HOW-TO: FABRIC TOTE BAG

I hate throwing fabric away. It seems like such a waste. But sometimes it’s hard to figure out how to use random scraps for anything worthwhile. That’s why I have two quilt projects started that are completely from fabric scraps. I just haven’t found the motivation to complete them yet. Recently I made my daughter a skirt for her hula dance class. With the leftover fabric she requested I make her bag. “Can you make me a bag for my hula stuff?” It was the best idea and I had the perfect amount of fabric left. For the lining of the bag I was able to use leftover fabric from the yukata project I did for the kids, too. I already had interfacing, so the only thing I needed was belting material for the handles. Yes! I was so excited to use up scrap material.

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HOW-TO: PA’U HULA SKIRT

Chloe started taking a hula class after school this year. Having a skirt is not a requirement, but most of the kids want one. I could just buy one, but a bunch of other parents made one and it seemed like it would be very easy. She’s already in her third session of the class, and after patiently waiting, I finally was able to make Chloe her pa’u skirt!

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HULA’S KITCHEN: PART 1

Every time we visit Japan, we always visit Aya’s friend Kio. They met way back in the fifth grade and have kept in contact all these years. She was even one of Aya’s bridesmaids in our wedding. I find that quite impressive considering the long distance between. It would have been very easy for them to lose touch with each other. Through their friendship I met Kio’s mom, Izumi, at our wedding party in Japan. And with the power of Facebook, her mom and I are now “friends.” She doesn’t speak very much English and I don’t speak Japanese, but we both understand the same language; FOOD.

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Kentucky Christmas!

In spirit of our trip to Japan this year, our Christmas card is a spoof on the “Kentucky Christmas” in Japan.

KFC opened in Japan in the early 70s (if my sources are correct, KFC came to Japan before McDonald’s did). In 1974 they started the Kentucky For Christmas marketing campaign, and because of the success of this campaign, it has become a cultural phenomenon. Each year you can buy the Christmas set complete with a collector’s plate. Other stores have caught on to the popularity too and promote chicken dinners as well. Due to the influence of KFC, chicken dinners have become synonymous with Christmas. Talk about good marketing!

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WRAP IT UP!

Are you tired of spending money on pretty wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows only to have them torn to shreds?

Are you sick of fighting the crowds and standing in line to purchase these wrapping paper?

Are you bored with the conventional way of wrapping presents?

Do you want to put a little fun into your gift giving celebrations?

Look no further!

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