Yokomono Studio

New Yokomono Studio Blog Home

2010-09-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

Yokomono Studio has been moved to new home. You can also view all the previous entries. See you at over there!

Polopolo Tissue Box Cover Featured in Apartment Therapy

2010-08-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

Polopolo Tissue Box Cover is featured in Apartment Therapy LA today along with other great designers from SupermarketHQ. Yey!

You need to be invited to sell at SupermarketHQ, so you won't see not-so-great-designs there like other handmade markets. Check it out!

[Vacation notice] I'm going to be on vacation soon, and the shop will be closed from 08/20 - 09/05. If you need anything ASAP, please let me know.

Renegede Craft Fair in San Francisco This Weekend!

2010-07-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

It's time once again for the annual Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco! Just in time too because my hands need a break. I've been sewing and sewing and sewing and sewing and sewing and sewing and sewing and sewing......you get the idea......for this one.

Please come by and check out all the new summer collection styles. I sold out very quickly last year (not just sayin' that) so please come by early for the absolute best possible selection.

July 31 & August 1, 2010
11 am - 7 pm
Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion San Francisco, CA, USA

Please go to the Renegade Craft Fair page for more details.

New products are in shop now!

2010-07-19T22:15:00.000-07:00

Finally, I've finished posting the new products in my shop. Many of them are used the fabric that I picked up in Japan this spring, and the quantity is limited. Grab them while available!

I can make the new design bags with the current fabric collection also. Feel free to ask me the custom order with your choice of the fabric.

Behind

2010-07-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

I spent all day taking pictures of new products today. This is not one of my favorite tasks for sure since I don't know much about photography. The hardest part was taking pictures of my behind with my new hip bags... Thanks to yoga & my favorite jeans! It's not too bad for 40 something years old...I think.

The new products will be in my shop in the next couple of days. Stay tuned.

Still In Progress

2010-07-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

Now working on solid fabric with stitches. Lots of stitches....

Work In Progress

2010-06-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

Fun, fun, fun! I've been designing new bags & other items with the new fabric from Japan. I hope put them out in the shop soon!

Back from Japan

2010-06-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

Konnichiwa! I'm back from one month long trip from Japan, and the Shop is now open for business. Sorry for not posting the fun I had in Japan, but I'm going to share with you next few weeks.

As I promised I brought back some Japanese fabrics from Nippori Textile Town (Japanese page with English map). The things I learned from the shopping is that many large American textile companies have their fabric printed in Japan, they are imported to the U.S., and again they are imported back to Japan and laminated in Japan for Japan market.

(My find in Japan including laminated fabrics)

I'm looking forward working with these new fabric!

Weaving

2010-05-30T05:06:00.000-07:00

Miya and I went to Andersen Park (Japanese only site) in Funabashi today. It's a large park consists of field athletics, petting zoo, museum & large garden reproduces the 18th century Danish rural hills where Hans Christian Andersen was born and raised.

Their museum offer many craft programs for kids such as painting, candle making, pottery & etc. The programs change every months. Miya tried few programs today, and the big hit was weaving. It only costs $5-12 (depends on the size of project), they give you instruction with the professional machine, and you can choose thread from the collection of beautiful threads. Some of them are even hand died.

(Many beautiful threads)

(She says "I want this machine at home!")

(It turns out such a beautiful panel.)

Other craft projects are also well organized with beautiful materials. Ummm, it's little craters heaven!

How Are You?

2010-05-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

A couple cute finds in Harajyuku - mecca of Japanese pop culture

(Mismatch socks - "How Are You")

(Finger socks - Stripes & Panda)

Bigger Dokodemo Bag In Bag

2010-04-22T17:32:00.001-07:00

Recently I've received the custom order to make a "bigger" Dokodemo Bag In Bag. She previously purchased my regular Dokodemo Bag In Bag, and she loved it so much that she wanted a "bigger" version.

I made it with wider straps & strap covers, so that it keeps the shape even with the extra weight. You need to find a really big bag for this bag to fit in, but I think it looks pretty good as a standalone bag. What do you think?

Chillin' Production 12th Anniversary

2010-04-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

My next event is scheduled. It's going to be an evening event. I'm going to make sure to take a nap that day, so that I can stay up until 2am! ...I cannot even remember the last time I was up that late....

Chillin’ Productions 12th Anniversary

Celebrate with 12 years of supporting Bay Area talent!

180 Artists
80 Fashion Designers
Video Installations

Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 8 pm – 2 am
Mezzanine
444 Jessie Street, San Francisco 94103

2010 First Yokomono Studio Event This Weekend

2010-03-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

2010 first Yokomono Studio event is this Saturday in Oakland.

You will see the new mono in the new spring fabric and the independent textile designer mono. Plus, I will offer 10% discount on any purchase at the show. Hope to see you there!

Date: Saturday, April 3, 2010
Time: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Jack London Square
Street: 98 Broadway Ave (Previously Barnes and Noble Books), Oakland, CA

Taste for Artisans pays tribute to Americana but with a modern, urban twist.
We celebrate local craftsmanship with over 100 of the Bay Area's best artisans selling their handmade wares, farmers filling our plates, live local bands/djs, and other educational activities from the De Young Museum.

Go to Handmade Ho Down Facebook page for more details.

Spa & Slumber Birthday Party

2010-03-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

My daughter Miya turned 9 last Sunday, and we through her Spa & Slumber Birthday Party with 5 other girls. What were on the menu:

Manicure service by Jim (my husband)
Avocado & cucumber facial by Jim (again...)
Onigiri (rice balls), miso soup, karaage (Japanese style fried chicken) & edamame
Fresh strawberry cupcakes (by me)

Of course, Miya didn't want me to buy anything for her guests. She likes to be an original. I think it's a good thing, but more work for me... So, I whipped up few things while catching up with orders.

(Headbands for facial)

(Ah....)

(Draw string cotton pouches as goodie bags)

(Sprinkles' Strawberry Cupcakes)

Miya requested these cupcakes again. This is the 3rd birthdays. Since I've grown up in Japan where frosting is not common, I don't usually like cupcakes with frosting. But, I like Sprinkles' Strawberry Cupcakes. I think strawberry flavor is refreshing.

I was really tired after the party, but it was fun to make non-Yokomono!

New Vocabulary Word: SWAG

2010-03-15T09:24:00.001-07:00

I've been living in the US for over 15 years and still learning new words everyday. Today's new word is "SWAG". I made this for Handmade Ho Down, the event that I'm going to participate next month.

My first SWAG with Yokomono style: Handmade fabric button + card/discount coupon tied together yellow cotton yarn

Hello, Spring!

2010-02-28T20:57:00.000-08:00

Hello, Spring! It's only February, but Sakura (Cherry Blossom) is full bloom here in Berkeley. You will find many Sakura tree here, and it reminds me of Japan every Spring.

(Polopolo Tissue Box Cover in Sakura fabric)

Pincushion Ring

2010-01-31T13:57:00.001-08:00

I'm going to slowly introduce my studio, favorite tool, design process instead of showing the finished mono. Here is the first post!

This pincushion ring is my recent purchase from Etsy seller Luminous Boutique. She custom made this with my favorite color combination - brown & yellow. I don't have look for pins anymore.

Independent Textile Designer Mono Series

2010-01-26T16:36:00.000-08:00

I just listed the independent textile designer mono series. It was so much fun working on new beautiful fabrics! The current collections are:

Kalla Textile Design (Japan)
Helen Rawlinson (London)

They are available only for a limited time! If you are a textile designer and interested in being a part of this series, feel free to contact me.

Polopolo Pouch on Etsy Front Page

2010-01-24T21:17:00.001-08:00

Polopolo Multi Pockets Pouch was featured on Etsy Front Page along with the artists from Modern Mouse in Alameda, CA. Thank you, The Enchanted Square for including my mono in her Etsy Treasury.

What I've been doing lately beside baking bread? I've been creating the limited edition mono with the hand screened fabric by Etsy independent designers! Sneak peak...

Kalla Textile Design

Helen Rawlinson

New Year, New Hobby

2010-01-10T20:51:00.001-08:00

A Happy New Year!

I'd been wanting to bake bread last few months for some reasons but couldn't find time off from sewing in crazy holiday season. Since my husband knew about this, he gave me this book "My Bread" by Jim Lahey for a Christmas present.

This picture is my first bread. I've never baked bread before, but it turns out be so good! According to my daughter "It's crunchy, soft, chewy & yummy!" The recipe is simple-- just mix flour, yeast, salt and water, no kneed required. Only thing required is longer rising time -- over 12 hours. Ah...I need to watch my weight.

Almost Sold Out Show at Renegade Craft Fair

2009-12-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

Renegade Craft Holiday Fair was very successful! Most of items are gone after the first day as you see in the picture. Lots of people stopped by my booth saw something they like, but the item was often gone by the time they came back from looking around other booths...

It was Yokomono Studio's very first holiday season, and I had no idea how much I needed to make. Obviously, I didn't make enough. I'm sorry for the people who couldn't purchase what they want. I will be more prepared next time! Thanks everyone!

Last Holiday Show - I'm Ready!

2009-12-18T15:06:00.000-08:00

(That's happy me in the picture)

Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco is my very last holiday show. Phew! I've sewn for hours past few months, and the holiday shopping season is almost over!

Over 150 artists will be setting up shop. This is a great place for last minute holiday shopping. I'm sure I will find some goodies for my family & friends.

All the Yokomono Studio products are 10% OFF. Please come by for better selection. See you there!

Thank You, Swanky Swell!

2009-12-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

Nina of Swanky Swell picked Yokomono Studio as one of her favorite artists at Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco last week. Yey! She designs lovely modern fabric. I think Moorish is my favorite.

Thank you, Nina!

Dokodemo Bag in Bag Featured Gift at Supermarket

2009-12-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

Supermarket featured Dokodemo Bag in Bag of their gift guide "A great gift. At any price" along with one of my favorite designer Chikabird.

It's great place to shop directly from designer without any not so interesting...you know.

Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco Tomorrow

2009-12-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

Yokomono Studio's first big holiday show! Holiday shopping for your friends & family (and yourself!) from over 120 hand picked artists and designers. See you there!

December 12 & 13, 2009 12:00 PM - 6:00PM

San Francisco County Fair Building Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
$2.00 Per Adult ~ 12 & Under FREE
50% of Admission Fees Go To Charity

Holiday Sale in San Francisco

2009-12-06T22:45:00.000-08:00

Stop by after work. Jewelry. Cards. Bags. Objects. Shop local. Drink up. Be Merry.

I'm looking forward to meet this great group of fine designers.

AND Yokomono Studio!

Yokomono Studio @ Feria Urbana in Oakland Tonight

2009-12-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

I decided last minutes to participate Feria Urbana (urban craft fair) in Oakland, CA tonight.

Thursday December 3rd, 6 - 10 PM
Free Admission
The New Parish - 579 18th @ San Pablo
Oakland, CA 94612 (directions)

The first 250 people get a Yelp shopping tote to carry all your purchases home.

Jon's Street Eats will be setting up shop out front for delicious dinner 'street style.' Jon will be making some good food.. fish & chips, chili, grilled cheese and more - yum! Get your grub then bring it inside and grab a drink at The New Parish bar.

Shop locally for amazing items - jewelry, artwork, home accessories, fashion accessories, baby items and more. Groove to the beats of local DJs, eat great local food, drink and dance.. what could be better!?

Come support your local art community, bring some friends and have some fun!

Another Giveaway From YellowGoat

2009-11-30T07:14:00.000-08:00

Another giveaway from YellowGoat this week!

You have a chance to win Polopolo Multi Pocket Pouch this time. The entry close on Sat Dec 5th, 12PM Hong Kong time. Go to YellowGoat and find out how!

Holiday Sale: 20% OFF!

2009-11-25T16:43:00.000-08:00

Yokomono Studio is having holiday sale this week. You get 20% off on ANY orders. Yes, no minimum purchase required! Please use the code "MONO20" at my official shop during check out.
This offer is only good until November 30, 2009 and is the best deal I offer this holiday season. Please don't wait!

Coupon Code: MONO20
Valid only at Yokomono Official Shop
Valid through 11/30/2009

oh, hello friend: Giveaway

2009-11-24T21:33:00.000-08:00

Danni of oh, hello friend is running Yokomono Studio giveaway this week.

You can win your choice of Polopolo Multi Pocket Pouch or Dokodemo Bag-in-Bag! Go to oh, hello friend get the details!

Upcoming Yokomono Holiday Events

2009-11-19T08:29:00.000-08:00

I've already started sewing for these big holiday events in San Francisco. I hope I can catch up the holiday orders!

December 12 & 13, 2009

Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco

December 19 & 20, 2009

Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale in San Francisco

Nest: Holiday Shopping Event

2009-11-13T19:20:00.000-08:00

Nest: Holiday Shopping Event is tomorrow

I'm participating this event my local, Berkeley! Your child can play at this studio while you are shopping. Stop by and say 'hi' if you are in the neighborhood.

1 Year Anniversary Sale!

2009-11-08T12:13:00.000-08:00

This month is the one year anniversary of Yokomono Studio. All mono that have been delivered from Yokomono Studio has been cut/sewn/packed by me. One year later, I still continue this philosophy and am hoping some people appreciate my slow process...

I'd like to thank everyone for the support they've given me this past year, and...drumroll please......Yokomono Studio is having a sale! Throughout November, I'm offering 10% off on ANY purchase. Please use the code "OMEDETO10" at my official shop during check out.

Valid only at Yokomono Studio Official Shop
Valid through 11/31/2009

I Feel Very Lucky Today

2009-11-02T15:47:00.000-08:00

I'd never won anything until today. I cannot wait to receive these SweetBeaker's beautiful Slim Jotter!Thank you SweetBeaker!!

Sewing for Holiday Pop-Up Shop - Modern Mouse

2009-11-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

I've been sewing for Modern Mouse for days. They are a new holiday pop-up shop in Alameda, California and carries independent designer products. The door will be open on November 9th. (My birthday!)

More new fabrics just arrived!

2009-10-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

More new fabrics arrived, and I just made Dokodemo Bag-In-Bag with those!
* Square – Blue/Red
* Square – Brown/Grey

I can make other style with these new fabrics. Feel free to ask me if you don’t see the style/fabric combination that you like.

New Fabric: Dots in Taupe/Grey

2009-10-18T12:28:00.001-07:00

Polopolo Multi Pockets Pouch

New fabric is in shop now. More new fabrics are coming in a couple weeks. Stay Tuned!

Win Yokomono Product!

2009-10-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

PapernStitch (PNS) is an online exhibition space that was created to promote talented artists, designers, and makers selling handmade goods. the exhibition space is curated monthly and showcases the best of the best on an international level.

This month, PNS is doing the one year anniversary contest. PNS will choose two people from the comments of the most commented shop and one person from the comments of the runner-up to win the item that they commented on! That means...you have a chance to win a free Yokomono Studio product!

Head over Yokomono Studio on PNS. The contest ends October 25th!

The Shop of the Day: papernstich

2009-10-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

Yokomono Studio is the shop of the day at papernstich today. They showcase nice collection of artists. Check it out!

Sneak Peak - Mono Fall/Winter 2009

2009-09-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

I've been working hard designing/stitching/sewing lately.
Here are the sneak peak of

Yokomono Studio's new mono for Fall/Winter 2009.

Improved design - Patapata Shoulder Bag Type 2 in denim & green canvas

New fabric - Taupe Dots with deep blue Sashiko stitch

New addition to tissue cover family

Chikuchiku Tissue Box Cover in Canvas with Sashiko hand stitch

Next Yokomono Event: Union Design Festival

2009-09-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

I'm attending this event in San Francisco next month. Hayes Valley is one of my favorite neighborhood in San Francisco. I have been working on new fall/winter mono, and you will see them at the event.
Hope to see you there!

Union Design Festival
Sunday, October 11, 2009
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Hayes Valley Park
Octavia and Hayes Streets, San Francisco, CA 94102

Modern Printed Matter New Studio/Store Opening

2009-09-03T19:56:00.001-07:00

Studio Store Opening, originally uploaded by Modern Printed Matter

One of the first retail stores carry Yokomono Studio products - Modern Printed Matter in Rhode Island opening a new larger space. See some pictures Yokomono in this beautiful store!

Yokomono Featured on Etsy Front Page

2009-08-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Etsy!

Currently Working On

2009-08-16T09:33:00.001-07:00

Anti-American Lunch Bags
Coming soon…

Featured in Home By Sunset

2009-07-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you Home By Sunset for picking Yokomono Studio as one of their favorites at Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco!