Journal

A Week of Making
A Week of Making
After a busy market last week, I spent most of this week making new pieces. Many items found new homes, so it felt important to take the time to restock... Read more...
Sukajan Jackets Lately
Sukajan Jackets Lately
Lately, the sukajan jackets have been doing really well. I’ve noticed that they’re being picked not just by men, but also by women and even children. It’s been interesting to... Read more...
A busy day at Tobacco Factory Market
A busy day at Tobacco Factory Market
Today I was at Tobacco Factory Market. Since the Spring Equinox, the weather has been really good, and today was another warm, bright day. By the time the market opened,... Read more...
The Days Around the Spring Equinox
The Days Around the Spring Equinox
Yesterday marked the Spring Equinox. Over the past couple of days, the weather has suddenly turned bright and warm, almost as if it’s celebrating the arrival of the new season.... Read more...
Returning to the Bristol Japanese Cultural Showcase
Returning to the Bristol Japanese Cultural Showcase
Next month I will be trading at the Bristol Japanese Cultural Showcase. I joined this event for the first time last year, and it was such a wonderful experience that... Read more...
The Beauty of Shibori Kimono
The Beauty of Shibori Kimono
Today I spent some time looking through a few shibori kimono. Shibori is a traditional Japanese dyeing technique where the fabric is tied, stitched, or folded before dyeing. The process... Read more...
Less, But Better at Tobacco Factory Market
Less, But Better at Tobacco Factory Market
Last week I received a notice from Tobacco Factory Market. The market encourages traders to focus on handmade work, original design, vintage pieces, and thoughtfully curated collections. Because of this,... Read more...
A Very Cold Weekend at the Market
A Very Cold Weekend at the Market
This weekend’s market was a cold one. Only a week ago it felt like spring had finally arrived, but this weekend it felt as if winter had suddenly returned. The... Read more...
A Freezing Friday at St Nicholas Market
A Freezing Friday at St Nicholas Market
Today I traded at St Nicholas Market. It felt as if winter had suddenly returned. The temperature dropped sharply, and I spent most of the day wrapped up and shivering... Read more...
New Arrivals from Japan
New Arrivals from Japan
Today a new shipment arrived from Japan. This delivery includes sukajan jackets, MA-1 jackets, and some wonderfully soft Sanrio lounge sets. Each piece has its own character, and opening the... Read more...
Working on New Obi Denim Jackets
Working on New Obi Denim Jackets
Today I continued working on a new piece for the shop — an upcycled denim jacket using vintage Japanese obi. These jackets combine denim with bold obi patterns on the... Read more...
Hinamatsuri – A Celebration of Craft and Care
Hinamatsuri – A Celebration of Craft and Care
Today, 3rd March, is Hinamatsuri in Japan — also known as Girls’ Day. Traditionally, families display ornamental dolls dressed in Heian-era court clothing and pray for the health and happiness... Read more...