Mottainai, the regret of wasting things with life still left in them, is the core of my being. Since childhood I have saved, collected, repurposed and re-imagined items I find useful or interesting. And for years in Tokyo we've had a family Mottainai Box which is regularly placed  outside our house when it's full of things we no longer need. I hope with all my heart that this passing along of things has inspired others in my community (as well as my kids) to consider new ways of discarding things that no longer serve us.

With this core thought in mind (it's always there) and Inspired by my friend Ushka from NEKO NEKO STAYS, the new stage in my mottainai service is to set up a Little Free Library at my studio in Shimo-Kitazawa, Tokyo.

It's taken a few weeks of planning, ordering the right library box for my needs, buying solar lighting, designing decorative stickers and a book stamp and it has now almost all arrived, and is now open!
I'll be sharing more about the installation over on Instagram and YouTube in the hope to pass along the inspiration Ushka gave me to get it going.

Pippin was "The best boi!" who inspired Ushka to open the doors to Pippin's Inn, a cat-themed short-term-rental for cat lovers located in Sangubashi close to Yoyogi Park. Featuring artwork by Erica Ward, whose beautiful work I stock in my studio shop, the Little Free Library at Pippins Inn is dedicated to Pippin's memory. (Erica also designed the book stamps for Pippin's Inn and Neko Neko Inn as well as the portrait on my own shop card).

You can find out about Ushka's other ventures with her business partner and friend Sharla below.

NEKO NEKO STAYS
Pippin's Inn- Sangubashi
Neko Neko Inn- Sangubashi
Neko Neko Home- Setagaya-ku

NEKO NEKO POST
For (mostly) cat  themed stationery from Japan

If you were captivated by the kimono rescue in Episode 1, get ready for even more discoveries! Episode 2 takes us back inside the fascinating abandoned house in Tokyo, where I uncovered a wealth of beautiful and useful items. This video is from the same visit as the first, but there was so much to explore that I had to split it into two parts!

What's Inside?
In this episode, you'll see:

• More exquisite kimono finds, each with its own story to tell (including a wedding kimono)
• A variety of other intriguing objects, giving us a glimpse into the lives of those who once lived here.
• A closer look at the hidden corners of the house, revealing even more of its secrets.

A Glimpse into the Past
Each item I found offers a piece of the puzzle, helping us understand the history of this place and the people connected to it. The delicate fabrics of the kimono, the craftsmanship of everyday objects – they all speak to a rich and vibrant past.

The Adventure Continues...
But the story doesn't end here! Next week, I'll be sharing a truly special experience: the purification blessing of the rescued kimono at a local shrine. It's a moving cultural tradition that you won't want to miss.

Watch Episode 2 Now!
[Insert YouTube Video Here]

What was your favorite find in Episode 2? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
See you next time,
Victoria x

Tucked away in an abandoned Akiya—a house filled with memories, dust, and forgotten treasures—was a beautiful collection of vintage kimono, waiting to be rediscovered. During a recent visit, I was invited to take as many as I wanted, and what I found was truly special.
This home is now being lovingly restored, and many of its pieces feel like time capsules from a life once fully lived.
This video takes you along for the journey. It’s a longer one, perfect for a slow moment with a cup of tea—or save it to your watchlist for when you’re ready to explore.

Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission.

In a world where fast fashion dominates, mending is a simple way to extend the life of your clothes and reduce waste. I’m excited to introduce MEND, a workshop focused on quick and easy clothing repairs, where I’ll show you how to fix and restore your favorite garments by hand.

This hands-on workshop focuses on practical, quick, and easy mending techniques that anyone can learn. Whether you have a tear in your tee, a hole in your jeans, or a stain on your shirt, I’ll teach you the simple skills to fix them yourself.

What You’ll Learn
In this workshop, you’ll learn:

1. Basic introduction to visible mending- Getting started with the equipment, make a swatch of practice stitches to use later
2. Simple fixes: How to fix a small hole or cover a stain using visible stitching, a quick and effective technique for repairs.
3. Reinforcement Patch: How to apply a fabric patch to reinforce areas of wear or cover a larger hole, ensuring your garments stay strong and durable.

Included in the Workshop
You’ll receive a basic mending kit with all the tools you need in the class and to continue your mending at home, including needles, thread, fabric scraps, scissors and more.
To take part in the workshop, participants are asked to purchase a drink from Communita Cafe.

Details
Saturday 17th May 2025
Responsible Marche in Meguro
Impact HUB Tokyo
2-11-3 Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

¥3000
Includes a mending kit to take away with you
(Please purchase a drink from the Cafe to take part)

Session 1: 11:00-12.15
Session 2: 12:15-13:30

All materials will be provided. No experience is necessary—just come ready to learn and get creative.
Spaces are limited, so sign up today and join me for a hands-on session of mending and creativity.

Why Mending Matters
Mending isn’t just about fixing clothes—it’s a way to slow down and care for the things you already have. Instead of tossing out items when they get damaged, mending helps you extend their life and reduce waste. It’s a simple practice that helps you save money and keeps your clothes in use for longer.

Come Along
Rediscover the value in what you already own. With a few simple stitches, you can bring your clothes back to life.

What a beautiful morning we had on April 4th at Studio Biku, right in the heart of Shimo-Kitazawa. Gather & Mend was never meant to be a workshop — just a gentle, welcoming space to sit together, drink tea, and quietly mend the clothes we love.

From 10 to 12, the studio filled with the soft sounds of snipping threads, gentle conversation, and the occasional burst of laughter. Some folks brought well-worn jeans, others a favourite sweater with a tiny stain or some well-worn socks to darn — each piece carried its own little story, stitched back together with care.

There’s something special about slowing down in good company, needles in hand and no pressure to perform. Just time to connect — with our things, with ourselves, and with each other.

After our slow stitchy morning, we took a short stroll over to Sidewalk Coffee at the Mustard Hotel. Good coffee, tasty lunch, and more time to chat — the perfect way to wrap up a sweet and simple day of gentle making and shared moments.

These are the kinds of gatherings that remind me why I do what I do — quiet, thoughtful, low-key joy. If you missed this one, don’t worry. There will be more. Bring your mending pile and your stories. There’s always a seat for you at the table.
Until next time,
Victoria x