For months now, I've been reflecting on where I want to take my business. I've had a few great years playing with ideas, exploring different product ranges and working out where my heart really lies. I've found that I've been spending too much time buying, sorting and photographing fabric supplies, that it has left little time for my real love, creating. As a result, once I move back to Australia, I'm going to be focusing on creating more jewellery, more bags and other things that for now remain in my sketchbook. I'll continue to sell kimono fabric, partly as an excuse to play with the gorgeous textiles.
As a result, I'm hoping to clear as much of the gorgeous Japanese cotton fabrics that I have in store and in stock waiting to list. Soooo... that means, it's time for a sale! A moving, leaving Japan, sale!
For the month of February, there is, and will be of all the new stock I list, 25 to 50% off everything. I hope to list new things every few days.Mmmm... so that's the move, and the sale. How about the giveaway? I always love a good giveaway.
I'm giving away a US$30 voucher for my store. I'll draw the winner on February 18th, but need to ask that you use the voucher by February 28th. After that, our apartment is in serious, need-to-pack-everything-in-sight mode.
To win? Please visit my Etsy store, then comment on this blog which item is your favourite and if it's a fabric, what you think you might create with it. If you'd like two entries, mention the giveaway on your own blog and tell me in the comments also.
Good luck! I'm back to my packing now.
32 comments:
Can I say the shinzi katoh fabric, even though it is not listed at the moment. It is super cute and perfect for some winter type outfiting of Poppy. I can see red pinni with gorgeous pockets and matching little bag - oh yes I can.
My favourite item would have to be the Japanese Craft Patterns Book - Chirimen no Komono, everything in it looks so adorable! First thing I would tackle would be the gorgeous little dolls, they make me melt :D
Hi Melanie
What a time for you! So much going on and no doubt many, many emotions running around in your heart & head. I have always loved the things you create, especially the tote bags, but haven't been able to afford them especially with the Aussie dollar being so tragic. At the moment in your shop I'm loving the White Kimono Blossom Pendant made from Vintage Kimono Fabric. I also love the Traditional Black and White Motifs - Japanese Cotton Fabric. I would love to make something to put on the table (runner or place mats) where everyone could admire it!!
I lobe the look of the kokka temari balls. Good luck with the move back to the land down under!
I can't believe you're leaving Japan, Melanie! So exciting, but I'm sure so emotional, too. I adore the matryoshka fabrics - I'd love to cover a stool I have. (Every time I look at it, I feel like a neglectful owner!) Hope the packing goes well - ganbatte ne!
The time is certainly flying by and before you know it you will be here in Australia and a mummy!
I love the red japanese floral with the butterflies. I'd use it to make up into one of my HANDbags!
Good luck with all your packing and moving. I do not envy you at all I hate packing! It reminds me of how much stuff I've managed to collect!
I've coveted your necklaces ever since I found your sites. I like the kimono blossom one. The packaging you use is also very cool. Great way to display your wares.
I liek this fabric:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16674649
honestly - I'm not sure what I would do with it except frame with no gals and pet it on the wall once in awhile! LOL - it's too pretty to use.
I think it's so exciting when you realise what direction you want to take you creative business in. I totally relate to what you are saying about the early exploration stage and then realising where you want to go.
I would love to buy a vintage kimono pendant from your shop if I was lucky enough to win the giveaway.
Hey Melanie, The move seems to be happening so quickly now!...It certainly is a year of change in so many positive ways ;-)...I love the fact you can identify how you want to spend your creative time and look forward to seeing more of your creations...which is why I would choose one of your jewelery pieces...the White Blossom kimono pendant is just beautiful! I'm also hoping your still looking to write your book too!
cheers,
Lil xo
All the best with your upcoming move. Seems like a big year of changes!
I love the items in your store - so choosing one is difficult. But I think I love the kokka temari ball fabric best - and I'd make it into placemats or napkins I think!
Hi there,
It's an exciting time, moving - we moved to Australia from the UK 4 years ago (my fourth international move) -- and I wouldn't do it again in a hurry! The packing bit, that is. Good Luck!
I'd like to enter your giveaway, and if I were lucky then I'd be after that white blosson vintage kimono pendant, or perhaps the red one, as the weather will eventually turn cooler.... Lovely things!
I just bought my favourite item from your Etsy store! It's the Fall Leaves on Black - Japanese History preserved under glass - Pendant made from Vintage Kimono Fabric.
Still haven't made up my mind whether to keep it or to give it to someone special... Guess I'll decide when it arrives :)
Good luck with everything, Melanie! Take care - hugs from Sibi
I LOVE LOVE LOVE White Kimono Blossom - Japanese History preserved under glass - Pendant made from Vintage Kimono Fabric. Did I mention that I LOVE it?
Good luck with your business!
I love the Children's Toys on Dusty Pink - Designer Japanese Cotton Fabric.
Since I'm not a sewing expert, I guess I'll ask my mom to make a bag from it. :-)
iritca [at] gmail.com
You must be so busy! I hate packing, each time I move I half hope, half promise that it will be for the last time! Sad to leave but happy yo arrive? I love all your beautiful creations and fabric...I guess my favourite is the blue matryoshka fabric, I think I would make a pencil case with it for work so that I would see it every day. Perhaps it's time to treat myself.... :-)
You must be excited about moving soon, although I don't envy the packing, etc.
I love the children's toys on dusty pink fabric, if it were mine I would use it to make more cuddly cats :)
white kimono blossum, definately!! my last pendant died a death during the summer and i never got round to getting it repaired. Good luck with move, don't forget to label the boxes :-)
Wow, it really is all happening isn't it! I'm excited about the fact you will be in Brisbane from April (I read that in the Brisbane Brown Owls blog comments - cool that I might see you at a meet-up then!!!).
As for what I would buy from your shop, definitely a kimono pendant, although I do also really love your japanese cottons, and I'd love to make some clutches out of them! Cheers, Bec
Being cat crazy, I would have to say the blue and white cat fabric. Gorgeous! I would use it to cover an notebook- I keep meaning to start a proper art journal, so this would motivate me to choose one book and use it! Then I might have a go at making a bag with the rest. This is also something I have wanted to do for some time. YUM!
Good luck with everything!
:)
What a big move you have coming up! Good luck with everything!
My favorite on your shop listing was the one entitled "White Kimono Blossom - Japanese History preserved under glass - Pendant made from Vintage Kimono Fabric". It's lovely. Thanks for sharing with your giveaway! :)
Gah..how are you supposed to pick? It's a tossup..the red colored Kimono Blossom pendant, or the girls red silk Kimono fabric with sakura, Plum flowers and shibori details! I'd use the little individual flowers for my little pins, and then incorporate the rest into sewn items like bags and stuff, where they can really shine. :D
Ohh, you have such lovely things. I just found your blog...not even sure how but I'm so glad that I did!If I were the winner of your giveaway I would choose the origami cranes fabric and I would incorporate it into a quilt for my youngest daughter because she is forever making origami cranes for me.
I love your jewellery the best, especially the white kimono blossom pendant, you are so talented :)
I'm always a sucker for owls, but for some reason, I am totally drawn to the robot fabric...it's just TOO CUTE!!!! & what would I do with it, well, most likely make something for my youngest (she LOVES robots for some reason...must be her older sister's Rollie Pollie Ollie dvd's...not sure...) but good luck in your adventures & will definately post this giveaway on my blog as well!
I love the Half Yard Origami Cranes Japanese Cotton Fabric, which I would probably use to cover a journal.
I've taken this long to comment because it's such a hard thing to decide on. I think I'd have to go with the Shinzi Katoh fabric, because not only is the artist amazing but I've been a little obsessed with Alice in Wonderland all my life... I wish I'd bought more when I was in Japan. BUT. The robot fabric - totally amazing. AND. I wish I'd bought more craft books. ALTHOUGH. Your Fujisan pendant - unbelievable. You see the problem I have??
I hope your packing and planning and pregnancy - p p p p ... - are all going swimmingly.
I love the Half Yard Origami Cranes Japanese Cotton Fabric. As we're going on a big travelling adventure soon, I'd make a passport holder with this flying fabric!
How'd I miss this! I'm in!!!
How does one chose though? I love all the fabrics. If I win, could I ask to be surprised but fabric??? LOL
I love them all.......sigh.......
That is supposed to read 'surprised BY fabric' LOL Spelling schmelling....
I love the little ant fabric! Just adorable! I would use it to trim pant cuffs and pockets on clothing for friends' children, and make some little soft shoes too. Maybe trim some clothes for myself too!!
My favorite is the White Kimono Blossom pendant...I just LOVE your pendants and have been drooling over them for awhile meaning to get one...
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