Vlog and Spooky Skeleton Kanzashi
First up, yesterday’s vlog:
Admittedly, it was a bit rushed as time kind of got away from me yesterday. I’m also still acclimating to using Premier Pro rather than iMovie. But we wanted to mention the little information that we have about Adobe Max/Marketplace that 6 by 6 will be a part of. Reminder that Max is free this year!!! SIGN UP!!! John and I have attended the past two years and each time we left filled to the brim with inspiration. As well as new insights on how to use Adobe’s products for our creative endeavors. I know that sounds a bit like a sales pitch, but we use a ton of their applications for many aspects for both companies. And who doesn’t like Free?
If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you might have caught this little teaser yesterday. I whipped up a few Skeleton Kanzashi clips for spooky season. They are available in my shop. Sadly, there won’t be a cotton alternative for these. Perhaps in the future though. I get random requests for these throughout the year.
I’m glued to my computer, sewing machine and kanzashi table this week. I have some fun videos, projects and photoshoots on my list week. Whatever I can do to power through to election day. :)
xo-Thea
Vlog and Cotton Spooky Kitty Kanzashi Flowers
This week’s vlog was short and sweet. Mostly because I’m learning to edit with Premier Pro. I’m an Adobe Creative Cloud subscriber, so I figured I’d make the switch. But currently, I barely know what I am doing so I kept things short.
As promised, I have a cotton (cotton-poly blend) Spooky Kitty kanzashi available in the shop now! They are single layer flowers unlike the original silk ones. I had to do some searching in my fabric stash to find the right non silk fabric for these. I hope you like what I came up with.
Again, thank you so much for the support with my new items and keep your eyes peeled for more.
xo-Thea
31 days of Spooky Season Movies and TV Shows 2020
Last year I shared my 2019 version of this list on my personal Instagram. It brought on some fun conversations about the listed movies. Also some roasting by my choice of selecting Halloween H20 (1998) as my Halloween Day movie. Hey, I know it was a weak choice but if I recall, we planned to do something last year. I didn’t want to commit to something big.
So in the year of the pandemic, I did add some movies that I have not seen yet alongside some of personal favorites. I tend to skip “family friendly” selections since I have leveled up in the parental status. All of my offspring are over 18. I also included the bonus mentions of a couple shows that I will have playing in the background while I work during the day.
The Craft (1996)
The VVitch (2015) - It wasn’t my favorite when I initially watched it. So, I’m giving it another try.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
The Conjuring (2013)
Hagazussa (2017) I haven’t seen this.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968) John hasn’t seen this one.
Sweeney Todd (2007) Another one John hasn’t seen.
The Blair Witch Project (1999) I was disappointed with this when I saw it when it was new. Giving it another shot to see if my opinion has changed 21 years later.
In Fabric (2018) This is a new one for me.
I Saw The Devil (2010) A K-Horror classic.
A Tale Of Two Sisters (2003) Another K-Horror classic and a personal favorite. I watch this one year round.
Kill, Baby Kill (1966)
The Host (2006) Yet another K-Horror classic.
The Others (2001)
Scooby Doo On Zombie Island (1998) This one is family friendly. But it is a must watch every Spooky Season.
Trick R Treat (2007)
A Nightmare On Elm Street - Dream Warriors (1987) Hands down the best of the Freddy movies.
The Return Of The Living Dead (1985) An American classic.
Kwaidan (1964) A Japanese classic and truly one of my favorite movies ever made.
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000) This is an anime.
The Ghost And Mrs. Muir (1947) An aesthetically pleasing classic.
House on Haunted Hill (1959) Is it even Spooky Season if you’re not watching Vincent Price?
Audition (2000) A Takashi Miike film that isn’t for everyone, but this is one of my favorites.
Pulse/Kairo (2001)
A Girl Walks Alone At Night (2014) This one has been on my watch list for a while. I’m excited to check it out.
The Vanishing/Spoorloos (1988) A Dutch film to watch with my Dutch husband.
The Fog (1980) A John Carpenter’s classic and the only movie that has ever scared me. I saw this when I was super little. (My mom was a spooky movie fan when I was little and we watched it all together.) I grew up on an island that often had heavy fog so this was realistic!!! I remember after watching for the first time I slept like a stiff board under 50lbs of blankets in between my parents.
Hausu (1977) Another one of my all time favorites that I watch year round.
The Crow (1994) I watch this on Devil’s Night annually as you do.
Halloween marathon on Halloween - ending with the newest one - which I haven’t seen yet.
TV shows:
Ju-On Origins (love this series)
Hannibal - The most aesthetically pleasing show, ever.
Penny Dreadful (Not the new crappy one.)
The Haunting of Hill House - I just love the look of this series and want to dress like Olivia Crane.
There is. John and I watch the standard issued “Halloween/horror” films throughout the year so things like Beetlejuice, The Shining and the like classics didn’t get a place on my list.
So, let me know your judging thoughts and any recommendations that you think should be on the list.
Happy Spooky Season!
xo-Thea
Spooky Kitty Kanzashi in stock!
Continuing with the Spooky Season festivities, Spooky Kitty kanzashi have hit the shop!
If you’ve been with me for a bit, you’ll probably recognize these spooky black kitties. But this time around they are not made from non recyclable plastic. I laser cut my own version of these spooky kitties out of alder wood and hand painted them. They are the purrrfect Spooky Season flower centerpiece.
I used all black vintage kimono silk for the two tiered flowers. I will have a non silk version available very soon as well. You have the option of a hair clip or a brooch for the hardware.
Currently, I am only doing a limited run on these due to the fabrics I have available.
I hope you’re spooky season has started off well! I began my marathon of spooky/Halloween theme TV show and movie watching yesterday. I’ll be sharing my full watch list here on the blog tomorrow for those who are looking for some spooky movie/show inspiration.
xo-Thea
Spiderweb earrings/charms + Vlog!
With September coming to an end, I felt like it’s social acceptable (I actually don’t care) to start sharing spooky season goods!
First up, some spiderweb earrings!
Thea Starr | Spiderweb earrings.
Another collar between my two companies. This is a little unusual for my regular products. But it is definitely a hint of a few things to come. Don’t worry fabric and kanzashi fans, my true love lies with those two things.
Stay tuned for new things coming to the shop this week and for the rest of 2020. Meanwhile, check out my vlog. My husband and I talk about a couple things coming up for us and another spooky season product coming to our 6 by 6 Arts shop.
xo- Thea
Recipe: Vegan Pesto Pizza Monkey Bread
Wow, that title is a mouthful. When I posted it on my Instagram stories I even had multiple typos when I shared it. Mostly because I was shoving it in my face though.
Although we’re not vegan, we do eat vegan meals on a weekly basis. So, I’m on the lookout of new to me vegan recipes to add to our menu.
I saw a non vegan/ non dairy free version of this on Pinterest and altered it to our dietary needs. Just a gentle reminder that I am dairy free and have been for years due to a dairy allergy. Which is why I convert many recipes. Not because I am a cheese hater, I once had a love affair with cheese. But alas, my genetics forced me to end that relationship.
Things you’ll need for this:
Bundt pan. (Sprayed with cooking spray.)
Oven preheated to 425.
Ingredients:
You’re favorite pizza dough with added oregano, basil and parsley into the dough. Enough for two pizzas.
Vegan pesto or herb paste. Mine was store bought and is linked here.
Minced garlic. I just used store bought for this since I needed to use it up.
Vegan cheese. Shredded would be preferred here, but I only had slices so I worked with what I had.
Fresh basil.
Garlic powder.
First things to do, cook up your vegan sausage in pan. You might actually be able to skip this step if your sausages aren’t frozen. But mine were and that’s what I did.
While doing that, create balls of dough with the pizza dough. Just like you would do with monkey bread dough. Each ball is about 2 inches around. Think bite size pieces. Fill the bottom of your bundt pan. Make sure you sprayed that pan with cooking spray prior to adding anything in it. We know how bundt pans can be if they’re not sprayed.
Now start layering the pesto and garlic into the bread balls.
Once your sausage is good to go, break it up into bite size pieces and add it, some fresh basil and your cheese to the layers.
Repeat those above steps until you fill your pan. I added a sprinkling of garlic powder on the top because I’m not happy if my breath doesn’t reek of garlic.
Pop into your 425 degrees preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. It depends on the cooking time of your dough. Mine cooked for about 25 minutes.
I took a video of dumping the bread out and I was pleasantly surprised with the clean breakaway.
Well hello there delicious.
Let cool it cool for a bit before eating. Vegan cheese heated this way seems to hold in heat like its lava. Why, yes I have burned my tongue many of times on it to know better.
Ideas for you to do with this recipe, instead of pesto add spoonfuls of your favorite tomato based pasta sauce. I’m currently avoiding tomato based sauces but I think it would be an excellent alternative to pesto.
I hope you’ll give it a try. Its an easy recipe that is fun to make and eat. You can even file this under your recipes for others to make for you.
Enjoy! - Thea
Vlog - September 21, 2020
I’m only a day behind this time! This week the most important thing I mention is a farewell to a shop that has supported me since their inception. Momo Seattle is closing their doors after 13 years. If you’ve ever visited Momo, please leave a sweet note on their blog or IG page to say farewell.
I started doing my vlogs for family and friends that I can’t see during this pandemic. I didn’t but a lot of thought into it, I just wanted to utilize a communication avenue that isn’t Facebook. (I’m not a fan.) I’m hoping to change the format of my vlogs very soon. Currently I am just filming everything I do on my iPhone and using iMovie to edit. Super basic stuff. However, with some of the more intricate things I do, I want to have better focus for them. So, in the future I’ll hope to make them a little more polished looking.
From my Instagram page.
With the orange smokey haze gone from the skies, I can return to photographing inventory. I have new pieces and fabrics to share here on my site and my Etsy shop as well. My other company 6 by 6 Arts, has had a little surge of work in the last week. I have to give a bit of attention to that so I’m not sure how fast I’ll have new items listed. As always, feel free to contact me directly if there is something you’re looking for. i most likely have something.
Please take care of yourselves and happy first day of fall! We’re entering my two favorite seasons and I am overjoyed!
xo-Thea
Bah! I keep forgetting to update here!
Hello! I’m not sure why I can never remember paste links for my vlogs and other videos on YouTube. Is this why my daughter says I’m already senile?
Here’s last week’s vlog:
In the video above, I basically talk about the sewing adventure that I am on. I’m in deep guys. The fabric hoarder in me is raging and I’m swooping up all sorts of fabrics right now.
I’m also knocking off standing projects off of my to do list. One that both John and I were super excited about was this Custom Kitchen Nook Decor. I know that sounds a little weird and it kinda is, but also cool.
Lastly, for today the whole reason I logged on was to fix a color issue on my site. Thankfully one of my friend’s pointed it out to me when she placed an order. She’s totally getting extra swag as a thank you. Apologies to anyone who might have experienced that issue. I’m a fabric folder/hoarder not a web designer. :D
I hope all of you are safe. Here on the West Coast of the US, we’re basically on fire. The smoke is in the air and its rough. Man, this year is just - wow. Lots of virtual hugs and love my friends. - Thea
Special Vlog - August 17, 2020
So, I apparently forgot to link last week’s vlog here. If you follow the blog, I hope you’ll consider following my revived YouTube channel. I do have a good excuse for forgetting to link last week’s vlog, my eldest daughter got married.
As you might guess from the photo above, there was a few questions about her beautiful dress (with pockets). So, I did a little interview with Jina to answer the common questions about the dress.
Jina’s wedding bouquet. Made from vintage white kimono silk lining and extra fabric from Jina’s wedding dress.
And you know I made my daughter a wedding bouquet too. I hope you’ll check out the video. There will be one more about the wedding. I interviewed Jina and Grant about the long rollercoaster of a ride that they had in making this wedding happen during the era of COVID.
xo- Thea (Grant’s mother in law)
Easy Projects - Fabric Napkins (Video)
I have been sewing a lot more recently. Which I love. I’m not the best at it, but I know enough to get by. Aside from sewing face coverings/masks, I wanted to come up with easy one day sewing projects. I discovered a big box of commercial fabrics I had in storage (which I thought I offloaded it all onto a friend). Fabric hoarding is real. So here’s my first project to share, super simple, affordable reusable fabric napkins.
Easy Projects - Fabric Napkins Napkin in use post making of the video of course.
I have a thousands self critiques, but it has been a few years since I’ve made a craft video. There are more in store and I hope you’ll follow along and try some out.
xo-Thea
Little by little.
After a long stretch of talking shit, I’m finally updating my shop.
I guess I just needed a show or a pandemic in this case to finally go through my excess inventory. I have listed a few things already and I will be continue listing daily.
I’ve mostly listed minis so far, but a few two tiered singles hair clips too.
I have a wide array of colors and fabric types. Some vintage cotton kanzashi even!
After I list my current inventory, I will be creating new more elaborate pieces like I did in my early years of my career. I am very excited about that.
I’ve been posting more on my public Instagram. Posts about my garden, current sewing projects and that sort of thing. I hope you’ll connect with me there!
xo-Thea
Fabric Mask Making
I have been using Craft Passion’s fabric mask pattern.
If you’re looking for a fabric mask listing here, you won’t find one. Like many other makers, I too have been sewing fabric masks. I’m currently not offering them for sale. I have been focused on supplying my family and friends with them. There are many makers offering them for sale online, a quick search or Etsy will lead you to some. I’ve linked the pattern that I have been using in the photo above if you’d like to make your own. I made the decision to make masks for those close to me because of my limited amount of 100% cotton fabric stash.
In the video above, you can see my fabrics are from the early 2000’s. I haven’t really purchased new commercial fabrics since the days of my tote bags and baby blanket making. My commercial fabric stash has been stored away in my garage in big rubbermaid bins for years. Some call it hoarding, I call it being prepared, at least in this case. I would’ve never imagined that I’d be sewing fabric masks for an 100 year pandemic. I’m sure no one did.
Mask making is a three type of scissors job.
I have stream lined my process. I pre cut the masks in mass quantity. Then I sew them in mass as well.
It is surreal still. Even with being in the initial epicenter for the COVID-19 outbreak. I know some are struggling with the mental weight that comes with life events like this. It’s hard to see friends struggling to cope. For me, I am filling my time with projects that can help others as well as tackling a few personal projects that have been on hold for a time “when I have the time.” I’m just one of those people that struggles with being in idle. Finding ways to help relieves my mental weight.
I’ve even tapped my vintage thread stash.
Not many orders are coming through these days for either of my businesses as to be expected. We are completely grateful those that are coming through though (Thank you!). It’s just another reality check of what a delicate life circle we have. While our laser isn’t running as often as it would normally be this time of year, we are firing up our 3D printer to contribute to the medical professionals in need. We are aiming to create components for face shields and mask extenders for long wear.
Please be safe at home. We are all in this together.
-Thea
Love in a time of COVID-19: Grant's Long Con, The Extended Version
For about two years, my eldest daughter Jina has been engaged to her guy Grant. We often joke that Grant has been precisely executing a long con to get Jina to marry him. They have known each other for a very long time and went to the same high school. They did not date then or even in college. Or did my daughter know that she was going out on a date with Grant, when they had their first date. They are a handsome couple who are really two peas in a pod. They will have a few good stories to tell their children someday. With the bonus of the pandemic causing a postponement of their wedding.
This is what I shared yesterday (March 25, 2020) on my private social media accounts:
Today, if there wasn’t a world wide pandemic going on I would’ve been walking my daughter Jina down the aisle.
The handsome couple: Grant & Jina.
Jina and Grant had long planned an intimate destination wedding out of the US. After it became unsafe to travel they modified their wedding plans - twice. Then they ultimately had to postpone it. It has been a stack of disappointments one right after another for J & G. Everyone in our clan felt completely defeated for them.
Their wedding day will happen. No sympathies necessary. Just do your part in helping to slow COVID-19. Don’t ask them when it will be either, there is no way to guess that at this time.
On the side lines as Jina’s mom, there has been very little I could do aside from being there to listen. Grant and Jina are master taskmasters for 25 year olds. They are both highly ambitious people and get things done. However, even they had disheartening moments with the over flowing river of changes to not only their personal plans, but the whole planet’s too.
They shifted to having the wedding on originally planned day at home when non essential travel was dissuaded. Once that idea came about, both parental units went into action. His family secured a place and food and drink. We were in charge of decor, music and any thing Jina needed. (Her dress was designed for tropical weather.) My youngest son Trevor became ordained to perform the ceremony. Boxes of decor pieces and bridal accessories poured through our doors. Each one got sprayed with Lysol. Sketches of signs that we were to laser cut were done. Miniature bottles to put the coveted hand sanitizer in for each guest were acquired. Then our Governor started to introduce words in his daily briefings that we all knew a “shelter in place” order or the like was coming. The inevitable postponement was going to happen.
Defeated on making it happen on the planned day, but not on the ultimate goal. They are safe and healthy as well as both of their parental units. That’s all that matters right now. Tune back in post pandemic for the rest of the story.
xo-Thea
Social Distancing.
* The links below are affiliate links.
My new lightbox. After it was set up, I questioned my life choices. She’s huge!
Vintage Sunset Embroidery kit.
Today began my “baby’s” (She’s 18) first day of online instruction. Our school district announced last week that they would do online instruction for two weeks due to the COVID-19 outbreak in our area. She’s a senior in high school so not a huge deal to us. Personally, our family is mostly low risk. Two family of our members do have underlying health conditions so, we have stepped up our self care of eating healthy, taking supplements and partaking in heighten personal and home cleanliness. My “baby” does work in the health care system though and the district’s move to online instruction was a good precautionary measure in my opinion. I think people tend to forget that many teachers are 60+, I’ve known a few to have cancer and I’m sure some care for elderly parents too. Prioritizing teachers in this situation with many unknowns is good.
Over the past few weeks of individual commentary, FB groups “debates” etc., I’ve personally had it with the hostile posts about everything under the sun. I feel like everyone wants to fight about something on FB so, I’m choosing to avoid it. I feel like that energy can be used to do better things, even if you are cooped up at home.
For me, aside from doing some greenhouse and backyard clean up, I bit the bullet and purchased a new light box. I take a ton of pictures for work and need a consistent setting. My old light box was and is great for small stuff. However, I would struggle with cramming bouquets and even some formal kanzashi pieces in it under the lights just right. So I decided to go big. Like super big, see the photo at the top to this post.
I discovered that I needed to move around within the photo booth to get my angles. After some research I decided to go with the big mama one. After it was set up, I honestly questioned my life decisions. One thing is for sure, I have no more excuses to not take photos of my work. I did hold off on that due to my photo issues but also my lack of interest of listing on Etsy. That will be another post though. Hahaha.
Lastly, my eldest and I planned on keeping this vintage Sunset Embroidery kit for our Bunco prize box. But, I might break into this bad boy for a little calming project to do. I’ll share more pictures of it on my Instagram. (The only social media I do enjoy.)
xo-Thea
Recipe: Hot & Sour Soup
Well, I might as well keep this recipe train going.
Homemade Hot & Sour Soup in a vintage Fire King soup mug
Hot & sour soup is an easy meatless Monday meal. It’s deceivingly filling and you can make it vegan by replacing an egg with Just Egg.
Many of the ingredients can be found in the Asian section of your grocery store.
Hot & Sour Soup
Ingredients:
Dried sliced Shitake mushrooms - I never measure I just grab a handful. Soak in hot water for 30 minutes then drain.
8 cups of vegetable broth.
1/4 - 1/2 cup of rice wine vinegar (to your taste)
2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce (to your taste)
1-2 tablespoons of hot chili oil (to your taste)
2 tablespoons of sesame oil
1 package of firm tofu (drained and cubed)
1/2 cup of frozen peas & carrots
1/2 cup of thinly sliced bamboo shoots. (They usually come canned.)
2 green onions chopped (for topping)
1 egg beaten (or Just Egg replacer)
Like I mentioned, get your dried mushrooms hydrated before you get your soup going. No one likes a chewy semi dry mushroom.
In a large pot on medium heat add your vegetable broth, vinegar and sesame oil. Add in the vinegar, making sure to taste as you add it in. Some people get prune faced when they eat vinegar. Me, I’m pretty sure I can drink that shit like water. My mom legit used to do that. So I probably go over that 1/2 cup measurement.
Do the same incremental tasting when you add the soy sauce next. If you’re using store bought broth or veggie bullion, the bummer is that it can be pretty salty. So don’t salt yourself out.
Get a decent bubbling going on with the broth and add the chili oil, tofu, peas & carrots, bamboo shoots and mushrooms. Don’t forget to stir so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Final stage is adding the egg. If you’re not using Just Egg, you’ll need to beat the egg. Slowly drizzle the egg into the hot broth. Give it a very light stir so it doesn't disappear to the bottom. Kill the heat top with green onions and serve.
So what you’ll find missing from my recipe is cornstarch. While it does have it’s place in my kitchen, I don’t like in my hot & sour soup. I like the ingredients’ individual textures and don’t need it masked with a cornstarch slurry, like gravy. Its soup not gravy.
Enjoy!
xo-Thea
Recipe: Afritada (Filipino Chicken in Tomato Sauce)
So, this is out of the blue. I technically have a few posts to kick out that are business related and other relevant stuff for here. But here I am posting a food recipe, because that’s what the internet is for. It’s like my old Blogger blog or my old Livejournal! Hahaha!
On my private Instagram, which is basically a food/thrifting/family life/feed - I often share what I am eating/cooking. I am lactose intolerant/have a dairy allergy and a side effect of that is that I often opt to eat vegan when I’m out to save myself any woes. I share what I’m cooking (dairy free experiments) like every other dork on the interwebs. However, this recipe is not vegan. It’s “vegetarian” in some Filipinos eyes because it’s chicken. My sister in law Erin and I had a conversation once about when she was vegetarian and was eating with her husband’s family (Filipinos) who knew she was a vegetarian and her MIL offered her chicken. Hahaha! That’s such a Filipino move.
There are Filipino food bloggers that are attempting to convert some traditional recipes to vegan dishes that I have dog-eared to try and I will report back on that. But for now, this Afritada - is a recipe I learned from one of my step-mothers; Angelita. She passed away a few years ago from brain cancer. She was eccentric, loved Elvis Presley and high fashion and was an excellent cook. I think of her fondly every time I make this.
Afritada = Chicken in tomato sauce stew.
Afritada
First - get your jasmine rice going. You will eat this with rice.
Ingredients:
2lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (most use bone in - but I’m a hapa/mestisa and I’m fancy.)
1 large white potato (peeled and cubed)
1 medium onion (sliced)
1 bell pepper (wide slices usually -yellow or red - can use frozen)
3/4 cup peas and carrots (I just use the bagged frozen ones)
2 cloves of garlic (minced - actually I’m lying I usually use like 6 cloves because that’s what I like)
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoon fish sauce (Patis is best for this - can sub with soy sauce)
2 tablespoon lemon juice
8oz tomato sauce
2 cup Chicken broth
Vegetable oil for frying.
Salt and peper to taste
In a large pot, (I use my Dutch oven) on medium add a splash of oil and heat toss in your onions and cook until translucent.
Add potatoes to slightly crisp up the sides.
Add garlic and chicken next. (If you are using bone in + skin on chicken you’ll want cook that first.
Next add everything but the peas & carrots and bell pepper. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes. (Add water or more broth if needed.)
Add the held back veggies, lower heat to low and cover again for 15+ minutes or (until your chicken is cooked through).
Fish out those bay leaves prior to serving and serve with rice.
Treat yo’ self and serve with Jasmine rice. It’s the best!
This recipe takes a little prep but you can cook it in a slow cooker too. Something a little different to add to your food repertoire. (It took me five times to spell that. Spell check was not helping me.)
Enjoy!
xo-Thea
Annual Thinning Of The Stash.
At least once a year, I go through my vintage kimono stash and try my best to either use, clean, or sell pieces. This is extremely hard for me to do as a fabric lover and Japanese fabrics are by far my favorite.
When thinning my stash, I take into account its usability. There are quite a few fabrics that I cannot use for kanzashi making. They typically are very thick fabrics, heavily adorned/embroidered or are a bad synthetic. Many moons ago, I would repurpose the heavily embroidered pieces into scarves or headbands. Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep up with demand so I discontinued those products. They were usually made with fabric from vintage tomesode kimono. They often have beautiful detailing near the hem. I’ve never had many in my stash, probably a dozen at most. They are a married woman’s formal kimono.
I have a vintage kuro (black) tomesode kimono to rehome. She’s still in great vintage condition.
Some light fade, lining discoloration and unfortunately - but not uncommon - a bit of the old kimono smell. Otherwise, she’s in fantastic vintage condition.
The colors of the design are stunning. The embroidery is thick and neat.
This piece has the Ageha (swallowtail butterfly) mon (crest).
The kimono itself is quite heavy due to the quality of the fabric.
I am selling her a very reasonable price. Feel free to contact me or leave a comment below for more details.
I’m sure more will be on the way as I sort though my collection.
xo-Thea
A Jaunt To CA + A Granny Chic Singer Sewing Machine
John & I were in California for a few days to visit some friends and to attend a wedding.
The ceiling in the Rita House - Los Angeles, CA. January 2020
The wedding was intimate and beautiful. It was held at a little hidden gem in Los Angeles, Rita House. Such a beautiful intimate place. Taken from the Rita House website about who Rita was; “Costume Designer Rita Riggs purchased the building and made it her studio for her work with everyone from Alfred Hitchcock to Norman Lear and many, many more in between.” There were lots of interesting things to look at even among the wedding decor.
Aside from the quick jaunt to California, we came home to snow, were snowed in for a few days and celebrated two kids’ birthdays.
Homemade birthday cake - January 2020
I’m finally settled in/down from all the happenings mentioned above. I’m now ready to tackle some projects. A few days before we left I was gifted a vintage Singer sewing machine from a neighbor. I’ve never actually owned a Singer machine before. Many other brands though. So I am very excited to add this vintage beauty to my collection. She needs some restoring, but that’s right up my alley.
According to the serial number, it’s from 1931. I’ve discovered many online resources to help me restore it. I’m so excited! Plus the “granny chic” with a touch of industrial vibe aesthetic, is my thing. I just like looking at it. I can’t believe the generosity of my neighbor.
I’ll be sure to post updates of the restoration process as I accomplish it. I have a couple of kimono to tidy up and reheome (sell) on my plate first. I’ll post more about them on my Instagram.
xo - Thea
My Dad's Birthday
When I was little, from around December 20th to January 2nd (at least) was a block of birthday/holiday celebrations. My birthday is December 25th and my dad’s was January 2nd. That timeframe was an excuse to do extra special stuff.
Today my dear old dad would’ve been 87. He was in his 40’s when I was born and passed away when I was in my 20s. I miss him dearly. He was my best friend - I was quite the daddy’s girl. (He raised me.)
I do a sort of ritual of his favorite meal for dinner and do something in his honor annually on this day. It has been evolving since 2004 when he passed. This year, I am spending the evening creating. I am working on an extra special personal project that requires a lot of design work from me. It’s a laser cutting project which I think he would’ve been excited for me to have a laser cutter. He was a very gifted mechanic (before and after his Navy career). You know when someone has a talent and they just shine and make it look so easy. That was him with any machine. I unfortunately did not inherit that gift from him as he had me working on small machines like lawnmowers or doing auto body work.
I usually wear aprons when I cook/bake. Apron (and most of my aprons was made by Kristine Ann.)
My dad and I. I was probably around 5 or 6 years old here and this was not an uncommon scene. Heavy machinery was this girl’s jam. I actually tried to start one of our backhoes up myself. I got it into neutral and my dad had to chase me.
Thanks to him, from a young age I’ve been comfortable around various types of machines and mechanical gadgets. That has come in handy many times over in my life. From being a single mom having to do a quick car repair on my own to fixing a horribly over complicated office printer.
I currently have nothing to share with you about my current project. But I feel like working on something creative that will turn into a tangible thing is the best way to honor my dad today. He would’ve kicked my butt if I just moped around on days like this. :)
xo-Thea
New Decade Day 1
Last night John and I were up really late researching movies from 20 years ago. It was weird to use because to us, 2000 doesn’t really feel that long ago.
December 2019 - Process shot of a custom piece for myself. It had been a long time since I created a piece for myself.
I’m totally in the phase of life where everything is a blur. My children are grown. Big life events come at me like a freight train. Long gone are the days of routine and filling my days with planned snacks and naps. Although, I think John would enjoy that. But here we are, day one of a new decade. This year alone there are two big life events happening. My eldest is getting married. Then my youngest is graduating high school. We know how to start a decade off with a big bang.
December 2019 - Jina is 24, I figured it was time to get her the expensive dollhouse she’s always wanted. (Presents under the tree for 8 people and 2 dogs. + My birthday presents.) Photo edited with A Color Story - Cozy Filter.
Rolling back a minute, included in this post are photos from Christmas. Which also happens to be my birthday. I share many photos on my private IG, 6 by 6 and I’m just now getting back into the groove of sharing on my public account. I’ve long neglected this blog and my shop because of 6 by 6 . Last year we were able to hone in on some products and discontinue a few, which allowed us to streamline many things. It’s funny that even though I have experience with manufacturing with this company, I still made many of the same mistakes I did when I first started this in 2003.
December 2019 - My custom made kanzashi for my birthday.
December 25, 2019 Me on my birthday.
Dress: VooDoo Vixen Purse: Little Rooms
With all that said, I finally feel free to create a bit. I love January - also known as “Pajamuary” in the maker’s world. Post holiday rush I actually feel energized to work on things that I’ve shelved. It’s weird how much of a rollercoaster life can actually be. To complete the conversation from the first paragraph of this post, last night we settled on watching one of my favorite movies; Chocolat. Which I hope serves as a whimsical inspiration for me this month.
Happy New Year - New Decade!
xo-Thea