Sewing on the Horizon?

ISBN: 4579110520




ISBN: 4579110978



Some exciting Japanese craft books came in the mail two days ago from YesAsia (see link on the side). Two are sewing books and the third is a crochet book. I recently spent a fortune repairing and replacing some parts on my beloved Pfaff sewing machine that my mother had bought me when I was a teen, so I thought I'd get inspired by purchasing these two beautiful books to get me back into the sewing mode. I adore the sheer simplicity of the patterns which help to show off some beautiful fabric and to emphasize lovely details like smocking and pleats.


ISBN: 4391622572



I wasn't super impressed by Ha-Na's small things of crochet book, but I did like the cloche and the cute round coin purses.

For those of you interested in ordering Japanese craft books online, it is way cheaper than going to the Japanese bookstore at Yaohan (upstairs) in Richmond. It's a big savings to get free shipping, which YesAsia offers if you spend $39US (and aren't you tempted with the US exchange so low these days @ 2 to 4%?) in Canada and $25US in the United States! My first experience ordering Japanese craft books was through Amazon Japan (who also offers good prices on their books), but I spent $20US just for shipping alone for three books. I've been very happy with YesAsia, as they've been good with communication when they haven't been able to fulfill part of an order and allowed me to make up the order with another selection to qualify for free shipping.

Time to Crochet Myself a Nomad Hat!

I'm so grateful to meet such warm-hearted people on the internet via my store and my blog. I love how the internet has brought together creative, like-minded people so willing to share and discuss ideas, thoughts, and solutions. Thank you Catherine, for sending me some "happy mail"! I love Tiffany Reynolds' colourful crochet pattern for the nomad felted hat! It really made my month after having lost my wallet to a pickpocket in mid-April!



Other projects that were on the go, but were interrupted by some sock knitting include the "Panta", a popular translated finnish headband pattern that is documented by a thread on Craftster that is over 80 pages long and some kanzashi. My finished panta, knit in Elann's stretchy Esprit yarn, turned out a little too big and too wide, so I'll have to experiment with the pattern some more to get it right for my head. Maybe then, I can model it myself rather than have Ms. Styro do the modelling for me.

I've also been working on some kanzashi flowers. This is my second attempt (based on a great Craftster tutorial) at getting the kanzashi the way I like it. So far, so good..... my second attempt has been much more successful at getting all the petals in the right position. Only when I get the hang of making these flowers will I actually hunt down some vintage kimono fabric to make more authentic and more lovely kanzashi. I have to admit that I have even more projects started, but I'll leave that for future posts... My crafty life is quite insane. Sometimes, I think I really have to cut down on some projects and go out for some fresh air more often.

New Eye Candy

Two arrivals via Canada Post last week: new Spring 07 Interweave Knits and a stack of four Japanese craft magazines ordered from YesAsia with a Christmas gift certificate courtesy of my sis. Happy mail can always help a week full of stress and commitments.