Considering Japan is such an organised and punctual place, it can be a little surprising that markets and shrine sales are often cancelled due to weather, holidays and other events, sometimes at a moment's notice.
Always call ahead (usually in Japanese), check the weather forecast and find out if there is a holiday or other reason the event is not taking place.
Vendors start packing up much earlier than the sales finish, so get there at least a couple of hours before the end to get the best experience.

Below is a list of flea markets and shrine/ temple sales I recommend, some are better than others, some are prettier and more relaxing with less vendors, some are busy and vibrant. There are lots more sales around the greater Tokyo area, but let's start with a small list.
The times below are subject to change, so don't come at me if you get there and there are no stalls!

NARITASAN KAWAGOE BETSUIN HONGYOIN 'KAWAGOE ANTIQUE MARKET'
28th of every month
An antique sale in a beautiful buddhist temple in  Kawagoe which is known as 'Ko-Edo' (Little Edo).

Station: Hon Kawagoe or Kawagoe
(80 mins approx from Tokyo in Saitama)
Time: 6am-4pm

SETAGAYA BOROICHI
15-16th January/ 15-16th December every year
400 year old market in Setagaya. Go early in the morning as it gets very busy. Great prices and the widest range of antique good anywhere.

Station: Setagaya (Setagaya Line Tram from Sangenjaya)
Time: 9:00 until around 8:00 pm

MACHIDA TENMANGU
1st of every month
Station: Machida
Time: 7am-4pm

TOMIOKA HACHIMAN-GU
1st, 2nd 4th & 5th Sundays
Station: Monzen-Nakacho
Time: 6am-5pm

GOKOKUJI
2nd Saturday
Station: Gokokuji
Time: 6am-3pm

OEDO ANTIQUE MARKET
1st & 3rd Sunday
Station: Yurakucho
Time: 9am-4pm

OI RACECOURSE FLEA MARKET
Every weekend
Mix of antique/ vintage and newer secondhand items
Station: Oikeibajo-mae/ Tachiaigawa
Time: 9am-4pm

HEIWAJIMA ANTIQUES FAIR
5 times a year. Next Fair: 6,7,8 December 2024
Station: Ryutsu Center
Time: 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm)

Welcome to our exciting unboxing of the stunning Kimono Neckpiece Collection! 🎉
In this video, we reveal the intricate designs and unique craftsmanship behind these beautiful neckpieces made from personally-sourced, authentic vintage kimono.

Join me as I explore each piece, showcasing its vibrant colors and elegant details that make these neckpieces a must-have addition to your jewelry collection. Whether you’re a jewellery enthusiast or simply looking for inspiration for your next accessory purchase, this collection is sure to captivate your heart!

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing jewelry unboxings, craft tutorials and life in Japan content.
🌟 10% off your first jewellery order when you subscribe to the newsletter HERE
Shop the Collection HERE

Dyeing fabric with nasty chemical dyes isn't good for you or the planet. This video shows you how you can create beautiful fabrics by simply dyeing with discarded onion skins.

Camera Setup Camera: https://amzn.to/3Yu5gB2
Tripod: https://amzn.to/3Suz7VS
Soft box light: https://amzn.to/3yoVipL
Mic: https://amzn.to/3A9d3dc

Alum: https://amzn.to/4dONv3t
Soda Ash: https://amzn.to/3SRELlg

=====================================
10% off your first jewellery order when you subscribe to the newsletter : https://www.bikudesigns.com/sign-up.html

Have you ever tried natural dyeing? How did it go? What natural materials should I dye with next?
Comment below.

Music and sound effect by Epidemic Sound. Start your free trial here: https://share.epidemicsound.com/su21ps

This video is not sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission.

About Victoria: I'm Victoria Close, designer, maker and teacher of jewellery, accessories and crafts based in Shimokitazawa in Tokyo. I'm a long-time Tokyo dweller (over 25 years) with a passion for mottainai (the regret of waste when something still has life left in it), vintage thrifting and any kind of craft. This channel is all about my love of crafts, both Japanese and non-Japanese, traditional and modern, vintage shopping, free finds, my atelier and tiny shop as well as my life in Japan. I’d love to see you at my studio in Shimokitazawa soon. 

Shopping at a shrine in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
Come with me as I search for treasures at the Hanazono Flea Market (open almost every Sunday from early!)

Camera Setup
Camera: https://amzn.to/3Yu5gB2
Tripod: https://amzn.to/3Suz7VS
Soft box light: https://amzn.to/3yoVipL
Mic: https://amzn.to/3A9d3dc

SHRINE SALE KIT
Summer
Mosquito repellent: https://amzn.to/4dfOrhv
Mosquito ointment: https://amzn.to/3yyqxih
Winter
Disposable hot packs:https://amzn.to/4fBf4ix
Recharable kairo: https://amzn.to/3SLfGsh

10% off your first jewellery order when you subscribe to the newsletter : https://www.bikudesigns.com/sign-up.html

QUESTION: Have you ever been to a shrine market in Japan? Which one is your fave? Comment below.

Music and sound effects by Epidemic Sound. Start your free trial here: https://share.epidemicsound.com/su21ps

This video is not sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission.

About Victoria: I'm Victoria Close, designer, maker and teacher of jewellery, accessories and crafts based in Shimokitazawa in Tokyo. I'm a long-time Tokyo dweller (over 25 years) with a passion for mottainai (the regret of waste when something still has life left in it), vintage thrifting and any kind of craft.
My YouTube channel is all about my love of crafts, both Japanese and non-Japanese, traditional and modern, vintage shopping, free finds, my atelier and tiny shop and life in Japan. I’d love to see you at my studio in Shimokitazawa soon.

August is brutal in Japan and I'm spending a lot of it in the studio and at home under the AC. The weather isn't going to stop me from enjoying myself though, so I reminded myself of the Sparkle List, an index of inspirational and nourishing things I enjoy and have always wanted to have a go at.
Here we go!

PLEASE NOTE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Abroad in Japan: Ten Years in the Land of the Rising Sun by Chris Broad
I found this really funny, interesting and at times spooky as Chris' life on the JET Program was so similar to mine.
Get your copy here

The Little Book of Tokyo Style by Emmanuelle Dirix
Super cute and interesting fashion coffee table book with a bubble gum pink cover. I love compact books like this, especially packed with so many cool fashion ideas inside.
Get your copy here

Make, Thrift, Mend: Stitch, Patch, Darn Plant-Dye & Love your Wardrobe by Katrina Rodabaugh
This is the go-to book to remind me to love what I have. buy what I need and enjoy taking care of quality pieces by mending and adapting them over time. I'm reading the plant-dye section currently.
Get your copy here

Akimbo with Seth Godin
For business/ marketing enthusiasts and anyone curious about well, anything. Seth Godin has a way to make anything captivating and always looks at life and business from a totally unique perspective.

Oh my Dog! with Jack Dee and Seann Walsh
I only listen because I've got a dog. Honestly the show is nothing more than people talking about how funny, cute and awesome their four legged friends are and how much they love them. Wholesome stuff.

The Great Indoors with Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson Smyth
A podcast all about interior design? Like a radio show starring a ventriloquist! (That actually was a thing in the 1950s, so anything goes I guess.)
This podcast is fun, giggly, informative and so easy to listen to on a walk.

It's Summer and the season I traditionally don't enjoy food! I never know what I want to eat in the heat but it will mostly involve a salad with a citrusy dressing, crusty bread or cold Japanese noodles.
Inspire me with your summer recipes in the comments please!

Simone Biles Rising (Netflix Docuseries)
An interesting behind the scenes look at this amazing athlete who is strong both physically and emotionally. She has risen to such heights, despite her difficult start in life. What an amazing journey.

Emily in Paris (Netflix Dramedy)
Guilty secret! Yes, I've watched the other seasons and will be watching the new season in the middle of the month. Please, no judgements!

I'm currently learning how to dye fabrics with natural materials and started with flower pounding on cotton. This is such a fabulous and easy craft, perfect for all ages and is basically free.
The tutorial for the project is over on my YouTube channel here.

Next up is dyeing silk with onions skins, black beans and avocado pits and skins. I'll be sharing my process on my channel so make sure you subscribe and turn on notifications to get alerts when new videos land.

I was so excited to chat about my Ikigai (living my business and life with purpose) with coach Jennifer Shinkai recently.
We talked in detail about:

• The concept of Mottainai and how it manifests in my life and work
  
• The things I learned when I started my own business
  
• How and why I'm showing up creatively and authentically on YouTube
  
• Why fear and jealousy are helpful feelings
  
• The importance of intentionality
  
• My personal project for 2024, the Creative Calm Challenge and how you can participate
  

Grab your hammer and your flowers! What?!

This project is a great way to collect botanical memories from your travels without the worry of getting caught up with customs for bringing back organic materials from overseas. Also a great way to capture memories from special event floral arrangements.

I’d love to see you at a class at my studio in Shimokitazawa soon.

CLASSES: https://www.bikudesigns.com/workshops.html
SHOP IN PERSON: Visit the studio in Tokyo https://www.bikudesigns.com/welcome-to-studio-biku.html SHOP ONLINE https://www.bikudesigns.com/

WHAT YOU NEED
Clothing item or fabric made from 100% natural materials (silk, cotton, linen)
A hammer
Kitchen towels
A range of garden flowers/ flowers from a bouquet

More gel printing crafts to reduce your stack of 'failed' gel prints.
Let me show you a few simple ideas of how to start using your prints so they don’t end up in the recycling. This week I'm making a room divider wall hanging mobile. Beginner level!

There are more Gel Printing Project videos coming up in this series very soon, so make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter and my YouTube channel to get the alerts when they go live.

IN-PERSON CLASSES
I’d love to see you at a class at my studio in Shimokitazawa soon.

Gel printing classes HERE
Visit the studio shop in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
Shop kimono jewellery online

SUPPLIES LIST
PLEASE NOTE:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Decoupage glue: https://amzn.to/3S1SPbC
Large circle paper punch (similar): https://amzn.to/461BVPQ
Sashiko thread: https://amzn.to/4bJG9x1
Silicone mat: https://amzn.to/3LkEbZd
Wooden hoop: https://amzn.to/3WjRaQW

Gel printing supplies list is HERE

Join me as I head off to the Japanese Home Centre to look for vinyl flooring for my studio kitchen. This is only the second time I've ever laid any kind of flooring and I'm bewildered by the process!

In the video I talk about the tools I bought and watch as the vinyl salesperson satufyingly cuts the flooring to size.

Join me while I unbox a delivery of 16 large kokeshi dolls that arrived at the studio in June. I'm busily researching all the maker's marks and will add these to my studio shop and webshop for sale soon.

Sign up to be the first to know when they become available: HERE
10% off your first order

VISIT THE SHOP IN SHIMOKITAZAWA HERE
WEBSHOP HERE

Shimokitazawa is an area in central Tokyo that feels like a small town or even a village.
It’s situated around 7 mins by train from Shinjuku on the Odakyu line and about 4 minutes from Shibuya on the Inokashira Line.
The station is an express and a local station and also is connected to the Chiyoda line making it very central indeed.

In 2013, the Odakyu line was moved underground in an amazing feat of engineering with all the trains ceasing and moving to underground tunnels overnight. What was left was a track-sized space through the centre  of Shimokitazawa. No more waiting for the crossings, no more crossing sounds, barriers or train spotting. What happened next was really cool. Small developments cropped up along the underground section of the track which went underground at Higashi Kitazawa and out the other side at Setagaya Daita.

1.
HIGASHI KITAZAWA STATION

2.
MUSTARD HOTEL: https://mustardhotel.com/shimokitazawa/
SIDEWALK COFFEE: https://sidewalk.jp/stores/shimokitazawa.php

3.
RELOAD: https://reload-shimokita.com/
APFR: www.apothekefragrance.jp/en/store/
SEKAI CLASS: sekai-class.com/

4.
SENROGAI EVENT SPACE: senrogai.com/space-rental/

5.
RIPERY’S SUGAR: https://riperys-sugar.com/

6.
PETIT GARDEN: http://www.petitgarden.net/

7.
MIKAN SHIMOKITA: https://mikanshimokita.jp/

8.
SHIMOKITA UE: https://www.odakyu.jp/guide/shopping/shimokitaekiue/index.html

9.
TEFU: https://www.te-fu.jp/

11.
BONUS TRACK: https://bonus-track.net/

12.
TOLO COFFEE & BAKERY: https://www.tolotokyo.com/tolo-coffee-bakery-pasta
SHIROIHIGE CREAM PUFF FACTORY: http://www.shiro-hige.net/

BE PREPARED FOR MOSQUITOS MAY- OCTOBER
You should carry insect repellent and ointment from May To October in Shimokitazawa. There are lots of green areas where the mozzies like to gather.

Please check with a pharmacist that these ointments are safe for you!

PLEASE NOTE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

SHOPPING LIST
Una Kowa Kuru Mosquito ointment:  https://amzn.to/4aSWY89
Mosquito Repellent Patches (kids): https://amzn.to/4aRgOAB
Mosquito Repellent Bracelet: https://amzn.to/3RjgTWZ
Skin Vape Repellent: https://amzn.to/3xhytni
Ultrasonic Mosquito Repellent key ring: https://amzn.to/3Xf79AI
Antihistamine Cream: https://amzn.to/4cdQZMd

You probably arrived at this blog as you recently took a Gel Printing workshop with me, or if you've stumbled across it and haven't been to a workshop yet, I'd love to welcome you into my Tokyo studio soon. Details of upcoming classes are at the end of this post.
To help you on your gel printing journey, I created a basic list of the things you will need to continue your printing at home, based on the materials and tools we use in the workshops. Gel printing is not the cheapest hobby to start, but once you're up and running you will only need paint and paper to create your original art. In the long run, this is probably the cheapest craft/ art you will ever do!

PLEASE NOTE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

While I won't skimp on quality materials such as paint, drawing pencils and chalk pastels, there are some things I've found at the ¥100 store or even for free around my home.

FROM ¥100 Store
Crayons for transfer prints
Plastic table protector
Non-slip mat
Wet wipes, tissues and paper towels for clean up
Textural items (lunch mats, silicone mats, sponges)

FOR FREE
Textural items from food packaging
Cardboard
Bubble wrap
Anything you are about to throw away that is broken may have a potential use
Glossy magazines, flyers
Other free papers for printing on top or for roll-off

I feel like I've tried it all at this point. Journalling felt more stressful than helpful, visual journalling a burden and Morning Pages felt like a chore.
Even though my job is very creative, the creative itch is still there. In Japanese 'Uzu uzu' (the onomatopaeic way of explaining the anticipatory itch of wanting to do something) best describes how I feel when I get stuck in the day-to-day of my business or take a holiday with no creative outlets. I've been this way since forever, and I now recognise the signs. This year I'm going to do something about it... Join me?

What is The Creative Calm Challenge?
Creativity for creativity's sake is what I've been missing lately, allowing myself the time to try new things, experiment and get into the creative flow to see where it goes. The Creative Calm Challenge is a way to unleash your own creativity by taking a few minutes to create something new, unexpected and have FUN! Something outside of what you regularly do or create.

Why did you start the challenge?
My whole job relies on finding the next creative idea. I have lots of those...so many in fact that sometimes it's hard to know which direction to go in! This challenge will help my brain slow down, make sense of the day ahead and will serve as a transition from home to work life. It will also be so much fun getting my hands dirty and thinking about nothing other than the work in front of me.

Who's the challenge for?
You don't have to be a 'Creative' to be creative. Anyone can pick up a pen and doodle, write some meaningful words to express your feelings or take a photograph.
Anyone can join in this challenge, regardless of your chosen media or job. You could create paintings, prints, drawings, illustrations, lithographs, film, music, sculptures, short stories, poems, wearable art, clothing, embroidery...anything you want to have a go at that is a bit of a departure from what you usually do.

How often do I need to create?
In this challenge there's no prompt for each day...that can get overwhelming fast (and we don't want anyone feeling left behind). Create as often as you want, for as long as you want...your rules. Buuuuut, setting aside a time and space to create will have more impact on how you feel in the long run. The more often you take a few creative moments, the more calm and relaxed you'll feel. Pinky promise.

Join me over on Instagram @bikudesigns and share your creative activities by tagging #CreativeCalmChallenge
Some ideas of things to share:

• Work in progress shots
• A line up of today's materials
• A detail shot of something
• Your work space
• A photo of you working on something
• Your favourite (tool, material, paintbrush, fabric, paper)
• Mess/ organised space
• Before/ After
• Sketchbook flip-through

Good luck and enjoy your calmly creative moments,
Victoria x

Erica Ward is a traditional-media artist and illustrator born in California and residing in Tokyo. As well as selling her original art, Erica creates prints, postcards, stickers and posters from her art work.
Her prints make very affordable gifts and fantastic souvenirs of Japan.
Prints start at ¥1000.
Available online with selected prints and postcard packs at Studio Biku

Mapponica was born from a desire to highlight traditional Japanese paper-making processes, which are slowly being lost in Japan. Each mat board is carefully cut into a patchwork-like map pattern, hand-printed and dyed washi is selected which is then painstakingly adhered to the frame. Mapponica works with 100% Japanese products.
Prices from ¥12,000.
Japan Maps available at Studio Biku and a wider variety of maps online.

From merchandiser at Chanel, Paris to small business owner in Tokyo, Juliette creates one-of-a-kind art pieces with a nod to Japanese pop culture. Her sleeping/ resting Daruma are a fantastic way to bring peace and tranquility to a room, as well as giving you a wonderful talking point.
A selection of Daruma and dioramas are available at Studio Biku.

Melissa Finkenbiner is a cross-disciplined fine artist and metalsmith. Each element of her work is linked by the use of recycled and sustainable materials combined with earthy elements. She creates for  eco-conscious art lovers and for people who want to connect to the global cultures and landscapes she has lived in.
Plastic Water is made from paper molded in the shape of taiyaki fish. Melissa carved her own mold, used paper from scraps from previous art pieces, and combined them with clear plastic waste she saved over the last year and a half. Melissa wanted to give this one time use plastic a second purpose while also bringing awareness of the shear quantity we consume and leave on this planet.
Taiyaki are vailable online with four different colours at Studio Biku.

Perfect projects for holiday quiet time or to kick-start your creativity into the new year. Japanese-themed embroidery kits featuring traditional Japanese designs created by Dominique at Three Houses Designs. Each kit contains everything you need to get started with your project (printed cloth design, hoop, needle, floss and a stitching guide and instructions).
Kits start at ¥2000
Available online as PDF patterns or in kit form at Studio Biku

Kimekomi Bauble Kits come in two different colour-ways with everything included to make two baubles. Also included are the tools you need to make more baubles (craft knife, scissors, craft pick, glue) as well as a detailed instruction sheet.
This is a perfect holiday project for your family and friends.
¥4000 per kit.
Available at Studio Biku while stocks last.

Personally collected and curated vintage paper ephemera by Christina Lopp are included in these one-of-a-kind craft kits. For the creatively crafty people in your life, especially the ones with a strong sense of sustainabilty, these card and sketchbook kits make the perfect gift.
Christina has also thoughtfully included her favourite pens (mine too!) and her favourite glue sticks in the kits. All you need to do to get creative is open the packet.
¥3000 per kit.
Available at Studio Biku

In the Autumn season Studio Biku hosted lots of workshops for the very first time:

• Die-cutting cards and postcards
• Patchwork baubles
• Obi bags with Mikan Bags
• Kimekomi baubles
• Pen Art with Ken Frog
  

Gift a workshop for a friend/ family member or book a private workshop for a group experience.  To find out about the new workshops coming up in 2024, hop on the mailing list to hear about the line-up.
Sign up here.
Book a workshop.

Ito Maki Maki Studio is a freestyle, fiber arts business located in a small town in Nara, Japan founded by Elizabeth O'Brien. All of their beuatiful pieces are woven in their home studio, and as much as possible, use natural, non-synthetic materials. The core belief of Ito Maki Maki is to embrace imperfections and take things slowly.
Often, Elizabeth's two children, who have Down Syndrome, join in the crafting and weaving, in order to equip them with skills and an art expression.
Prices start at ¥12,500
Available online at Ito Maki Maki Studio

North Candles was founded in Hokkaido by husband and wife team, Alex and Mami. All candles are hand-poured and use vegan-friendly soy wax. You have to smell these in person to get the full imapact of how accurately the scents have been captured. The coffee candle smells like a high-end coffee roaster and the vanilla, like a custard pudding!
Prices start at ¥1500 for small candles.
Available online with seasonal selections available at Studio Biku.

Get your living space ready for the winter by adding a touch of colour and texture to a favourite snuggly reading chair or your sofa. Patricia from Tabi Tabi Ya creates beautiful pieces from personally-sourced  vintage kimono, combining different textiles in patchwork. Each piece is a work of art.
Prices start at ¥5800. Available online and a small selection at Studio Biku.

When the nights draw in, pop on a beautiful Kumiko lamp creating a beautiful glow through the authentic Japanese washi paper. Daniel creates each piece by painstakingly cutting wood strips and assembling them in an intricate traditional pattern.
Pieces start at ¥10,000 with a small selection available at Studio Biku.

Blending the old and the new in this fun collection, modern acrylic chain and vintage kimono . Perfect for people with metal allergies and for the colour lovers in your life. Ultra-light with absolutely no fiddly fasteners make these the perfect 'pop-on' for those jeans and tee days or when popping out for lunch or coffee.
Each neckpiece arrives boxed in a branded Bikudesigns box and is completely one-of-a-kind.
Prices start at ¥4000.
Available online and at Studio Biku.

Perfect for day-to-day phone and wallet storage but also ideal for travelling (these fit a passport perfectly!)
Made from authentic vintage obi, personally selected by Clementine, and created into a useful bag with a fully modern twist, incorporating a mesh backing and an adjustable cord strap.
Priced at ¥11,800 with a small selection available at Studio Biku.

A perfect way to organise your personal ephemera in your tote bag. One for your makeup, one for personal items (think painkillers, Band Aids, lip balm, hand sanitiser), one for life admin (bank books, credit cards, bills).
Beautifully made, gorgeously vibrant and all one-of-a-kind made from vintage  kimono and all lined with contrasting fabric.
Prices start at ¥4500.
This collection is available exclusively at Studio Biku

Japan is known for its speciality Kitkats in a host of flavours, many of which are seasonal. How about matcha, match latte, chocolate orange or cheese cake? Melon, sweet potato, strawberry, mint, sake, soy sauce or sakura?  Or even the grillable, Caramel Pudding?!
The packaging in Japan is on another level, but is also over-plentiful (something many peiple despair of). Enter Julie from Chou Chou San who is solving packaging waste one pouch at a time.
Choose your favouraite chocolate memory, cookies or even dog and cat treats- she covers all bases.Sustainability can be fun!
Prices start at ¥1700 (small).
Available online and at Studio Biku

Feeling a little low on your SEWJO lately?
We've got some BIG news that's going to have you jumping for joy (and bursting with sewjo)! 🪡
Imagine a weekend all about sparking your creativity, brimming with inspiration, surrounded by fellow sewists just like you…
Just the boost your sewjo needs!

Get ready for a weekend filled with creativity, skill-building, and endless inspiration!
I’m excited to announce I am collaborating with Indy Bindy Fabrics to bring you:
The Sew Inspired Summit⁣ (21-22 October⁣)
I’ll be sharing a class on Kimekomi Patchwork (my latest craft addiction).
And there is an exceptional lineup of instructors, all ready to share a whole variety of classes with you!

But that's not where the party ends!🎈Because for us, sewing is about more than just the act; it's about community, and connection.
That's why we've got TWO Live Sewcial calls lined up, ready to connect you with like-minded sewists 🤗

NOW.. Drumroll, please... 🥁
You can join the Sewing Inspired Summit for FREE for the entire weekend!
We’re making this accessible to all so mark your calendars and don’t forget to tell your sewing buddies!

Meet the fabulous lineup of instructors who are itching to share all their sewing tips and tricks with you during the Sew Inspired Summit!
Each presentation will be available for the weekend for FREE.
So there's nothing to lose by joining in. Invite your friends, your family, or your neighbor's cousin's sewing buddy. The more the merrier!
Let's dive into the incredible lineup of instructors who are itching to share all their sewing tips and tricks with you..


🧵 Atsushi from Sashiko Story will be kicking us off with a live talk on Sashiko history and cultural context. There will be dedicated time for him to answer all your questions too!
🧵 Aims from Indy Bindy will be your guide to using the Quilt-as-you-go method for garment making. If you’ve ever made a quilted garment the traditional way this will blow your mind and save you SO much time.
🧵 Jenni from Let’s Get Sewing will have you making friends with your overlocker with her class Conquer Your Serger. No more fear of changing those tension settings!!
🧵 Georgie, Aussie artist aka Lordy Dordie, will take you on a colourful journey into using watercolour and acrylic pens for fabric design.
🧵 Leila of Leila Makes will lead you step by step through a how to your own fabulous project bag.
🧵 Caramiya will awaken your inner artist and take you inside her signature hand painted fabric creation process.⁣
🧵 Pauline, of Sewuthinkucan is the queen of pattern and stripes. She will unlock the secrets to mixing them like a pro.⁣
🧵 Victoria of Bikudesigns (that's me!) specialises in recycling kimono fabric in her art. She will open up the world of Kimekomi Patchwork and have you creating your very own piece.
🧵 And to close off the weekend, host Aims, is collaborating with Spaghetti Western Sewing to bring you two hacks of the Henrietta Skirt pattern.

And If 48 hours of sewing goodness isn't enough for you (we totally get it), we've got some news about how you can elevate your experience with a VIP Pass ( and they come with some awesome perks 😍).

I know, I know, the summit doesn't kick off yet but why wait when you can start diving into fun right away? ⁣
⁣
With the VIP Pass, you'll not only secure lifetime access to the incredible workshops lined up for the summit, AND one month access to the Live Sashiko lecture recording… you'll also gain instant access to them.
 
No more countdowns – you can start crafting and sewing to your heart's content right now!⁣ 💖

I can't wait to witness all the amazing projects you'll craft!
In fact, I’d really love to see. Please tag me and the other instructors and spread the love on socials using the hashtag #SewInspiredSummit⁣ so we can cheer you on!
 
We can hardly contain our excitement and can't wait to sew, learn, and have an absolute ball with you at the summit!⁣

Kaminoge....have you ever been? The area is an unassuming one, probably known in the expat community as the station where there's of a multi-lingual eye doctor and a stone's throw from the Todoroki Gorge.

But one day, Kaminoge became a quite remarkable place for a stationery addict like me. On one of our regular eye doctor visits we decided to have a wander around and stumbled upon a fabulous mom and pop thrift store.
And that is where I found the holy grail of stationery items (all Japanese brands) for a whopping ¥500 a bag. The first bag I found was stuffed with Sarasa pens, Frixion erasable markers, notepads and Rollbahn journal stencils. A haul indeed. Inside the bag, I found only 5 pens that weren't working, everything else was in perfect working order. And my fave items too.

Here's exactly what was inside:
Rollbahn stencil x 3
Penco wooden Peanuts baseball pen
Peanuts Sarasa x 7
Sarasa black x1 (my go-to pen)
Sarasa Vintage x 7
Delfonics mini pad
Deflonics donut sticky notes
Animal sticky notes
Ink and pen memo
Snoopy sticky notes
Frixion markers x 12
Cherry paper clips
Snoopy pen insert

All in all, my ¥500 had saved me around ¥16,000.
The second bag was stuffed FULL of washi tapes and a special item that made me grab it straight away. More on that in the next post.

Watch the video below to see what was inside!