pinku

Target + Stella McCartney

Wow Stella McCartney has designed a 42 piece collection for Target Australia.

It goes on sale March 12. And the whole collection will be able to be viewed online from March 5 on the Designers for Target website.

I think a trip to Australia is in order.....to visit family of course. I mean I totally wouldn't fly thousands of miles to go to Target.

Or would I?

I might have to put in an order to my BBE.

I wondered whether Australian Target had embraced the designer line approach and it seems they have. Erin told me that the stuff sells out really quickly and then horrible people try to sell it on ebay for lots more money.

In other news, I've been trying to think up five weird things about me. I've been tagged by Helen and the DivaKnitter, but I wasn't going to do it because I've kinda done it before so that'll be a total of 10 weird things about me. That'll make me weirder than most people.

1. As a kid I was never really an animal person (I know, I know), but now with my two sweet pigs I find myself chatting to them and cuddling them all the time. Daz and I couldn't imagine what our lives would be like without them. Is that weird...or normal?

2. Not so much now, but I'm unusually into sports. It was a bonding thing with my father. I really get into the excitement of the moment. I've been to numerous State of Origin games. I saw the Harlem Globetrotters live. I was obsessed with Italian league soccer, 500cc motorbike racing and F1 racing in my last two years of high school. I would stay up until all hours watching those cars race around the track. It might have had something to do with No. 5 in my previous list.

3. I hate wasabi. This is probably not that weird. I got burned when I was a high school exchange student in Japan and my first host mother made a sandwich for my lunch everyday and she'd secretly smothered that horrible green stuff on to the ham. I would either give those sandwiches away or thrown them in the bin. Sorry, host mother number one.

4. I have a mild online shopping addiction. I've been really good this month. I don't think I would buy as much if I lived in the western world....or would I? I even told Darin last night that one of the pros of possibly moving to the US in the future is that I would be able to buy whatever I wanted online (no more international shipping!!) One can dream.

5. I'm 32 and don't have my driver's license.

Wow, that was actually easier than I thought it would be. Please don't tag me with this one anymore because then everyone'll know just how weird I really am??!!!!

OH and for you knitters out there - you can now preview Rowan mag 41 for Spring and Summer - from first glances there isn't a love that I MUST have (this is good news - save more money).

Also check out the Rowan Bamboo Tape Collection

The Rowan Kasbah Collection

The Little Angels Collection from Kim Hargreaves

But even cuter is the book And so to Bed by Lucinda Guy - CUTE!!

Aha!

I've worked out why winter and I don't mix. Having never grown up with winter, I now know that I'm not very good at coordinating winter fashion because I'm so worried about being warm. Any tips are welcome?

There are also just too many accessories (to lose that is) and extra wearable items. It's all so bulky and heavy.

Last week I lost my most ever favourite cashmere shawl that I take with me on every plane trip. It was a casualty of its own existence. It exists because of the cold and was lost because of the cold. Go outside with said shawl and my neck is oh so toasty, decide to go inside cute store, store heating too hot, take off said scarf, stuff it in too small bag, try on something, leave shop flustered because can't choose what to buy, still hot from store, get on train, get off train, start to walk home and realize it's a little chilly, reach for said scarf, scarf is no longer. feel sad.

This scenario has also happened with other winter accessories namely hats and gloves and ear muffs (which I forgot this morning because I didn't put them back in my bag after getting home last night). There is just too much room to forget stuff in the winter time.

Things I do like about winter are:

• colourful tights and leggings - shop of choice Tutuanna (yes, enjoy the socks style. Lovely day. Lovely socks.)
• cuddling for two reasons - fun and necessity
• rotenburo
• cockroaches go into hiding
• cuddling with our pigs

Other things I'm loving right now:

• Tsutaya Discas - Japan's version of Netflix. A few months ago when our tv died, we got rid of our satellite tv and just watched stuff on my computer. Now that we have a new tv (thanks suzy), we decided to try out Tsutaya Discas - we can rent 8 movies a month for 1974 yen. It's been fun so far. There are other options though. I might try out Posren, which is a similar service, but you can rent as many titles as you want each month for 2079 yen - they are also said to have the largest range of dvds in the business. You can try out Tsutaya Discas for a month for free and Posren for two weeks (but you can't rent new releases during either of the trials).
• Mag-Mart - this is an online magazine store in Japan that carries lots of foreign magazines at more reasonable prices than most bookstores (except maybe Tower Records). Their general range is OK (only two Australian mags and not the New Weekly which is what I would most want), but the BEST thing is that they carry some knitting mags not available at any bookstores in Japan: Interweave Knits (1365 yen), Rebecca (1900 yen) and Phildar in addition to Vogue Knitting (1281 yen) and Knit 1 (1120 yen). SWEEET! Shipping is 210 yen regardless of how many magazines you order. They just sent out my copy of the new Vogue Knitting. I am SO going to try my hand at modular knitting and knit the sweater on the front (shown below). Am thinking I'll have to add some length as I'm not sure how it'll work with a larger chest area than the model on the front. Oh and Daz, they don't have Thrasher or Slap, I already checked.
• The revamped menu at Village Vanguard Diner in Kichijoji.
• The organic food buffet at Warabe in Kichijoji.
• Jindaiji (as always) - a little piece of Kyoto right here in Tokyo.
• Hong Kong Yatai Shijo restaurant in Jindaiji - cheap, great atmosphere, open 24 hours, great food

Szechuan green bean dish - 500 yen

the interior

Sweet and sour pork

Nora Gaughan sweater I'm going to try my hand at.

My very own starving artist

If you pick up the latest issue of Japanzine you'll be able to read an interview with Darin. You can also read it online at the Japanzine website HERE. Darin has also redesigned his blog so check it out.

It was for their starving artist series which is slightly a fallacy because no-one was starving in our house last night. I whipped up some decadent Mac 'n Cheese (known as Mac 'n Mad Cheddar) using this recipe from Jennifer, who originally found it in Readymade magazine. This is the second time I have made it and I felt just as guilty/happy eating it this time around. I have never made anything that requires SO much cheese. At least I used the low-fat cheddar and skim milk - gah, who am I kidding. But seriously I would recommend this recipe if you like cheesy, tomato-y, basil-y pasta dishes - it's also vegetarian friendly. No need for meat here.

Are you famous?

On the way to my gym during my lunchbreak today I walked past a film crew obviously waiting to interview someone on the side of the road (near the back entrance to Uraku Aoyama - an exclusive members only club). There were also people crowding around on the other side of the street. I wondered who it could be, but kept walking. But then I saw a white stretch limo so I decided to stop and wait and see who would get out. When I first got a glimpse of the flowing blonde hair, I hoped, hoped, hoped that Sebastian Bach was getting out of the car, but it wasn't him and to tell you the truth I don't know who it was. Very disappointing. Do you know who this guy is? Are you famous, mystery man with long blonde flowing hair?

More camping photos

I was going to write about how Cameron Diaz is now part of Softbank's new mobile phone campaign in Japan after seeing her face plastered all over Shibuya this morning, but you can just watch the YouTube video of her new commercial if you want. I must say it's a smart move by Softbank as was the promotion where you get a free ipod nano with a new Softbank phone.

I would write about knitting, but you see I have NO time to knit. It's sad. I don't even have a project on my needles. This is vexing me (watched the BBC tv version of Jane Eyre this week) as I have plenty of people that I need to knit for. Chris I promise your scarf will be coming soon, which in knitting time is about a month?? I also need to seam up my Rebecca cardigan so I can wear it to the Knit Out tomorrow (i.e. if it looks good on of course). I have quite a dilemma on my hands though - I need an outfit tomorrow that is appropriate for both the Knit Out and Peaches since the show starts at 6pm and there'll be no time for a outfit change!!!!

I would write about how it was my blog's 3rd anniversary last Saturday, but it's sad that this is the first year I haven't celebrated with some kind of swap or event. Maybe I'll do a new year's swap - perfect timing to cheer everyone up (meaning mostly me)mid winter.

But then Tyler came to the rescue and provided me with some new pictures of our camping trip in Tochigi - perfect blog material. The following photos were all taken by him.

Ok I'm off to have some Friday night drinks with an old friend. Hope you have a great weekend and I'll see you next week!

Because I'm a sheep

1. FIRST NAME?
Kat, which is short for Katherine. Just don't call me Kathy. Pre-blog era I was known as Kath actually.

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Nah, I think my mum was on a roll after naming my sister Kristina and decided to stick with a K name.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
Got teary last night watching the Project Runway finale....um because I cry during nearly all of the reality tv I watch, especially the Amazing Race and the Biggest Loser!!

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes, it's fine but my dad thinks I hold my pencil incorrectly.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT?
Turkey! Turkey! Turkey!

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
As my husband would say, DUH!

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?
Nothing but this blog.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes, I think so.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Hmm, well I've parachuted from 14,000 feet before so hell yes, I'd bungee jump

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
This year was a turnaround and now I'm in love with traditional oatmeal with fruit. I never thought I'd like porridge. I thought it was completely gross as a kid.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Depends on the shoe, and since you have to take your shoes off ALL the time in Japan, if you are smart your shoes won't have laces

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Hell yes

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Not the biggest ice cream fan - yes it's true! But I'm gonna go with coconut because I love all things coconut.

14. SHOE SIZE?
US 9 or 9.5, European 40 or a Japanese 25.5 or 26cm.

15. RED OR PINK?
Um, pink.....although I actually wear red way more often.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
my laziness

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Ann, Michael, Stephen, Kristina, Chris, Jack and Mia.....and the rest of my family.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Um, I didn't send this to anyone

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Denim pants, blue and white top and red shoes.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE?
Mmm, a focaccia with melted cheese all over the top

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
A coworker speaking Japanese and the sounds of fingers hitting the keyboard

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
pink

23. FAVORITE SMELL?
coconut sunscreen and the smell of the ocean

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
the travel agent

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?
their witty sense of humour

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from?
Mindy rules.

27. FAVORITE DRINK?
Hmm, I really like the mixed fruit juices you can buy on the platform of JR train stations.

28. FAVORITE SPORT?
Swimming

29. EYE COLOR?
Hazel

30. HAT SIZE?
Normal?

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Used to but I abused wearing them so much that I haven't been able to wear them for four months. I bought some new glasses though and am loving them. Contacts are much more convenient though. Maybe one day I'll be able to wear them again.

32. FAVORITE FOOD?
Um, can't answer this question because I love nearly ALL food, ALL the time. Actually is 10:40am and I'm already thinking about what I want for lunch. If I HAD to choose, I have to say JAPANESE, JAPANESE, JAPANESE!!!

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy all the way.

35. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter hates me and I hate winter. Summer I love you.

36. HUGS OR KISSES?
Both

37. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Easy, that'd be hot home-made apple pie.

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?
I'm revisiting 'Knitting in Plain English' by Maggie Righetti. It's funny reading. When she talks about buying enough yarn of the same dyelot for a project she says 'I hope that you care enough about yourself to make sure'. I care.

41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Fujitsu - The possibilities are endless.

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?
Project Runway...I'm going to miss you. And Lost. And the Daily Show.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS?
My piggies in the morning before they are going to get fed. It cheers me up no end.

44. ROLLING STONEs OR BEATLES?
Since the Japanese love the Beatles SO much I'm going with the Rolling Stones.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME?
Beaver, Oklahoma

46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?
making up new words (wouldn't you agree, Darin?), and finding bargains.

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Stolen from Gidget.

1. FIRST NAME?
Kat, which is short for Katherine. Just don't call me Kathy. Pre-blog era I was known as Kath actually.

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Nah, I think my mum was on a roll after naming my sister Kristina and decided to stick with a K name.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
Got teary last night watching the Project Runway finale....um because I cry during nearly all of the reality tv I watch, especially the Amazing Race and the Biggest Loser!!

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes, it's fine but my dad thinks I hold my pencil incorrectly.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT?
Turkey! Turkey! Turkey!

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
As my husband would say, DUH!

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?
Nothing but this blog.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes, I think so.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Hmm, well I've parachuted from 14,000 feet before so hell yes, I'd bungee jump

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
This year was a turnaround and now I'm in love with traditional oatmeal with fruit. I never thought I'd like porridge. I thought it was completely gross as a kid.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Depends on the shoe, and since you have to take your shoes off ALL the time in Japan, if you are smart your shoes won't have laces

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Hell yes

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Not the biggest ice cream fan - yes it's true! But I'm gonna go with coconut because I love all things coconut.

14. SHOE SIZE?
US 9 or 9.5, European 40 or a Japanese 25.5 or 26cm.

15. RED OR PINK?
Um, pink.....although I actually wear red way more often.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
my laziness

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Ann, Michael, Stephen, Kristina, Chris, Jack and Mia.....and the rest of my family.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Um, I didn't send this to anyone

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Denim pants, blue and white top and red shoes.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE?
Mmm, a focaccia with melted cheese all over the top

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
A coworker speaking Japanese and the sounds of fingers hitting the keyboard

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
pink

23. FAVORITE SMELL?
coconut sunscreen and the smell of the ocean

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
the travel agent

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?
their witty sense of humour

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from?
Mindy rules.

27. FAVORITE DRINK?
Hmm, I really like the mixed fruit juices you can buy on the platform of JR train stations.

28. FAVORITE SPORT?
Swimming

29. EYE COLOR?
Hazel

30. HAT SIZE?
Normal?

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Used to but I abused wearing them so much that I haven't been able to wear them for four months. I bought some new glasses though and am loving them. Contacts are much more convenient though. Maybe one day I'll be able to wear them again.

32. FAVORITE FOOD?
Um, can't answer this question because I love nearly ALL food, ALL the time. Actually is 10:40am and I'm already thinking about what I want for lunch. If I HAD to choose, I have to say JAPANESE, JAPANESE, JAPANESE!!!

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy all the way.

35. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter hates me and I hate winter. Summer I love you.

36. HUGS OR KISSES?
Both

37. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Easy, that'd be hot home-made apple pie.

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?
I'm revisiting 'Knitting in Plain English' by Maggie Righetti. It's funny reading. When she talks about buying enough yarn of the same dyelot for a project she says 'I hope that you care enough about yourself to make sure'. I care.

41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Fujitsu - The possibilities are endless.

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?
Project Runway...I'm going to miss you. And Lost. And the Daily Show.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS?
My piggies in the morning before they are going to get fed. It cheers me up no end.

44. ROLLING STONEs OR BEATLES?
Since the Japanese love the Beatles SO much I'm going with the Rolling Stones.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME?
Beaver, Oklahoma

46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?
making up new words (wouldn't you agree, Darin?), and finding bargains.

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Stolen from Gidget.

Dolly and We're MARCH!

Recently I've been lusting after a vintage Dolly Parton tshirt - do you have one that you want to part with? Probably not. Why would you want to. Finally I found the most adorable tshirt transfer on ebay and WON the auction, but to my dismay the seller is not responding to my emails - why!!!! They also have no other auctions listed at the moment. I came so close to this but am still so far.

I haven't ripped my socks yet but I'm going to do it tonight. Here's the kit I bought from the Kim Hargreaves website. It's the Rebecca Cardigan made from Big Wool. I've never used Big Wool before and the name is apt because that stuff is 'big'. I've never knit with needles so big!! I guess it's a great yarn for beginners because it knits up so quick and also because you can see every mistake and the way your decreases and increases look very clearly - it's kind of scary actually. It's like looking at your knitting with a magnifying glass. I finished all of the knitting last night so I just need to seam the sleeves and set them in. It's bulky and that's got me worried, but it is oh so soft and cuddly. We're going camping on the weekend so maybe I'll take my new cardie for a spin in the hills of Tochigi (or not considering how much I paid for the whole darn kit).

UPDATED to include:

The KNITTY Calendar is up for sale in the KNITTY shop! Congrats to all the winners (that includes me, Jo and Jenn too - woohoo!)! Go buy one now! Our free copy of the calendar will be given to our wonderful, beautiful and generous photographer Martine!!

What a great cover - I agree with Amy that looking at it feels like a big warm hug!!! BTW, we're MARCH - a fine month heralding the end of winter - how perfect!

Art you in SF?

If you are lucky enough to be in the Bay Area this weekend, then go and check out the opening of inhabitation modification Daz's exhibition with Alex Munn and Ian Cheng, at the Receiver Gallery in SF on Saturday night (9 Sept, 7 to 10). Unfortunately we can't attend due to being millions (ok thousands) of miles away here in Japan, but you can have our share of the refreshments! Darin did a great people watching video piece that really captures some of Kichijoji's most ordinary and captivating moments!!

We'd love to be there, but instead we'll be on a 'slow floating, pleasure boat' in Tokyo Bay. Poor us.

Happy Birthday Daz!

You rule!

Yesterday was Darin's birthday. I bought him a new ipod, which he has already named Roger. We celebrated all weekend with our friends at a picnic, at a drunken izakaya party, and in the park on the bridge. Thanks to all who came!! You'd think that some time during those festivities that we would have taken a photo, but we didn't. Here's one of darin skating at Nogawa Park (care of Andrew - thanks!).

Trying to Stay Positive

I always try and remain positive on my blog mainly because a very long time ago a friend said that email and the internet are not places to be mean or nasty and I agree. I save being mean and nasty for when I'm tired and cranky and riding the elevator and I get pushed into the corner by someone who has plenty of room in front of them but that's another story (deep breath).

I love handmade stuff and love to buy from people that are creative and talented. I have bought pieces from Antifactory (more than once, ahem), Pretty Raccoon, Supayana, Boygirlparty, Veritas El Pulchra, Frecklewonder, Spicy Toast, The Vintage Doctor, Heather Joy, and Dying Breed to name a few. I love supporting independent crafters. More than 90% of these independent business owners are helpful and have great customer service - sending emails to confirm items are sent/received, etc. I have only had a few problems and most of them are resolved quickly but recently I tried to buy a necklace online from a young independent crafter and it has been an ABSOLUTE nightmare.

I bought and paid for the necklace on March 23. The seller was great about emailing at this point and seemed very helpful. Four weeks later nothing had arrived so I sent two or three emails to the seller's business email address and got no response. I finally left a comment on her livejournal and she responded apologizing and said that the necklace had never been sent. She had asked her boyfriend to do it, but he didn't send it because he couldn't work out how to fill in the little customs form on the package. I was totally nice and understanding and she was repentant saying that she'd thrown in another necklace for free. Awesome. I was so happy to finally hear from her and get things resolved. Two weeks after that exchange - NOTHING. No necklaces in the mail, so I start sending emails again. No response. Left two comments on her livejournal. No response. She has been sick but has had time to update her livejournal, attend a craft fair, update her flickr account. I also emailed another email address that she recently asked customers who had not received their products to respond to. No response. I'm so sad.

I won't mention who it is coz that's not nice. I finally lodged a paypal complaint last week and sent her another two emails saying that if she'd just respond and tell me when she sent the necklaces or when she will send them, then I'd withdraw the complaint and that even if I got the money back then I would repay her. NO response. I'm so tired of this and know I should just let it all go for the sake of my sanity but it truly bugs me. I've even considered calling her residence in the US, but I probably won't.

I haven't lost faith though in all of you crafty girls out there. I just wish that this one would respond to my emails. I'm beginning to feel like a stalker.