For some unknown reason every one is buying Claw Combs. So I've decide to use up all of my extra small pieces of fabric to make one-of-a-kind claw combs. I'll be posting them soon so keep checking back!
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It's happening virtually again this year!  I hope this finds every one healthy and safe! One day we will meet again!

Yes, it is happening this year, though it be online!
I'll be updating my products and hopefully streamlining the webiste a bit.  Can't wait to see how it goes!

Okay, I think I've got it right, at least for today.
Changed the pattern again, got rid of the back strap and went with the ear loops only. 
No falling while talking, no side gaps, still adjustable.  The only thing I don't like about it is I want to keep it around my neck when not in use. I'm working on it, but for now I'm pretty happy with the design!

Not!
But they are necessary to keep our cooties to ourselves. Yeah, you know when you're talking to some one, you get real excited about the conversation and out of no where that embarrassing drop of spittle projects from your mouth like a torpedo, lands on your buddy's face, and every one tries to pretend it didn't happen.  Well, now a days, that drop really can be a torpedo. We wear masks to protect others not ourselves.  If you're worried about catching it, then you should get yourself an N95 mask.

So during lock down I've gone through several iterations of masks and think I've finally decided on a design I like best.

At first, I went through my stash of fabric and sewing supplies that's been sitting in my closet for decades.  That proved bad, elastic doesn't last forever. I tried ties and nylons, not happy. I finally  settled on new thin elastic cord, stretchy, light weight, and doesn't hurt the ears. The biggest problem is getting it.

Next was the design, cup or pad? 
Pads seem to fit everyone but they tend to have big open gaps on the sides. 
Cups are form fitting, but they need to be fitted to your face and fall forward when you talk.  Just watch the news, people with cup masks constantly adjust them cause they're falling forward. But I've solved that problem with an added head strap to secure it from moving about. All straps are adjustable, just hold the bead and pull the tie.

Washability is also an issue. Quilting cotton wrinkles something fierce, but I still prefer natural fibers against my face. Kinda like underwear, cotton is so much better! So I've been experimenting with different weights and weaves of cotton that doesn't wrinkle too badly after it comes out of the dryer. 

Who'd think there's so much to consider making masks, by the time I get a design to my satisfaction, the pandemic will be over! Hopefully!
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Here we are in the middle of it all...
I hope every one is well and doing what you can to stay that way. I'm still alive and to date no one in my family or circle of friends has become ill. 

It looks like all of the festivals and fairs are getting cancelled this year. So we'll just have to try to have everything online. Perhaps there's some smart IT Tech out there who can create a virtual festival complete with teriyaki and taiko!

While we're "sheltering in place" I've been busy creating some new kanzashi.  I'll be posting soon, (soon is relative ya know).  In the meantime, stay busy, keep moving, and stay well.

After Silver Bells, I will be sending out a mass emailing to announce my new website!

Yeah, I know it's not in time for Christmas, but it is what it is...

It's almost here! Silver Bells at St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco. One of the largest Asian/Pacific Islander themed craft shows in the Bay Area!

If you've never been, you've got to come and check it out. There are so many vendors, they're even lined up in the hallways! 

San Francisco you say? No parking? Big hassle?  Well, there's plenty of parking at Japantown with a shuttle directly to St. Mary's.  There's also plenty parking at the Cathedral itself! 

Hope to see you there!

Okay, if you've ever seen me at a craft show you'll know that I have multitudes of combinations of fabrics, cords, beads, styles, and flower types.

I also have multiples of the same items.

I  just haven't quite figured out how to take pictures of them all and post them online. 

So, I'm doing a little bit of each category at a time: I need to get this website going! If you don't see what you want Contact me through the Contact Page and I'll get it posted sooner.

It's come to my attention that some of the fabric pads on my claw combs comes off. Thank you for letting me know!  I've changed this process. It's now roughened, glued with E6000, and set with high temperature hot glue. Please let me know how this works!

In the mean time, you can glue them back on with super glue or E6000 and if you've lost the pad please contact me and if I can replace it with the same fabric, I will.