as it is known in preadolescent female circles, the training bra. She almost exploded from happiness. I self-drafted the pattern (it's just a cropped tank top after all) and as soon as I tied off the last knot, she whisked it from my hands and hasn't taken it off for the last 48 hours. M recommended that I make her a few more versions or the beautiful white Anna Sui knit (also used for the puff-sleeved tee) may end up some unspeakable hue. We're prudes here, ... Read more
Monthly Income + Furoku Update
I'm in a bit of a quandary. In putting together the monthly income report, I scrutinized the number and a self-conscious part of me thought it might be better not to announce what may seem like a piddling sum, though this sum represents so much goodness to me. The goal, if you recall, is to see if I can generate an income of at least $20,000 a year doing what I love. It doesn't seem like an improbable financial goal, does it? I mean, if I became a Dick's Drive-In employee (purportedly Bill ... Read more
Nani IRO Month!
It's that time of the year when Frances of Miss Matatabi stocks her shop with the dreamiest, newest season of the Nani Iro fabric line designed by the one and only Naomi Ito. If you haven't already, do check out the interview Frances posted with Naomi's thoughtful and inspiring responses. It's my second year participating in Nani Iro Month, and the 2015 designs may be my favorite. I selected two to showcase, and the first one is called Free Way - hitoiki. Hitoiki, means a single breath, ... Read more
Cookbooks
These Japanese candies are called kompeito, little constellations of pure sugar. They taste like rock candy with perhaps a slight flowery undertone. I have quite a lot left over from the Little K launch party (they didn't fit in the piñata), and I'm not sure what to do with them, but they take me back to my childhood. My mom didn't buy very many sweet treats when I was a kid. She made almost everything from scratch, and the ones I requested over and over were sliced, candied sweet potatoes fried ... Read more