start to grow

The Astilbes which I panted one month ago with my son seems  start to grow!
My son has been waiting for a month. Now he is very happy. :)

We also sow the Basil and Japanese herb called "shiso" for about two weeks ago.

Today, when we checked them, the Basil has germinated.
I use the basil for cooking a lot in the summer time.
Gardening is good for my son, too. He loves the flowers and vegetable.
When we took a walk in this afternoon, he picked the flower(actually it is weed..) and tried to plant it in the yard.

It is getting warm. I am more expecting to do gardening this year as much as sewing!

Happy Gardening!

new valance(curtain)





before

Here is the valance which previous owner left to the window in the laundry room.

It is ok. But it is not just my taste.
There are more valance or curtain in my house that I'd like to change.
So, I decided to change from the laundry room!
Because laundry room is the best place for the practice. ( for the beginner like me)
If I mess up, it is still the room which probably only family could see. (not my friend and guest :D)



After

I quickly made this one from the Amy Butler's fabric.

I purchased this fabric for a long time ago. ( I even don't remember.)
I wanted something big pattern instead of solid fabric for the window.

I made if from half yard fabric. I had to cut top and bottom to make the pattern straight.
However , the wide is 44".(no cut)
Previous valance is more longer, so it make the gather look.
New valance is the straight look. I love it!

I sew the side first, then bottom and top. Very easy.

I just used only one layer. (just this fabric.)

If you want the valance looks more rich, I recommended to use thick (like home decor) fabric or add the liner to the other side.

For me, this is ok for the laundry room and kid's room.

This is the pole which I used. (previous owner used the same one)
It is about 1/2" wide pole. My pocket side is 2" for the 1/2" pole.

Oh, here is the another look.

I found the another pole. Actually I don't use it. But it help you to imagine how it look like if I use the different pole.

What is my next project???  ;D

small cosmetic pouch



I have added new small cosmetic pouches on my etsy shop.

100% sales ( exclude shipping ) will be send to the American red cross to help for Japan.

This blue with flower pouch was made from beautiful Japanese fabric.(YUWA)

I made my own everyday bad earlier from same fabric.

my everyday bag

This is the view of inside. I also choose Japanese polka dots fabric.

This one was made from Joel Dewberry's modern fabric.

Both of the small cosmetic pouch are ready to ship.

I will ship within two business days.

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Today I replace the valance in the laundry room.

I sew it for the first time, however it was not difficult to sew.

Probably it is little takes time to decide the size.

I will post my new valance next time!

I am back

Hello everyone.


I was not able to have internet connection for a while.
During that time I was able to check emails and website through an iphone. However, it was not convenient for me to post something from it.

Anyways I am so glad to be back!

This past two weeks, it was very difficult and stressful for me.
As you already know, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Fortunately, my family and friends in Japan are all safe. They live southwest from Tokyo.
However, my brother and some of my friends lives in Tokyo, They continue to feel the shake constantly after two weeks.

So many lives were lost and are still missing. We, Japanese are used to living with earthquake and I believe we are prepared for it more than any other country.
However, the massive power took the lives, houses, and car, everything from the innocent people.
It will take several years for those suffering from the disaster to have a normal life.

I am lucky to live in the US; however, I want to do something to help as much as I can for Japan.
Last weekend I helped some Japanese communities for the donation.
We will have “cherry blossom festival” at local Japanese Garden this weekend.
I also will attend to help the festival.

Many Japanese live in US and worry about the disaster in Japan.
Since re-opening my etsy shop.
I will donate 100% sales ( exclude the shipping) to the American red cross for Japan.

More items will be added  soon!
Please visit my shop.

Thank you