Kimono Bubbles

Cards in progress from some of my kimono fabric scraps. Still have some stitching to do over the top.

Creative Time

I'm trying to make a commitment to myself, that at least everyday that I'm not working full-time, I put aside some creative time. Here's what I've been playing with today, finishing some pieces I started a while ago.

Kimono Glass Pendants

I'm happy to say that not only are the pendants finally in my Etsy store but that a number of them sold today. Yah!

Ohhh... and if you haven't heard already, Big Cat has finally announced her not secret squirrel anymore business and it's very cool!

This is... my trade secret

What an exciting theme Amelia came up with for this week This is…! To be honest, I can't wait to go and check out what everyone's secrets are, but I thought I should share mine first.

My secret? Simple patterns but gorgeous fabrics.

I have a confession to make. I'm not great at reading patterns, or recipes for that matter. I think at the time I'm so excited about starting a new project that I get impatient with words. So, learning my way around a new pattern is quite a time investment for me. And, like I'm sure many of you can relate to, I never have as much crafting time as I'd like.

This bag is one that I made this week (yah! I'm back behind the sewing machine! Gotta love holidays). I was catching up with a friend for lunch on Saturday for her birthday. Luckily she is in the country for work at the moment as it's been years since we've celebrated a birthday together. Anyway, this little leave-it-until-the-last-minute girl, started making her present at 10 o'clock the night before. And I'm happy to say, had it finished in time.

I used Nikki’s Tote and Satchel pattern. The outer of the bag has come from two different obi (one black with a pattern woven in for the main part of the bag and an embroidered silk for the flap). The lining is kimono crepe. And for the first time I used what is now going to become a new trade secret, a Rajah Pressing Cloth. I loved this! Using vintage silks, I'm often not game enough to get the seams pressed as sharply as I'd like, but boy, did this cloth do the trick! Love it, love it, love it!

Here's a couple of bag close-ups

You can see a bit of the woven pattern in the black base of the bag. I was so happy that it matched the flap fabric that my friend had chosen last time she was here.


A sneak peek at the lining. I love the spider lilies on this.

Thanks Angela for hosting! I'm off to check out everyone else's secrets!

Back to the machine

Ahh! It's been a long time! Life of late has been hectic, but sadly not with many creative pursuits. At school I've been busy writing and recording , outside of work I've been to a few festivals, a funeral, have been doing a lot of business planning and have been madly trying to nut out plans for next year.

Trying to decide can which country to live in can be a real roller coaster ride! A few months ago, because of staff problems in my card business, ki creations, we decided to return to Australia earlier than planned and go at the end of our current contracts, March 2008. We were happy with that decision and looking forward to having more space and hopefully a new family not too long afterwards. Not that long ago I did the budget for the relocation, and boy, it wasn't pretty! We then decided to stay on and both work here for one more year and put off baby plans. Now, we're not so sure.

All this backing-and-forthing, pros-and-conning, is quite mentally draining and I must say, time consuming. We hopefully have a couple of months before we need to decide for sure, so I'll keep you up to date with what where we decide to live.

So, finally, I've been able to get back to my sewing machine and about time! I've had three orders for bags come in so far, so that will be my plans for the weekend. My husband has to work tonight and on Saturday, so it will be nice being able to sew without him getting in the way. The pictures are of fabrics that I hope to sew into bags in the near future.

Another decision I've been trying to make is a web-based one. My website. I haven't had a website up for ki creations for a long while and would also like one for Kimono Reincarnate. I have a web designer on hand, but don't feel I can justify the expense until I have some stock to sell.

In the meantime, I'm setting up my mailing list, the sign-up should appear on this blog soon. With the initial sign-up, I'll be offering a chance to win a bag and then from time to time, I'll have different competitions and discounts on offer.

I've also just ordered a few new patterns from the fabulous Nikki over at Nicole Mallelieu Design. I'm very excited and can't wait to play with them. I have some gorgeous kimono fabrics stored and need a new outlet for them.