A couple of nights ago I sewed this:
I followed a pattern, or rather, tried to follow a pattern in a very cute Japanese sewing book. However, I didn’t understand What-The-!@#$%^ they were trying to tell me… (I know I attend Japanese classes but they don’t exactly teach you sewing terms – I did consult the dictionary but some instructions were just plain vague).
I think I’m not that advanced in both sewing AND in Japanese yet. That’s why the pencil case came out a failure.
If you look carefully, you’ll notice the stitches running along the zip? They are NOT-STRAIGHT-AT-ALL. All because I was supposed to HAND STITCH it when I attach the lining. NOT attempt to use the machine which WILL cause the stitches to run in all directions. Well, how am I to know the symbol for ‘hand-stitch’ if there is no legend in the book?
Prior to all those stitching, while cutting out the pieces of fabric, I was supposed to leave a 0.5cm seam allowance for the pattern. I am so used to the western world’s patterns – seam allowance included – that I did not leave any seam allowance at all. I shall remember that Japanese do not include seam allowances in their patterns. I have to add it myself.
I know it looks okay in the pictures but trust me, it’s all wonky and twisty (because the lining is bigger than the main piece, don’t ask) and will not lie flat like normal pencil cases do.
Plus, every time I look at the stitches running in all directions but straight, I kinda want to kick myself.
Oh well, it’s usable by me. So will use it when I go for Japanese classes. 
I will do better next time.
Now for the fun part..- FABRIC STASH! Who wants to see my stash? Of course you want to see my stash! I know it!! Woohoo!
This is fabric from Spotlight;
They do have some amazing ones if you dig hard.
And then I bought some Japanese fabric from Fabric Tales. (Awesome service and incredibly fast shipping!)
All I can say is, “WOW”.
The quality is SUPERIOR. I told my mum that I can finally understand why people in the past trade and barter with fabric. These fabric look NOTHING and feel NOTHING like the cheaper ones you get from Spotlight!
They are worth every penny I paid for them!
On a side note – ‘Designer’ fabrics such as Amy Butler, I feel that they are grossly overpriced for their quality. I rather pay for these Japanese fabrics than buy designer fabrics again. I don’t find anything special about the designer fabrics other than that some of their patterns are really nice. But Japanese prints are much cuter and suit my style better anyway.
My very lovely mum then bought these for me;
These are also imported from Japan. Very lovely fabric! My dad lugged them down for me during his visit.
I’m in love with Japanese fabrics. OooOOooo.
I’ve been sewing with the ones I bought from Spotlight earlier though. Just to practice before I touch the expensive fabrics. I can actually sew straight now and follow curves. I just have to improve on sewing with zips. Can’t wait to sew more bags and cutesy stuff!!!!!!
