Mar 3, 2010

!! My third giveaway !!

!!!!!! Thank you so much for your entry. I just closed the entry. !!!!!!

Hello.
It was sunny day today.
Bo-chan was sleeping and eating ice cubes.
He looks so happy.
Bo-chan

By the way, I'm preparing what I put in my third giveaway (* v *).
This time, I'd like to choose seven people and make each package with these three items.

(1)A Book : Japanese craft/sewing/knitting books. Some books are what I got recently and some are what I have for years. Some are in not so good condition, I'm sorry.
Books for giveaway
Books for giveaway

(2)Fabric scraps: Mainly cotton fabrics. Some are cotton linen or linen fabrics. I'll put about five pieces for each package.
scraps for my next giveaway

(3)Tag set: I hand carved stamps for the tags and put three tags for each.
Hand carved stamps
Tag set for giveaway

These are what I made with them. The bird tags are to put as a tab, folded in two.
Dish cloth, Hand towel and Fabric cloth

If you'd like to entry this, please leave a comment on this post till 6 am of 15th March.
The winners will be seven people.
About the comment, I have a request. I want to make your own package, so please write something about you, about your sewing, family, favorite color etc... I'll enjoy to make seven different packages.

At last,,, this is the first lunch box what I made for my husband, Haru.
He began working last Monday.
Lunch box
This box is slim and stackable so he can put it in his hard case in this way. I'm enjoying make lunch for him (* v *).

Thank you very much for reading. These days there are lots of terrible news about weather and earthquakes, but I hope you are enjoying your days. I really enjoy my days with Tomato, Haru and you all (* v *)!!!!

!!!!!! Thank you so much for your entry. I just closed the entry. !!!!!!

309 comments:

1 – 200 of 309   Newer›   Newest»
Cat said...

O what a fantastic giveaway, you are very generous. I like to make all sorts of things, but I also have 2 young girls so a lot of the stuff I make tends to be quite cute and 'girly'. I love reading your blog! And good luck with your little tomato :-)

Daniela Mayumi Kodaira said...

Hi Mai, you and your lovely things... I love packaging too, since I was a child. I don't know if you remember me between all your readers... I live in France, and I've known your work through Kyoko, from How are you all. I sew children clothes, and other accesories, that I sell in some shops in my town. I am also pragnant of a little girl, Helena. I love the colors blue and green. Lots of love to you and your beautiful family!

Lisa Risager said...

I do so enjoy your posts! You are the reason I've recently begun to hand sew. For many years I've used my sewing machine, but lately I've mostly been knitting and also crocheting a bit.

My daughter visited Japan last year and brougt back some lovely crochet books for me and I really like the graphic instructions which make them quite easy to follow despite not being able to read Japanese.

*Favourite colour: blue, but I also like black, red, lime, green...
*Family: husband, daughter (22), son (17)
*Pets: 1 black cat
*Work: I work from my home as a freelance web designer/developer
*Crafts: I love instructions but never follow a pattern :-)

Thank you very much for all the inspiration you give us all!
At the moment I'm recycling old, worn clothes into lovely Mairuru bags and purses - an old patterned summer dress is going to be a beautiful Origami Drawstring Bag (will be posted to flickr sometime soon)

Heather Woollove said...

Dear Mai--What a lovely giveaway!
I have four daughters and love Fall colors...especially orange.
I love making little bags with zippers.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this great giveaway... love reading your blog.
My favorite colors are red and blue. I like cotton and linen fabrics.
I love sewing bags and quilts and this year I want to become better in sewing my own clothes.

Muriël said...

Hello Mai!
You are so generous! I love the things you are giving away!
I am from Leiden in the Netherlands. We have a museum about Japan in my town, the Siebold house. I am planning to visit it soon, because they are having an exhibition about Shibori. I love to dye fabrics too, and to sew and to make ceramics. My favorite color is purple, and I also love pink with green.
Have a good day with Tomato and Haru!
Love from Muriël

Stacey said...

this is cute!! my name is stacey, i am a stay at home mom of 4 kids aged 11, 7, 4, and 2. I love to quilt, sew bags, and am really into collecting japanese craft books. i have some sewing bags ones, and some embroidery ones. i love all things sheep that are from japan, the design of the sheep over there are amazing!!! well, thanks for the chance!

Karin said...

Now I am so curious to know what kind of food you packed for your husband. It looks so lovingly made, I bet he loves it!

Your giveaway is very generous, thank you for giving us the chance to win something you picked for us! I am a mama of three little ones (5,3,1), so i sew a lot for them. But I also like to make my own clothing and ofcourse all kinds of home accessoiries. I like to add little special details to what I make, like lables in all kinds of colours, special unexpected stitching or contrasting facings. Anyway, I have been following your blog for a while now and am very impressed with your handsewing. It all looks so neat and patiently made, my compliments!

Annette Tait said...

Goodness Mai - so many delightful things in your giveaway! I would love to enter! thank you!

so... just incase I am one of the lucky winners here's some info about me -
I have two rescue rabbits and love animals deeply. I do alot of rabbit rescue advocacy work (mainly on my blog) and I am also the volunteer business development manager of the Hare Preservation Trust in the UK.
I sell my handmade textile baby hares on etsy and Arabella rabbit bags and I veer towards the more realistic animal style.
I love all blues - especially Wedgwood blue and I love taupe, sable, antique gold and browns - as they go prefectly with blues/greys.
My family is my fiance and me (engaged for 12 years!) and our two house rabbits Arabella and Wesley (both rescues!).
I also speak Russian and a bit of Chinese and a tad of Polish! My mum speaks Japanese!
I love visiting your super blog - it's heartwarming and I can see how much love you put into your creations!
Many thanks again! and good health to you and the litte tomato :)

Aga said...

Amazing giveway!Thanks for the chance to win! I love yours bag!!
My colours: white, black, red
My pets:fish
Work: office

Katherine said...

This is so exciting! I love reading your posts and to have a giveaway on top of it all...so fun! I live in the US. I am a teacher and have 3 children, ages 2,4, and 6. I love love love to sew. Heirloom sewing, children's clothes, fun things for around the house. I also love to reupholster furniture. Lots more about me here: www.classiccampbell.blogspot.com
You're the best!

Aras by Sara Cimino said...

Mairuru Hello, yes, sunny days are beautiful! I'm fine, no earthquake. I'm an Italian girl, are not married. I love the sea, flowers, music, art and books of poetry (Walth Whitman is my favorite poet!). My friend dog's name Poldo.
I study Psychology and I make bags and accessories. I love sewing and crare for others.
I'm glad to join your giveway.
Good days of sunshine
Sara / Aras

Jo said...

HI Mai, this is one of the best giveaway~~:) I love reading your blog!! ummm i love japanese craft books, i use them for inspiration but i hardly follow them exactly.. i like making zakka, never tried making clothes, it's still a bit too hard for me>< I love linen and cotton and polka dots ^^ i like purple, blue and brown.... hmmmm I really like dogs, but i can't have one cos i'm renting...

I hope I win... hehehehe^0^

Erika said...

Hello Mai, I'm Erika from Brasil. I still don't sew, but I'm planing to learn. I've got some books already, I read many blogs as yours... By the way, I have to say I love to read your blog, especially because I dream to know Japan one day and the way you live there. So, somehow, I'm already visiting your country when I read about your like, your food and Bo-chan! Hugs, Erika

Di said...

I love reading your blog, Mai, and your cute designs are a delight - so refreshingly different! I have a grown up family, 3 children and a dear little 2 year old granddaughter. I love hand sewing quilts and small gift items, and my favourite colour is pink (though I'm currently using much more yellow in my quilts too). I would love to win the book and fabric since I admire Japanese designs. Glad you are feeling better these days :-))

Michele said...

Your stamps are so cute! I've been wanting to try carving stamps. I love to make small quilts and small sewing projects using unique prints and fabrics. I love all colors!

Julia said...

I love your blog! I'm so excited to enter this giveaway.

I like colourful things and I LOVE Japanese fabric and sewing patterns.

Thank you!

Antonia said...

Hi Mai, I love your blog and your generous giveaways. I enjoy patchwork, quilting, embroidery, making bags and purses and pouches, dressmaking etc. I made myself a pincushion using your sarubobo tutorial. I also love knitting and scrapbooking. I have two daughters (18 and 15) who often make requests for handmade items. I don't work because I'm a student, currently studying history of art. My favourite colours are strong reds, pinks, purples and oranges but I also like softer blues and greens and browns. I would love to have a Japanese craft book. Thanks for the chance x

Marylectora said...

Hello, I hope that you're well.
If I touch one of your packages not mind that you might set something to another young child, a bib or slippers.
I like all the colors and if you could put my name in your language, I'd be happy. Greetings from mary.

Hola, yo espero que tu estes bien.
Si me tocase uno de tus paquetes no me importaria que pusieras algo para otro niño pequeño, un babero o unas zapatillas.
me gustan todos los colores y si pudieras poner mi nombre en tu idioma, tambien estaria contenta. Saludos de mary.

martimez said...

Super Giveaway!!!
I love your blog.
I love the Japanese fabrics,books,stamps,ideas...and roses too
Márta from Hungary

Susana said...

Hello, May,
I live in Brazil. The other day I posted a comment for you. I would like to participate in the promotion, although I do not know if sent here to Brazil. I like strong colors, colorful designs. I also like animals. Nature. Heaven do not know if I'm making me understand, because I'm using Google translator to translate from Portuguese into English ... I love your work. Beijos ...
Susana Cardoso
susanadcardoso@gmail.com
Itajaí - Santa Catarina - Brazil

Victoria said...

Hi Mai, i like reading your blog and sewing with your tutorials:)
I make photography and jewelry and sell them on etsy:)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/InmostLight

Androides 2007 said...

So generous! Thank you!
You're blog is pretty as allways.
Take care! We follow you! :-)

Maya Kuzman said...

Oh my God what a fabulous giveaway!!
When I saw your post I was instantly, tremendously happy!
What I love:my family, making people happy, piece and harmony, clean (undisturbed) nature, all the seasons but my heart flutters in spring and summer,all the crafts known to human (especially sewing and knitting), making things (clothes) for the ones I love, all soft (pastel) colours, books - the list actually goes a long way down!
Have beautiful days nesting your Tomato!

ringadal said...

Hi,
I just found your blog a few weeks ago, and I don't really remember how I found it, but I have been following it ever since. I love your beautiful crafts, and love looking at the beautiful photos of the food you make for yourself and your husband. Congratulations on your tomato. I have two children, a boy almost 9 and a girl 6. I sewed when I was younger and quit when I started to work after college. Once I had my daughter, I was appalled with the clothes that I could afford to buy her and started to make her clothes. I have to admit, that most of the clothes I made at first were not too well constructed, but over the last 6 years, my skills have really improved and now I sew for both my daughter and myself. I love to sew unusual clothes that we could not buy "off the rack". My daughter now really enjoys directing my efforts and telling me what fabric to use and how to embellish the pieces and what styles she likes. I like sewing for myself to get a good fit and to sew things I could never afford to buy. I also make fiber art, small tapestries, some embroidered pieces, and embroidered quilts. If you would like to see some of my work you can go to:
ringadal.blogspot.com

You are very generous to have such a give away. I am lucky to have three Japanese sewing books. Two are pattern books, Pattern magic, and one is a girls' pattern book. I was lucky enough to find them on a trip to see my husband's family last year in San Francisco.

My daughter and I love bright colors such as hot pink and turquoise, but I have to admit that most of my taste in things that I make for myself are toward the neutral beige, black and cream with some calming blues and greens thrown in.

Right now, I am trying to use up my stash sewing clothes for myself and summer clothes for my daughter.

THanks for the inspiration and fun reading.
Susan

Alcy's Hobby Room said...

Hi Mai, thank you for your generous giveaway. I love reading your blog & all the wonderful tutorials you put up.

*Favourite colour: all soft pastel colours, especially blue & pink
*Family: I live with my 73 yr old mum.
*Craft: I enjoy sewing little plush toys

Thank you!

kelly said...

This is such a nice giveaway -- you are very sweet and so talented. I like to make many things, but I've been quilting and making small stuffed animals lately. I love all bright colors - reds, blues, oranges and greens. I live with my husband and our very, very soft and very fat grey cat.

I've really enjoyed your blog - the tutorials are so helpful and your crafts are adorable. I was happy to hear about all of your fun new experiences, and look forward to seeing more of the things you make for your tomato.

Kat said...

Hello Mai! I only discovered your blog last January but I've found so much inspiration from your entries! I used your tutorial for origami and bags a lot. *A*) I really enjoy reading your posts about your life, too. I've only started making things myself, but I like to create things that are cute and natural looking, and my favorite colors are pink, brown, blue and gray!

Betsy said...

Thank you for the giveaway! I like any bright colors, and simple sewing projects!

Sam said...

Hello, Mai! You have such a beautiful and inspiring blog, and a lovely way with words, too. Thank you so much for such a generous giveaway.

I live alone and so I spend many happy hours crafting and playing with my two cats. I love to sew and embroider in bright colours.

Have a wonderful day! xoxo

Jennifer said...

I love to sew clothes for my children and I would love to receive one of your packages. Your tutorials are great.

Keren Gillan said...

Dear Mai , such a nice optimistic post , thanks for your giveaways it is so precious and kind of you to do so …
I'm Keren from Israel mother of 3 beautiful kids Cheyenne 5 Rio 3 and Loreia 1 Suki 3year dog and Rami 9 cat ,I'm fashion designer and love to use my hands all the time so I'm having a felt cushion line and mobiles and children clothing and many other , colors that I love are naturals , brown ,green and purple .
I find your blog inspiring and worm , I follow it for long time now and I really feel as a friend .i would wish one day to meet with you ,, ,
I wish you all the best to you and family .
Keep on the good work ,god bless you .
Keren Gillan

Doris said...

Hi Mai! I'm always looking forward to reading your new entries on your blog. It really makes my day.
I live in Vienna with my husband and my little daughter. Miina's three now. We also have a dog. He's a bit smaller than Bo-Chan and pitch black. Our favourite colours are springish ones. Bright green and blue and yellow... When I've got the time I sew or knit things for my daughter and sometimes for my husband :-).
Hope you're feeling better now, so you can enjoy your pregnancy.

crafty diane said...

Fantastic giveaway! Enter me in please!
Blessings,
Diane

Meagan said...

Hello Mai! Your blog is one of my favorites. I love seeing pictures of Bochan and the crafts you create and share with us.
I love all sorts of crafts and sewing, but I like making small cute things best. My favorite color is Orange. I'm moving into my new farm house so I'd love to decorate it, and seeing as I will no longer have a job at the end of the month, I will have plenty of time to do so. I speak and read/write Japanese so if there is a book with a lot of Japanese in it that might be hard for others to understand, perhaps you'd consider that book for me :)

mel-o said...

What a generous giveaway. I stumbled upon your blog when I started sewing (back in Sept 2009). I like Japanese dress designs and zakka crafts. I'm trying to sew small animals but I'm not very good.

My favourite colours to sew with are greys, blues, and beige. I almost always use cotton or linen.

I'm actually going to Tokyo next week and very excited to shop in Nippori!

xo

Melissa at Perry Jayne said...

How lovely! You are too kind to do such a sweet giveaway. I have a girl, 4 and boy 2 1/2, and I am pregnant with one more (surprise this time) due in June.
My favorite thing to do is applique and hand stitch. I've been working on onesies, bibs and burp cloths for my new little one.
My favorite colors are greens, blues, pinks, reds. However my son is a HUGE fan of orange. :)
I am a stay at home mom and have a little etsy shop.
melissa_raie@juno.com

helena said...

Even if i don't really understand english very well I understand that you are very happy in familly, specially in your pregnacy.
What a giveway!!! Lovely and very generous.
What can I say about me? I'm a 49 years old letterature teacher,whith a 21 years old daughter I love sewing accessoires and home stuff.
I also have a dog, Argo.

Tempest Ahoy said...

I love Japanese fabrics and craft books! What a great giveaway. I love to sew, especially for children and for my extended family. I love giving home made things!

Joan's Good Life said...

Hello Mai! I have enjoyed reading your blog for 6 months now! You are always so positive and you are very talented. I enjoy seeing the many wonderful things you make and to think I have a chance to win something from you is wonderful!
I was born in Japan and raised there until the age of 6. I've forgotten most of my japanese but try to speak to other's when I go to the japanese grocery store here where I live. I have two grown children and I will soon have a grandson (in august), my first grandchild! Yay! I enjoy making quilts and tote bags. I also crochet and I am now teaching myself how to knit. I have one nekko and one inu, both of them tottemo kawaii! I love japanese kimono style patterns and fabrics in blues, silver and reds. Thank you for being so generous! I'm sure the people who win your giveaway will be VERY happy!
Happiness to you, tomato-chan and Haru-san.

Zully López-Romero said...

Hi Mairuru!!!!

I live in Costa Rica, I love your blog! I'm so excited to enter this giveaway. Your tutorials are great.

I love Japanese fabric and sewing patterns.

-Favourite colour: green, but I also like all pasel colours.

-Family: husband, 2 daughter (33 and 31), 2 sons (31 and 19), 2 granddaughter (11 and 8), 1 grandson (9).
-Pets: 1 dog, white french poodle toy, named Pepe

-Work: I was flight attendat and I studied International Trade but now I'm at home enjoying family.

-Crafts: quilting, sewn, embroidery and all crafts.

Thanks and have a good day.

Hughs from Costa Rica!

the nest said...

Another generous offer from you, Mai! Thank you.

I am a mama to a boy Koji(15) and girl Hana(5). I love to make things everyday. I am Japanese born in the US living in the middle.
Best wishes to Haru with his work. A little pat on the tummy to Tomato. And a hug for you!
- Annri

Ellen said...

This is a lovely giveaway. I enjoy keeping up with your blog. :)

When I sew I usually use a lot of small patterned fabrics with flowers or animals on them, I have a collection of Japanese fabrics that I really enjoy using. My favorite colors are light blues, pinks, and greens. I like to sew a lot of patchwork projects and make bags and things like that. :)

Anne at Film and Thread said...

What a generous giveaway! And what a yummy looking lunch you made your husband. It probably made his work day go well!

I live in Huntsville, AL and am married with a daughter in college. I did a lot of sewing when she was little, but started quilting about 3 years ago. I would like to do a quilt in charcoal gray, white, and citron green. Other hobbies are reading and paper crafts.

Thank you for this nice giveaway and your great blog!

Isadora said...

HI
I'd love to take part in the giveaway and hopefully win something beautiful from you!
The photo of Bochan is really cute, and the lunch you made looks delicious!
Glad to hear your baby is fine!
Cheers!

jacqyeo said...

Hi! I love your work and your blog. The different aspects of your life and crafting is very interesting to me.
I am an architect by training, mommy to 2 young daughters, run my own design practice and craft in any spare time i have left.
Thanks for the giveaway and I hope you will pick me. :)

RobertaFrontini said...

Hello, what a wondelfull giveaway and, thanks to it, I have known your blog.
I really loved it!

You are also very generous :)

Well, what can I say about me...I'm 21 and I love Cross stitch or everything related with sewing... I love to do it with the help of my mother...

I love pink, black and gray. I eas born in italy but I live, now, in portugal where I study Psychology at the University of Coimbra...
kisses...

Roberta

p.s - it must be great doing the luch to your husband :)

lamelimon said...

lovely giveaway!
will you ship to spain? ;)
I love all colors...even black and white...love kids stuff, and I'm quite romantic and girlie
I like your blog so much!

Paula L. said...

Hi Mai! I'm jealous of your sunny day, it looks like it's been raining for ages here in Lisbon! :)
About me: I'm Paula and I live in Lisbon, Portugal, with my husband and 2 children and our dog. My favorite color is red.
Your giveaway seems amazing! I love the tags!
Thanks for the chance to win
ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

gerfiles said...

Beautiful dog... (beautiful lunchbox, too...) - please count me in for your give-away - I´m very fond of hand sewing, as you are, but I do machine sewing, too - + I´m in love with grey + neutrals...

Monique said...

I love the Japanese craft. There is a Japanese bookshop in my town, but alas the books are quite expensive, so I'd love to win... I sew and embroider/stitch all kind of stuff which I donate 90% of the time to the Pink Ribbon Association where my friend works. The other 10% I make things for my 3 daughters or the house. We all love colourfull things.

evie said...

love sewing but does not really have the time to sew due to sch and work..i crochet too! haha..i love to make hp pouches and those for my friends and family..=) my favourite colour is purple and blue..purple more though!love dogs!

bo chan looks kawaii!! the bento set looks yummy!

thanks for having this giveaway!!

Crafty Maine Mom said...

Hi, I am a mother to three, my husband and I work together. I have been using bright colors alot lately. I usually use pastels. I quilt, knit and bead. My two dogs also keep me busy.
I live in Maine and enjoy the winter months because I can cuddle up with a quilt and stitch or knit near the fire.

Marina said...

Hi Mai!

I like your giveaway ideas. I'm a photographer and I don't have much time to sew these days. But when I do, I like to do quick little embroideries or knitting. My favorite color is orange and I love geometric patterns. :)

Dricca Kastrup said...

Oh, Mai, I like to hand sew, and my new project is red and purple. You´re so generous ! My family is a big one, with 3 children, 4 dogs and a husband, of course lol. I live at Brazil, is that a problem? Hope not ! Sorry for my bad english, ok ?

kisses to u 3 !
Oh, my email is adrianakastrup@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I haven't commented on your blog before, but I have been reading it for a few months. I love your work and keep telling myself that I am going to make some of your projects, but I have a whole stack of projects to do. I do a few different crafts, but I most enjoy making quilts. I am currently making a baby quilt for a friend and recently finished a queen sized one for my daughter and her new husband.

My favorite color is pink, but I love blue and green as well. I have two grown children whom I homeschooled all the way through school.a I currently volunteer at our local crisis pregnancy center.

ticklepea said...

Hello! I love to sew clothes and little soft toys for all of my friends who keep having babies at the moment! I love greens and blues and browns. I just think that they are lovely and warm colours!

I love reading your blog every week. I hope that it all goes well with your little tomato! xxx

Ayu@Sweetlilcraft said...

Hi Mai, I'm Ayu from Malaysia. I have followed and read your blog long time ago. Happy to heard new news from you. I've been a week not online and forgot to see your blog. I love and read almost every single entry in your blog.I really like your crafts.

You are really patient in hand sewing all those crafts, I had tried myself..hihi,I think i'm not so good on that way :)

I love to sew all kinds of bag, especially tote bag and handbag. I love zakka too. But to get Japanese cotton here is to expensive. How lucky I am if i got your magazines and fabrics.

Now, I'm just tried to make a cloth for my son.He's 18 months old.I love blue and pink. I'm also new in crochet. Love to crochet flower and make it as an embellishment on my bags.

Thank you so much for this giveaway and inspirations ^_^.
Wish you happy with your husband and becoming sweet little tomato ^_^

Franny Z said...

How fun! First of all, I love seeing all your projects and hearing about your tomato - my little manatee is now 8 months old :p
I've been knitting for 3 years, do occasional (simple) embroidery, but I am new to sewing, having made only simple projects. I love trying new things, though, and look forward to your tutorials! I love blue & green and I really enjoy upcycling. My husband and I also love the outdoors and our pets (2 dogs & 1 cat).
Thank you!!

jacqueline said...

Hiee lovely mai, so happy to know that you, kawaii tomato and haru are enjoying the sunny day! I adore that lunch your made for your hubby. I also bought me a cute lunch box with cute little containers to put soya in it. Can't wait for my fiance to make me something cute to bring to day job. :)

Thank you for such a gorgeous giveaway. It's my first time entering your giveaway. :) Im excited.

I am really into cute items and all sewing tools and fabrics. I love everything about sewing from cute tote bags to zakka items. :) I enjoy tea and love japanese craft books lots. I love pastel colors such as sweet pink, lovely white and sweet blue. I also adore stamp carving but have not found any stamp carving tools here at the local craft shop.

Have a lovely merry happy day and love to yoU!

Dolores said...

What a generous giveaway. I live in Canada, have five adult children and I have been quilting for 29 years. I have recently started making dolls.

Tininha said...

Hi, Mai!
I'm Cintia Sayuri, from Brazil. Here again! (:D)

Awwnn! So cute gifts...
Well, as I've already told you by e-mail, I'm a mother of a 5 yo boy, I love most of all handcrafts (crochet, sewing, art using papers...) love animals (dogs, cats, fishes, bears...) and my favorite colors are red, white and black.

Fingers crossed to be one of the seven luckiest readers! Yes!

Evelyn said...

I love your posts and hearing about your new married life (like me! I was married in November '09) and all about your little Tomato. Everything you make is so lovely -- it inspires me to get better at sewing!

Things I love: my husband, sewing, crochet, paper, earth-friendly things, baking, travel, our kitty Wink, bright colors and blogging!

Can't wait to follow you :)

venus said...

This is an awesome giveaway!!! Bo-Chan looks sooo happy! I LOVE making tags with the stamps that I have and to have what you made would be very special!!! I too collect Japanese craft books. I can't read them, but the pictures are very inspiring.

Thank you for the giveaway. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!!

Alex said...

まいさん、7はまいさんのラッキーナンバーですか?
I really love your blog, and actually, it has inspired me to finally make my own blog, too!
インスピレーション、ありがとうございます!

I'm learning Japanese by myself, so it's taking me a long time to progress. I love the Japanese aesthetics and their way of living along with nature.

I'm Indonesian, currently living in Berlin, Germany. I have no favourite colour, but anything colourful would make me happy (^^) Also, I'm learning how to sew with machine, since I have no such patience to sew with hand like you, Mai! At the moment I only have my boyfriend, no kids and no pets (^///^)

Ah yes, I'd like to try out stamp carving, but it seems that we don't have fabric ink stamp pads here (ú.ù)

Lisa Chin said...

Thank you for hosting such a generous giveaway. I live in the US in Utah and have four children - one going to graduate school, one in college and two in middle school. I work part time for a quilt shop and make samples of stuffed animals, children's clothing and quilts. I love making art quilts with bright colors.
I love the Bento box lunch. Haru is very lucky to have a job, you and your little tomato. Best Wishes for many happy days!

Donna said...

What a lovely bundle of treats! I would be so happy to receive one. I design children's clothing, some for my own daughters and some to sell. I have two girls, ages 11 and 7. We have 3 cats and are taking care of a puppy for a short time--he has a misshapen back paw and we are teaching him how to walk on it. My favorite colors are blue and orange, I love autumn. I homeschool my daughters and am trying to teach myself Japanese. In the evenings I work at a local theatre as a house manager for the different plays.

Jennifer B. said...

I like to try many different crafts. Everything from knitting, to making jewelry, to paper crafts, to sewing small projects. Most recently I have taken up quilting. I love being able to piece together many different small pieces of fabrics eventually turning them into a colorful lap blanket, wall hanging, or a quilt for my bed.

deros said...

oh, Mai! u always surprased me:)waiting for ur new post but understend and hope ur health is good and tomato is grow:)))i dont know can i thinking to be winner, but why not?;)
a littel about me hmmm some time ago i participated in Flashmob and result here "7 things about me"

Gra said...

What a generous person you are. That always amazed me about you.! After some shocking events in my personal life a couple of years ago, I fell in love with patchwork. I identified with it. To get my life on track I had to take little pieces of myself and put them back together somehow. My life was still there, it just looked new and different, just like a patchwork block that you make with fabric scraps from old clothes. The thing was...I didn´t sew!! That was when I found you, your blog and your tutorials and how I taught myself to hand sew by following your instructions. After making some of the stuff you shared with us I started teaching myself patchwork. I am now going to attend my first patchwork workshop and I am so happy. I will get my first rotary cutter!!!!! Can you believe it?
Thank you for everything!

Mary Marjorie said...

I love Bo-chan. I'm also very pleased about your Tomato. I see you now fix lunch for your 'husband' instead of 'boyfriend', so congrats on all of this! :) Love your sewing and blog, mai.

Alhana said...

Hello, this is my first time commenting. Sorry I should have done this before but I was shy. :-)

I enjoy reading about your Tomato and love your tutorials. I'm bad at sewing but I want to try some of your ideas, they look easy when you explain them. I only sew when I have to line a bag (I crochet them). As you do, I handstitch them, don't know how to use a machine! Handstitching is relaxing and gives your love and concern to the item. I prefer soft natural colours, they make me happy and close to nature.

Congratulations on your marriage and child! Love from Spain.

docsage said...

Hi Mai,

What a beautiful giveaway. How do you find time to do everything? I do acupuncture for work and really enjoy it. But it does take time away from my sewing!

Pat the tomato for me.

Sage

Gracie "Neky White" said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Amanda J. said...

Hi Mai,
Thanks for this neat giveaway! I love looking at all your pictures of the things you create.
I like sewing handbags and my favorite color is purple.

mei said...

Hi Mai, your blog is so inspiring!
I really would like to take part in your giveaway.
I am a working mum. My daughter is almost 4.
In my sparetime I sew, for me, for my daughter and for family and friends. I now want to learn quilting and patching. The colours I love are yellow and aubergine. My daughter likes pink and blue best.
Good luck to you and your tomato! :-)

mei

luke and pamela said...

wow, you are so generous! i hope to win one of your packages! i am a beginner sewer but i like to make skirts and bags and hopefully much more as i learn. i have a new baby boy and i'd like to make him some things as well. my favorite colors are blue and green. i love your style. happy days to you!

Erika said...

This is a very generous giveaway, thank you! I have two young nephews and a niece and I like to sew things for them. Little bags and clothes and toys, fun stuff.

MEC... said...

Hi! I would love one of your presents!
I really like handmade stuff. I think it is unique.
I love the mixture of different colours and textures. I love rainbows because of the many colours!
Thank you I love your blog!

katie said...

You are very sweet! I would love to enter your giveaway - I bought your fabric string remember from Etsy and use it to tie up my hair - I love it!
I am 54, I live in the north of England, my lovely children are all grown up and launched into their own interesting lives. I love to sew and make things from recycled papers and old fabrics. And - very exciting, i am about to rent a new workshop which will have a small shop. I will make all the things i love to make and run workshops for people! I love getting new ideas and find the generosity of people who write craft blogs really wonderful - i have learned so much from others who share their work either as pictures or tutorials - it is simply amazing! Anyway - I would love some fabrics if i win and some ideas for new things - and I would be very happy to share some of my things with you!
good luck and enjoy your pregnancy - in my other life I am a midwife!

Unknown said...

You're awesome!

Michelle said...

Hello Mai - First, congrats on the Tomato! The first baby is always so exciting. I have two little girls: 2.5 year old Lucy and 1 year old Nico (she'll be one on March 10th). We're doing a Very Hungry Caterpillar Party for her as she loves Eric Carle books.
I work as a legal researcher, and in my spare time I try to do lots of crafts, which is hard when you're a work-out-of-the-home mom. I usually make stuff for my girls, and practical things around the house.
Right now I'm loving beige neutrals with bright graphic prints. I just finished making some placemats with some Echino fabrics with the animals on it? So cool! Have a great day! http://www.shanghaicowgirl.wordpress.com

Erica C said...

I love the little tags - they add such a cute touch! I am primarily a quilter right now, and I love greens and gray!

3Ms +1N said...

wow- a great giveaway :)
Mainly, I love sewing things for babies and blankets for my 3 yr old son. My favorite color is blue, anything with different hues of blues I really like. And a real big favorite of mine is reading new craft books, I only wish my budget would allow for this! :)
Hope your pregnancy is going well- I'm right along there with you, 15 weeks..

Erin said...

What a great giveaway! Thank you for being so generous :)

I've been married two years and right now our only babies are our two cats, Riddick and Ofelia. We're hoping to have our own little tomato in another year or so :)

I love to quilt, but recently I've been making your fabric book covers. I just had a giveaway on my blog for two personalized book covers! It is fun to put together gifts with a person in mind :)

I love cotton and linen. And I like all colors and patterns! Your blog makes me want to do more hand sewing. It's a very relaxing art.

Kawaii Friends Cafe said...

Thank you again Mai for creating a wonderful give away! You are so generous and caring! I love any kind of craftting especially sweets deco and crocheting! I love to hand sew small things too! I love pink and red colors and I work as a Textile Designer so I like alot of patterns! Keep up the good work and we always look foward to hearing about you, and Bo and tomatochan!

dorre said...

happy girl's day!! your giveaway is soo beautiful. hope you and tomato are well. your bento looks so yummy. makes me hungry!!

Miss Prickly said...

Hello Mai,

I've been reading your blog for a while now and have really enjoyed it. My name is Angela, and I have a little girl and a little boy. We live in Oregon (US) and I like to sew bags and purses. My favorite colors are orange and green.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mai, what a generous giveaway... thank you!

I was wondering how Bo Chan was doing and then you've posted a picture of him!

I've started knitting and handspinning a while ago, but then I fell in love with sewing. My favorite things to make are bags, pouches, baby and kids stuff, so mostly small things that are at the same time beautiful.

I guess that is why I love your blog, your talent as a crafter is just amazing!

My favorite colours are 'pastel' colours, like the ones you've shown on your fabric scraps pictures, light blue, brown, yellow, greens.

How generous of you to give away those fabulous Japanese books as well!

Thanks again and have a great week!

Cheers!

You can contact me at FibreJoy@gmail.com

Mellissa said...

What a beautiful giveaway!
I have a 4year old girl and a 1 year old boy, and I love to make things for them. My favorite colors are blue and green.
Your blog is very inspiring, and I love to read it. :) I hope your morning sickness is getting better!

Fibi said...

Hello Mai! I love your blog. I found it when I wanted to learn how to sew by hand, since I don't have the space for a sewing machine at home. I'm learning Japanese this year so I can understand the craft books that I bought in Tokyo haha. Congratulations about Tomato!

mcfyz said...

hello mai :) i love reading your blog and spend lots of time feeling inspired to go sew my own versions of your projects. I'm a handsewer too. I love japanese prints especially in girly colours. congratulations on your wedding and the tomato!

Stephanie said...

Hi there! I've never commented before, but I love reading your blog and seeing all the beautiful handwork you create. You are so talented and inspiring. I live in Canada and have been sewing for about a year. I love all colours, but lean towards greys and blues a lot. I have two young children I like to sew for and seeing all of your adorable baby creations makes me think I should have another!

Unknown said...

Thanks in advance, I hope I will be one of the winners!!!
Of course, I'm not sure and I don't know, but I'm happy to read your posts and to play...I love packaging too and I think I felt in love with Bo-Chan.
What can I say? I love dogs, I love origami and I love sewing too. My favourite colour is green and I love Physics and Maths too.
Well, thanks for sharing and as usual good luck with your little child.

Dama K said...

that´s very kind of you to promote this giveaway! thank you!
well i´m 22 and live in brazil with my husband. he is romanian.
im in my last year of university in product design and i work as a graphic artist/designer in my parents company. We produce especially for kids but girls of all ages tend to like our products too =)
if you want you can see the site www.migmeg.com.br , its in portuguese but you can see some things just clicking around hehe.
i like crafts of many kinds, they help me feel creative and alive! I like sewing, knit, crochet... and things alike =)
i fancy craft materials from other countries since in brazil its hard to get quality ones. if you do they are imported and expensive -.-

hugs and say hi to tomato! ^-^

Anonymous said...

Hello Mai,

What a wonderful giveaway you have planned! I sew mostly clothing for myself and my daughter but want to start making some little shirts and pants for my little boy (21 months) as well. I also sew bags and accessories at times. I like bright colors, purples, pinks, etc. I love Japanese fabrics and crafts and would like to work more with them. My local quilting shop has started to carry more and I'm very excited. Best wishes to you and Haru and Tomato.

Grace Ng said...

Hi Mai,
Thank you for such a personalized gift that you want to give your readers! That is a good way of getting to know them. I like sewing quilts and small projects and find your tutorials very inspiring. I am from Singapore but moved to Washington DC 6 months ago with my Australian family. I like Japanese fabrics and bought a yukata in a yard sale to hang on my wall.

greetingarts said...

How generous you are, but then again I already knew that. I'm mom to two girls, ages 7 and 4, and most of my day revolves around driving, feeding, cleaning up after and raising my two little loves. But I also knit, crochet, sew, quilt, embroider, and have to craft in some way every single day. Like you, I love to do handwork, and hand binding a quilt is one of my most favorite things to do. I like cute and scrappy, and all things girly...

Birdy said...

You make lovely things, and it would warm my heart to have something from you! Even if I don't win, I just wanted to leave a slightly belated congratulations on your good news! You are always such a generous and kindhearted person, I think you'll make an amazing mother.

Myself, I sew stuffed creatures (including some made from a modified version of the sarubobo--I find it's especially good for rabbits, just add ears and a cotton tail!), mostly animals and some monsters I design myself. I love plaids and floral designs, and am currently a big fan of shades of purple, teal, and blue. I'll be going in for surgery on my hip on March 16th, and sewing is one of the things I'm looking forward to still being able to do while I'm stuck in bed and recovering--although I'll have to be careful to keep my three cats and three dogs from tearing up my craft supplies, as they always like being very near me when I'm feeling bad!

Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful blog, as well as amazing tutorials. <3

alicia said...

i love reading about the things you've made - you are so unique and creative! congratulations on your wedding and your little tomato!

my family is just me and my dog, atticus. he doesn't like when i sew because he thinks my sewing machine is too loud. i love to sew things for my family (i have a big family - 2 parents, 4 brothers and sisters, 4 in-laws, and 6 nieces and nephews). my goal this year is to send everyone in my family something i made for their birthday. i want to use one of your tutorials (i'm thinking the origami drawstring bag) for my sister's birthday this summer.

my favorite color is gray.

Just Charming said...

I'm always amazed at what you can do by hand! You make the cutest things and must be very patient. I sew, but by machine only. I love your blog! Congratulations with both your marriage to Haru & baby tomato :) I am expecting baby boy #2 to arrive in a month. Very exciting. I look forward to seeing all the wonderful things you create for your beautiful Tomato!

Just Jess said...

I've been enjoying your blog so much! I have been trying to create my own stamps like yours, but it seems I have a better hand for sewing than carving! However, I have adapted your baby sloth bib pattern into one for making cat bibs for my friends babies! I'm a teacher and don't have much free time, but when I do, I love traveling! I actually lived in Japan for 2 months a few years ago (Ikeda City in Osaka)!

MamaKnits2Much said...

You are always an inspiration to me Mai. I love sewing, and while I have a sewing machine, I much prefer to sew by hand. I gave up sewing for a long time, but reading your blog inspired me to pick it up again. I am also a knitter and crocheter. And very easy to please. ;) I have two kids..one 9yo boy and one 5yo girl (who loves to have hand-made things made just for her! LOL) Your little Tomato is very lucky to have such a stitch-happy Mommy!

Congratulations on the new job. My dh just recently went back to work, and I'm happy to get up and make his lunches. :)

Unknown said...

Awww Mai, you're so lovely! I'm an avid seamstress. I've been sewing for almost 16 years (!!!) and generally focus on clothing. I love, love making my own clothes because (1) I am cheap and refuse to pay more than $10 for anything (2) I like my fit better when I make something, and (3) it's my time to be with myself, to create with my hands. I also dabble in quilts, bags, pillows, embroidery, applique, and jewelrymaking (when I have all the supplies). I love your blog and all of your lovely tutorials. I like getting a glimpse of your life in Japan, seeing your culture the way you see it, and of course Bo Chan!

Corky said...

Wow! What a wonderful and generous giveaway you are offering! I would love to win!

I am 58, married for 35 years to my best buddy. 3 sons, two DsIL, 1 grandson and another grandson due in May. I think I have the perfect life.

I am recently retired from 20 years of directing the Medical Assisting Program at our local community college. I miss the teaching part, but LOVE being retired and able to sew and retreat and spend time with my wonderful family and great friends.
Congrats on your baby and your marriage!

I love clear colors and tend toward the tertiary spectrum: teal, gold, lime, rust, burgundy, bluish purples. I love high contrast and patterns with motion.

I have a blog and am in the process of moving it to another publisher. It is PiecefulDays@SquareSpace.com (soon to be just PiecefulDays.com)

Thanks, Mai!

mouse said...

What a sweet and wonderful giveaway! :) I am a graduate student in Baltimore, Maryland and I love to hand sew and hand quilt. I've been meaning to learn to use my sewing machine, but haven't gotten around to it yet! I really love your tutorials, because good hand-sewing tutorials are hard to find. My favorite color is green and my husband's favorite color is yellow :) I would like to make something for him, because I have made things for other people but not for him yet. I hope that you, your husband, and your little Tomato are doing well! :)

Becky said...

Hi Mai. You are absolutely the sweetest woman! 7 prize packages! wow! Thank you for the chance to win.

I sew, I knit, Purple is my Favorite color, I have a wonderful Husband, we have 4 grown children and one brand new Grand daughter, a Boston Terrier and 2 cats.

hana.k said...

That lunchbox looks so cute :D I love your style of sewing.

Singoalla said...

What a generous giveaway! I´d love to be the lucky one.
First I want you to know how much I enjoy your blog. Also my 5 year old girl, she has learned things about Japan thanks to you. I tried to make a furoshiki, not by hand only, and she knows the name and use it when she plays with her dolls or for a picknick. I have another girl , she´s 2 and loves to play with my bottons.I´m sewing mostly bags but when i have time i love to sew for my girls.I also love all purple and pink tones.
Enjoy your pregnancy and take it easy!

Sheila said...

What a great giveaway! Thank you for sharing all your sweet sewing projects!

Anonymous said...

Oh, you've got so many comments now you'll have to spend days just reading them all!

I was so happy when I read about your tomato, but too shy to comment because I don't know you. I have a little bean, a girl who is 5 months old, and I spend a lot of time making toys and some clothes for her. I sew everything by hand to not wake her up when she's sleeping. My husband and I have lived in many different countries, but we are now in Scandinavia and I am grateful for the long maternity leave, I can stay with my little bean for a year still.

My favorite colour is green for my bean and yellow for me. We have a very colourful home and look out over a park where there are always people playing their dogs. It's a great place to make you happy!

Denco said...

Thank you for this great giveaway... love reading your blog.
My favorite color is purple. I like cotton and linen fabrics.
I love sewing bags and accesoires. I am a parttime working mum of two boys, married with my best friend and we live in the Netherlands. We have a cat, a rabbit, a Bearded dragon (my son's) and a hamster. Good luck with your litte tomato!!

Sara A said...

I love everything you come up with. I used to live in Japan. I was lucky to be able to live there for 13 years. My children are half Japanese and my daughter just got married. So I am hoping for grandchildren soon. I like the Japanese indigo color. I am not so good at sewing, but like you I sew by hand.Also, I hope your pregnancy is going smoothly.

mary said...

wow! what a generous giveaway! i'd love to win :)

Anonymous said...

Hello Mai! You're so kind to us readers (or in my case, lurkers eheh.. ;;). I'm still a student; no kids or anything, but I still love making things. Recently I've been given a sewing machine, so up until last Christmas, I've been making all kinds of things by hand sewing. Even now, I still sew by hand more than I do by machine. I really love cute, but not particularly girly, things. I've really gotten the knack of making dolls and stuffed animals. Slowly, I'll make my way to making clothes or bags. I'm a bit of a dark-colour loving girl; I really like black, purple, and dark pinks. Anyways I wish you and your tomato the best <3!

Maevy said...

What a lovely giveaway, again. I love all bright colors and flowers. My family is just my boyfriend and me, so I mainly sew items for the house and I am now trying to make my first quilt. I like different animals, I have three turtles.

Marsha said...

What a wonderful giveaway! I only recently started reading your blog, and already I have found so much inspiration. I am new to sewing but have been knitting for a few years; I also make pottery (beginner!). My favorite colors are earth tones (browns, greens, blues, grays), but I am trying to incorporate more bright colors into my palette. :) Finally, I have a daughter who will be five in May, and she loves fairies, pirates, dinosaurs, and purple. :)

jill said...

Hi Mairuru, you do such wonderful giveaways. I love your drawstring pouches. I love all fabrics and love patchwork as you do. I have two little ones at home that sometimes allow me to sew clutches and handbags. I love linens and vintage looking things. Congrats on the tomato! We love seeing all the baby stuff you have been making.

sewfunky said...

I love everything on your blog - it is always a joy to read! :)

I like making all sorts of things, mainly small stuff - because my attention span get's the better of me, and larger projects are too hard to complete ;)

My favourite colours are orange and pink, and I have 3 daughters ranging in age from 10-13!

D.

Natasha V said...

I'm from Northern Ontario, Canada. I am a mom to three wonderful children (two boys and one girl). I love sewing and recently made my daughter a doll, which she really loved!! My favourite colours are blue and orange and pink. Thanks for the opportunity to get in on a wonderful giveaway. You make such beautiful things. I find your website very inspiring. All the best to you and your growing family.

PJS said...

What a generous giveaway! I love japanese crafting books and I love japanese linen fabrics, so crisp and clean. Hope your pregnancy is going well, I loved being pregnant, until the very end when you get elephant feet and permanent heartburn.

Pikku Possu said...

Your blog is so lovely, I just adore your work :)

I like colours, I mean all the colours in the world :)

I sew, knit, crochet etc.

Love reading and learning about new things

Mel Makes Pretty said...

Hi Mai, awesome givaway!
I love your blog and always find inspiration when I stop by.
About me, I love pink and green, being a mum, sharing creativity with my friends and zakka style crafts. I love making hand bags and adore things that remind me of my childhood. Swinging on the swingset, blowing bubbles.

Tara said...

Oh boy!! A give away. I am fond of vintage things and love to find homes for odds and ends. I will sew just about anything and love the color green.

Gingini said...

Hello! My name is Gini and I love all kinds of crafts. I just love making things for family and friends. :)
My favorite colour is purple. I mean very very purple! But I do like all solids.
I'm married with a blond husband and have 2 children, a son with my dark hair and a daughter with my husbands blond curls.:)
They always loved the clothes I made them more than those you can buy. :) Very clever children I have, don't you think!
I hope you and your little tomato do well.

Papirmadammen said...

Hi Mai ! What a fantastic giveaway..I have followed your blog for a while and really love all your stuff!! I am a norwegian that has been obsessed with all sorts of chinese and japanese stuff; I am an papermaker and love to do japanese brush-work.I have taken classes with a japanese lady living here. I love making japanese stab-bound books and origami. I also like sewing all sorts of small items mostly of recycled materials. I am a mother of three, two girls and a boy. I made a lot of their clothes when they were younger, but now I mostly make covers for books and small packaging things, like purses or bags. My favourite colors are: black,white and red.
Wish you all the best with your little tomato :-)

Anonymous said...

I bought my first sewing machine in August - it has been the most fun hobby I've ever had! There is something very special about creating useful things for the people you love. I'm so inspired by the blogging community, it's made me want to be a better seamstress!

shannoncarman at yahoo dot com

Salihan said...

Hi Mai! Thanks for the giveaway. I live in Australia with my husband and 2 cats. I'm originally from Singapore and we are Japan-made over there. So I really like cute designs and prints. I like to sew stuff for the home and myself. I really like natural colours too. Thank you again! -me@salihan.com

TS Burton said...

Hi, I love your blog and the wonderful things you so lovingly make! I have two small children, an almost 3 yr old girl and a 1.5 yr old boy and most everything I sew is for them. It always gives me great joy to hear my girl explain: "mommy made this!"

Anonymous said...

Hi Mai~! I absolutely love this giveaway, it's so lovely!

I'm a 20-year-old Brazilian software programmer and artist currently living in Chicago. I have to admit, I've been stalking your blog for quite some time now and I often show my mom - an avid crafter herself - your pieces and we're both in love with everything you create. I started sewing and embroidering a few years ago when I was introduced Brazilian crafts. In Brazil, handmade items are held in a much higher regard than store-bought ones. I'm the youngest in my family, having an older brother and an older sister. We also have one of the most energetic 8-year-old golden retriever you'll probably ever see. As for my favorite color, it's electric blue, looks something like turquoise.

Much love towards you and your family, especially your little tomato!
- Nathalia

Grace @ WhimsyLoft dot com said...

Hello Mai! Such a generous giveaway. :-) THANK YOU!

Well, I love the combination of earth tone colours & pink ! I have a dog like Bo-chan, his name is Scout and he is the light of my life ;-). Love sewing, love cotton fabric, love using felt, and especially love all sort of japanese haberdashery ;-).

Wishing you and tomato and haru well :-) cheers!

Broccoli Ginger said...

Hi, nice giveaway! :) But I'm not in Japan... so.. I don't hope for this gift as the shipping cost maybe too expensive. Although those elegant fabrics look tempting..

Eileen said...

Love reading about you and your little tomato! You are very talented...look forward to your new posts to learn from you.

the mighty guin said...

You're very generous to share your tutorials with your readers - and books/fabric too! I like crochet, sewing, and embroidery (I embroider by hand, sew by machine). I can't read Japanese but I love to see the designs and ideas (and I've found some translation tools). Thank you for the bib patterns - they're so wonderful! Best of luck to you and your family.

Victoria said...

The probably of being elected between so many people it´s less than small but at least i´ll try.
I like reading , sewing ,make jewerly look at the sunset and have coffe with my friend.
I work as a cooker on my parent´s restaurant and have no husband or childs.
I´m also love postcard. Would i ask for a future interchange?
Be healthy and enjoy your tomato. :D

Alexandra said...

This is so generous! About me: I'm a math teacher. I LOVE yellow & aqua. LOVE! I mainly sew quilts, and try to make clothes sometimes. I can't wait for summer because that's when I have all day to be creative.

Anonymous said...

Mai,
You are so sweet! What a nice thing to do. Your husband is very lucky and your little tomato too. :)You are going to be a very good mother. My husband and I have one teenage son. I homeschool him. I am learning to sew. I just got my first sewing machine and I will be turning 40 the end of this month. I am also learning to sew by hand, to do hand embroidery, and knit. I love sewing! My favorite colors are blue, yellow, red, pink & aqua, but I love all colors. I love your blog too! :)

Dolores said...

woooHHH, it seems you have many fans!!!
i love your creations!!
favotite color...green. love to make thing for my little year old girl. welcome tomato!!!

Katie said...

Hello, the items in your giveaway are so cute. I like the handcarved stamps and labels. I used to sew clothing, but now I mostly just make toys for my nieces and nephews.

Thanks for sharing the tutorials.

Linda said...

Hi Mai, thank you so very much for such a generous giveaway. I adore your blog & the cute items that you make.
Much of what I sew is for my 2 year old granddaughter. We both love animals of all kinds. I <3 your precious little tags - so cute! I like all colors & love linen fabric but currently have none.

Congratulations for your little tomato & your marriage!

Jimenaam87 said...

yeee!! Giveaway giveaway giveaway!! i am from Peru! and I love your blog, i hope i win, i want those japanese books hahaha :D! this the first time i enter your giveaway! i like to knit with crochet! i like very very much amigurumis and japanese things i have a little blog (jimekawaii.blogspot.com)you can see the photos and tell me if you like them, i also like a lot sakura flowers! well this about everything i think i hope you can understand my "english" hahaha bye bye! say hello to your husband and little tomato! :D

Grace Wong said...

Thanks for the giveaway!
My favorite colors are pink, purple, and light blue!
I really love dressing up in lolita, hime style, and punk! I like wearing out of the normal and my inspiration comes from japanese street fashion! I love Japan in general!
shou.milk@gmail.com

MJHill said...

What a great giveaway! I'd love love a package from you. Well, about me -- I am married and we have a son who will be 3 years old in April and a daughter who is 7 months old. I like crochet, sewing, gardening, cooking... normal things! I like reading poetry and novels. I can read some Japanese! My favorite color is pink and I like checks and florals.

I hope your pregnancy is going better. With my son, I was so sick! Every day for five or six months I threw up. But with my daughter, I didn't get sick at all! You will love being a mom. It is different, but exciting and fun!

Take care!
Melissa

Diana Morgendorffer said...

Hi mai, your are really kind. I love read your blog, I made a few thing, most of them are for presents, but I also sell some thing.
The other day I get inspired for you and the bibs you made for tomato, so I made a few for my nephew that is now 15 days old.
I love almost all the colors (but not so much the pink). Since I was a child I love to sew, at that time I used to make cloths for my dolls, now I like to make bags, purses, dolls and almost everything *-*, I have a really obsesion for fabric, jeje. Greetings from Mexico for You and Tomato

Anonymous said...

Hi Mai,

Thank you so much for this great giveaway! I really enjoy reading your blog and you're one of the reasons I'm sewing! I hope your husband's job is great and that he enjoys going in every day, although I'm sure he misses you and Tomato. I love greens and browns, for sewing and for clothing! I have a little dog and a great husband who gave me my sewing machine as a gift.
I hope all is well with you and your family.

Thank you,

Sophyie from Seattle.

brathaehnchen at web.de

qltmom9 said...

Oh, the comments are SO fun to read, what a ~lovely~ idea! Thank you for the chance to win.
I have 9 children, 5 girls, 4 boys. The littlest ones are girls. I sew ALL the time and mostly quilt, but I've made some of the items you've shown how to make. Your handwork is inspiring and encouraging. My little girls LOVE their pocket babies...even my 13yo dd loves hers! She carries hers in her purse and plays with her. (-:
My favorite color is raspberry.
I ~love~ handling fabric.
Thank you for being a blessing to those of us who SO enjoy your handwork.
SO glad you have that wee tomato blessing.~
Lucy (in IN)

superstitches said...

Love the giveaway. I enjoy your blog very much. I've been sewing as long as I can remember. I love Japanese sewing and craft books as well as the cute little prints. I usually use bright colors.

thebeautifulpig said...

Hello Ms. Mai! I live in Philippines. I discovered your blog 3 days ago and been loving it! I'm not that good in sewing but I got so interested because of you. I started asking my brother for his fabric scraps since he's into sewing ^_^ i love green and yellow.

i want to make the Origami drawstring bag as a present for my friend's b-day on Sunday. I'm so sure she will love it. Thanks so much for sharing!

Ashley Ann said...

Bo-chan is so cute! :D

I'm Ashley Ann, a young mama to an almost 4 year old boy. I love sewing and making bags and pouches. My favorite color is red, but I really love all colors. This giveaway looks so fun! Thank you!

KnityGrity said...

Great give away! By the way, I'm surprised you are able to cook. I could not step into the kitchen all thru my pregnancy :)

I opened a shop on Etsy inspired by your blog (KnityGrity). I love fabric and I love books (literature) and have a cute little girl.

All the best and good luck!

shiurprati said...

WOW, that is sooo great!
Thank you!
Your blog is so inspiring. love your work!! adore your patient :)

Here is some information about me, in case I will be one of the lucky winners:
I'm 30 years old. Live in Israel. Married + 3 little children [Noa (a girl; 5.5) and two boys (Yonatan 2 and Assaf 6 months)].
In my proffesion I'm an Industrial Engineer but I'm sewing all kind of stuff.
I like black, and the combination of Red+Pink+Royal Blue...
Loooove sushi, sea & sun, music and travel.

You are very generous, thank you!!
Have a great day
Carin

Anonymous said...

Hi. Thanks for the giveaway and congratulations on little tomato. I have recently take up sewing (I am not very good at it and am still learning) and have been making baby outfits for my 4 yr old niece and 7 mth old nephew. I have also been making quilts for my pregnant friends as well as little bags. I love all colours and usually pick my fabrics base on my mood. I hope you are doing well in Japan.

My email address is oceanian@lycos.com

Regards Ann

Leanne and Rik Brezina said...

hi. i`m Leanne, a Canadian living in Japan. Recently all I think about it sewing. I enjoy reading your blog and using your work as an inspiration for my little projects.
I like pinks and purples, but recently I also like lime green and turquoise. I love your little stamps, I think I will try and make some too.

Kristina said...

Oh, what a great giveaway!
I'm a student (nearly finished) living in Germany with my boyfriend and our two cats.
I love sewing, both by hand and by machine (I use great-great-grandma's 1929 treadle sewing machine).
My favourite colors are reds and purples and yellows...but I also like blue a lot. No green though :))
I sew lots of stuff, mostly pillows, pouches and I have recently started to make my own clothes and will be exploring that a lot more in the future.
Inspired by you I've also done some stamp making and fabric printing!
My biggest passion though is photography and my dream is one day earning at least a little money with it (I have an Etsy but it's not working too well for me yet :().
I love your blog and you are so inspiring for me. Though I have a machine now I really enjoy handsewing and I am so glad that you and others do too! It's a lovely skill to have I think.

Christine from Australia said...

I always have a happy smile when I see that you have posted again. Thanks to you I have found out how relaxing and enjoyable it is to do hand sewing - I have made several of your designs for friends and my children (a little boy and a little girl). I love using blues and natural colours together and finding fabric with happy designs for the children. It's so exciting reading about little Tomato and your lives together, so I'm sending you very good thoughts - especially since our designs have given me a lot of happiness as well.

Mmmmmmmmm said...

Great giveaway! I like the green of moss on trees in shadow, dirty pink and lilac, crisp blue like the sky on a cold clear winter day.

I do sewing, knitting, crochet, needlebinding, tatting and basically anything you can do with yarn.

Charlotte said...

Hello Mai,

yours is my absolute favorite blog read. I love your style: not frilly, frou-frou, loud or cheap, but simply clean and thoughtful with wonderful color-combinations. A giveaway from you would probably be the most precious parcel I'd ever receive.
I am a young teacher from Germany and have just finished my teacher training. It was very stressful so I am taking time to recover. I will start work at a multicultural high school in May and get married this summer. My fiancee and I have been together for almost nine years (we met in a Judo class when we were still in high school).
I really like meeting people from different cultures and have been to India to visit friends the year before last.
When it comes to sewing I like creating clothes, but also little things such as bags, cushions and recently I have started making my first patchwork quilt (with free piecing, not quilt blocks).

MyBotanG said...

WOW!!! what a wonderful and generous giveaway. I would love to enter (hope I'd win something!!)
I reside in Niigata, Japan with my husband and a 7 year old daughter. I love making bags and I enjoy patchwork and quilting. I love earth colours...
the bento for your hubby looks yummy..take care and warm regards from Niigata

Tallulah said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tallulah said...

You are very generous Mai! I recently discovered your blog and I'm looking forward to making your origami bag. I am the mom of an 18-month-old girl, live in Portugal and work in an office, although I don't like it very much. I like knitting (mostly for my daughter and me and lots of socks) and sewing (I'm a beginner, and I like making quilts and simple accessories for the home, but hope to make clothes one day) but don't have much time for crafting. I love purple, red, orange, deep turquoise...

Stefeven1 said...

I just love your blog because I really love to hand sewing ... cross stitching... and red and purple !
Hope your are doing ok and little tomato too ...

Thanks for your giveaway !

Take care
Stéphanie

Ali said...

Goodness so many comments! And they are all so interesting to read,I could be here a while!
I love your blog Mai,it inspires so many!
About me: I'm Ali,from the UK,and I have a lovely husband and gorgeous 4-year-old daughter. I love crochet,sewing,embroidery and mosaics,all of which I am learning and improving all the time. My favourite colour is yellow!
Thank you for this giveaway!
Ali
x

Gwen said...

Wow.... So many beautiful things !
Greeting from Gwen (Belgium - Europe)

Joan said...

hi.... this is my first time to leave a msg here. Your creation are so awesome, i like it very much. i'm new to sewing, i like every material and i like white color ^.^

wish u happy day always~~~

Kristy Carter said...

Mai--

How nice of you to do a giveaway like this. I love your stuff, and admire you handstitching--mine never looks that neat and clean. My best friend will be having a baby, soon, and I hope to make some of the things from you've shared with us.

Thanks!

Kristy

Irina said...

Firstly, can I say I adore your blog!! All the things you make are absolutely precious, it's so nice to see the work you share with us all!
As for me, I love making amigurumi - I design my own, but love looking through japanese amigurumi books. I also want to do more sewing, especially small purses and little things... My job is packaging designer, and I live in London, UK. And I love green and blue.
Your pack lunches look yummy, btw! Mmmm!

Doina said...

Great giveaways! please count me in! I have a boy 16 years old, I work quilts almost a year and my favorite color is green.

Shell said...

congrats on Haru's new job Mai! Thank you for being so kind as to create another give away. I like to sew and you have inspired me to do more hand sewing!!! I like all kinds of things, but my daughters favourite is rainbows :)

Summer said...

Mushi mushi Mai,
hi,i am Sum-an ordinary chinese girl live in UK with hubby.i love ur blog,you are inspirasion of hand-sew.it's not overeact by saying that,becasue i had fallen in love with hand-sew.Everyday,i think of sewing,evryday,i log in ur blog to read ur articles.it's my must -do list to read your blog now.
i am arigin from Malaysia.i married to my hubby 4 years ago.i came to UK alone,live in a small village in the east of england.not much going on here,sewing help me to pass my time.i sew almost everyday.i had make few pouches and bags.i had post their pictures on facebook and got lots of good comments.i have to share this credit with u,Mai.Because of u, i get to know hand-sew,i can't handle machine,so it was very nice to know that there is someone using her fingers to make lots of lovely stuff.
last,i love to have the giveaway,i love everything about japan,the culture the people and the place.
thank you Mai,from the bottom of my heart.
Wish u and ur family good health,good days and good luck.
xxx(for u,hubby and little tomato)

raquel said...

Hi! What a great giveaway! Thank you for this chance.
My favorite things:
1. Color: brown, pink, baby blue
2. Flavor: chocolate!!!
3. Fruit: cherries
4. Sewing: for my two girls, bags, little purses. Right now I'm trying to sew clothes for me
5. Season: Fall, I love the blue crisp sky
6. Place: the beach, any beach!!
7. Read, I love to read (in english and spanish)
8. Favorite food: pasta. I even make my own pasta, my family loves it.
9. My Boston Terrier: Cuchita
10. Travel. I wish I could go to Asia one day. Till now I've lived in three different countries: US, Venezuela, Argentina.

Weel, now you know me a little.
Please say hello to Tomato!!!:)

Raquel from Miami

fermomo said...

Hello Mai! Firstly, congratulations on your marriage and pregnancy. Secondly, it would be great to be one of the lucky seven. Hope I can be the lucky one. I am just starting to learn how to sew and make craft. It was great that you shared some of the tutorials. I love blue and all pastel colors.

Cathy F. said...

Dear Mai, oh what a very generous giveaway. I can't think of how a package would be because every packaging in Japan is really cute and beautifu. I'll probably choose natural packaging, with cute rubber stamps on it.

I read your blog daily, I read the old ones and new ones, sometimes I read them twice a day...you're way too generous Mai. Thank you for the giveaways and best wishes to you and your husband. Can't wait to see a pic of your little tomatoe.

tracey said...

how fun!

hi mai! i love reading your blog- and lately i've been loving the baby stuff posts (how adorable are those sloth bibs?).

i sew a lot of odds and ends, but like sewing bags- lunch bags, hand bags, coin purses, overnight bags, etc. i have three boys (9, 7 and 6) and the oldest is begging for a wallet. i like all colors- but tend to be drawn to autumn colors, like orange, rust, red, yellow, tan/brown, even eggplant.

Mom Wald said...

Thank you for the nice wishes and the chance in your give-away.

He has a job!!!! Happy Dance time! They are so hard to get nowadays. Yay!!!

We have had a very sad week, because my Hubby's stepmother died. Thank you for giving me something cheerful to think about.

My place has a lot of animals and a lot of colors. We have three children, so it is full of people too!

Gardening is one of my favorite things. It is not possible now, because of all the snow and ice. I try to have flowers inside to be cheerful.

Your dog friend seems very old. He is a sweetie. We cannot have a dog. It would be nice to have a friendly one like him by us to visit.

We have a cat, a gerbil, a parakeet, a turtle, and a bunch of fish.

You could come over to my blog to see some of the things I like. It would be wonderful if you visited.

Hopefully your days are sweet and peaceful.

menduca said...

Hi, I'm Anabel, I like the green and i'm in love with my little child and my husband. I live in spain but I'm Argentinian. I love to do crafts and I believe that is more than a hobby, is a passion.
I like your stuff. :)

Kimi said...

Hello! I love your blog, and know that you are working very hard to write it in English instead of Japanese. I've been thinking about making a blog in Japanese, to practice the language.

I have a husband, and his sister has kids, I sew all sorts of things. I love Japanese style and patterns, especially hana.
I loved the beautiful gardens I saw when I visited Japan. I most like cutting fresh bamboo for dinner.

Faye said...

Hi Mai! Thank you for such an inspirational blog! You are so creative and generous! I am a working mom of two boys (ages 7 and 5) and 1 baby girl who just turned 1! I love Japanese magazines and can only dream of more time to craft and sew. For now, I just sneak a row of knitting here and there and take my craft books to work, so I can look at them on my breaks. My boys want to learn how to sew a fabric "monster", so I will have a chance to teach them some basic sewing skills soon! Warm wishes to you and your family from Vancouver, Canada!

Sarah said...

I love your blog. I haven't yet started back doing hand sewing, but your blog is very inspiring. I've been focusing on knitting lately, but am thinking that I would like to make some little cloth bags.

My favorite colors are reds, oranges, turquoise blues, and lime greens. I have one girl and five boys, so I keep pretty busy!

nursenay said...

Gosh, I love your blog. I just started sewing not too long ago & have been looking at your page for inspiration. Thanks for the easy & wonderful tutorials. I've made my best friend some bibs & want to start on the booties. Thanks for the giveaway, I hope you get lots of comments!

Theresia (Minori Design) said...

What a generous give away!!
Much love from the UK xoxoxo

Sherry said...

Yeah! Love your blog and the giveaway! Hope I am the lucky one!

Catharsis said...

What a lovely giveaway! Your blog is really inspirational and you make beatiful things.
I'm living in Stockholm, Sweden and we have a lot of snow this year. I sew mostly clothes for myself and my kids (two sons and one daughter) and also some knitting. I have also tried some sashiko embroidery lately and I do very much like japanese cotton fabrics.

Malinda Lloyd said...

thank you for the chance to win! My favorite colors are cobalt blue, baby pink and orange. I embroider, sew (both by hand and machine), adn crochet. I am learning Japanese (very slowly). My husband and I have no children but we have a sweet german shepherd puppy named Renji. Visit my blog for more info and cute puppy pictures :) malinda_at_animegirlie_dot_com

Annas Camping said...

Dear Mai with tomato! I bought a bib for my son and some other lovely things from your Etsy shop, and have followed your blog ever since. You make me smile!

I make all sorts of things, all of them to spread Anna's story (http://www.etsy.com/shop/annascamping)

My son is 16 months. We live in Norway. I have a friend in Tokyo, and we are planning a trip to Japan this summer. Yay!

My favorite color is yellow.

The Fruid said...

Hi Mai! I absolutely love your blog and keep it on my favorites list. I've been waiting to get some free time from work so that I can work on making the origami drawstring bag that you made a tutorial for :)

I love sewing, paper crafts, and stamp making. I also love the colors pink, red, and natural colors.

Thanks you for holding such a fantastic giveaway!

milleyinabox said...

Ooh, you do amazing giveaways! Those little bird stamps are too cute! I make a lot of small projects, purses and wallets and things (for myself and as gifts for my friends and family). But I've just adopted a beautiful cat, though she's a little on the fat side, so I've been looking for good fabrics to make some catnip toys for her to play with.
Oh! And I hope everythings going well with Tomato!!! ^.^

Sandra said...

Hi Mai,
I'm Nathalia's mother and when she told me you were having a giveaway, I started up my laptop right away. I have 3 kids, one golden retriver and a robo hamster called Sushi. I love working with arts and crafts, especially pergamano and making flowers with silk stockings. My favorite color is black. I had to ask Nathalia to type this for me because my English is very bad, but i'm trying to learn! :]

Lots of love to you and your family! Speaking of which, how's the cute tomato?

handmadecreativity said...

Hi, I'm Taced... I follow your blog from a lot of time (your blog is on the sidebar of my blog).
I would like to make a lot of creative things but my free time is very very a little.
I love to find new idea in the net so I start a blog with my idea...
do you have already see it?
Look:
http://handmadecreativity.blogspot.com/

Bye bye, Taced

Anonymous said...

Hi Mai, I love your blog and check in every day. I really like your tutorials and how you make everything by hand. I have 2 children adopted from Korea, one is 6 and the other is 4 years old. We live in Australia and visit Korea every 2 years. Next year we are going to Japan as well as Korea. I make childrens bags and soft toys from home for my kids and their friends. I don't have a favourite color but like simple designs and love all the colors and fabrics you use. I have a few Japanese craft books which I love making things from, exspecially little girl clothes. My son's friends mother is Japanese and she helps me with the instructions sometimes.
Diana Mercuri

sordanuts said...

Hi,

Congratulations on your marriage and your tomato!

Your blog is lovely! The items are simple yet beautifully made. Very inspiring.

I am married working mom of two boys. I love animals, cats especially, and the color blue.

Thanks for letting me see a little piece of your life in Japan!

Hugs,
Jamie

Jan Allsopp said...

I love your giveaways! I just hope to win one someday. I'm in Australia and I'm an artist who loves colour and pattern. You inspired me to take up hand sewing and I not make lots of your little patchwork pouches as gifts and occasionally to sell. I just love playing with the colours and patterns! Thank you for a great blog and I wish you well.

Anonymous said...

hi Mai,
i'm yenni from indonesia and live with my sisters n brother...i like your blog so much..^^ it's so beautiful n cute...i love japanese craft, fabric, handmade. i like make pouch, tote bag..in indonesia, it's hard to find these stuff..and friends to share this interest..^^ thank u..

Ashley said...

Hello, my name is Ashley! I live in California with my parents. I love sewing and reading very much. My favorite color is pink. I have a funny story about tomatoes. I hated them my entire life until I read your blog. =] Thank you so much! I wish you much happiness with your new life. =]

Susan said...

Hello and thanks so much for offering this giveaway. I live in Vancouver; I have two children (12 and 14) and three cats. I love crafts of all kinds and have been doing them since I was a young girl. I especially love hand sewing and knitting. I love most colours and I'm happy to see the bright colours of spring appearing here.

Pink Dogwood said...

what a lovely giveaway...

something about me, huh? I live on the coast. I can see the waves crashing on the beach from my living room window. it's usually gray here and i crave color. i keep the lights on all the time. i spend my days with june the cat and my two tiresome but incredible toddler daughters. usually we spend our day playing and laughing and creating and eating and napping and loving. it's a blessed life.

to keep myself entertained and inspired, i read and write and sew and crochet and cook and drink the occasional glass of wine. i love music and always have something playing.

thank you for asking this question. it's good to stop and consider these things...

Sally said...

How generous you are with this giveaway! Enjoy your blog.

Anonymous said...

I like Haru's lunchbox, now I want to find one for my husband.

About me, huh? I love to sew things for my little boy, who is three years old, and make toys for my cat out of the scraps. I also like to make things for my house, like pillow covers and storage bags. I don't like to waste things so I always look for ways to reuse them or remake them into something new. I don't know how to knit but I want to learn, and my favorite color is gray.

And I think you are awesome, Mai. The things you make are so beautiful and you are a great inspiration to me.

Ru said...

Hello Mai,
My name is rupi and I am from India..This is such a lovely idea...I love the cute tags. Your sewing is so neat with a great combination of colors and prints..
I love to sew and knit, though I prefer to sew more than knitting..I have a 10-yr old girl, so lots of stuff is made for her. I also have a 15 yr old son who is a big fan of all things Japan..he is currently learning ninjutsu, though he is still a green belt...I love the color blue in all it's shades..also greens.
All the best to you with your little 'tomato'..
Take care...Rupi..

Neko said...

Hello mai, so lovely of you to do a giveaway. I have been reading your blog for a long time now and it is really inspiring. I live in Australia and at the momenet it is hot and sunny. We had a small earthquake once. It felt a little bit like our house was a box and we were small animals rattling inside. If I was lucky in your giveaway I would love a book of sewing patterns or ideas and my favourite colours are blue and red.
love neko xx

antmee said...

Hi. I love everything you do so that should help you put a package together for me. Just be yourself and I will love it!

PS I have just been told I'm about to become a grandmother for the first time!

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