How-to Project – Very Simple Handbag From Slacks

I had a pair of lovely slacks that sadly got some bleach stains at the top, so I decided to create things with them.

The first thing is a small messenger-style bag that I can use for casual and more dressy occasions.  The crease down the middle gives it a more structured look while the lace ribbon gives it a more feminine touch.

1 – Decided how long/deep you would like the bag and cut across one of the pant legs.  If the bottom has a cuff, cut that off as well and set it aside.

2 – Turn it inside out so the seams are showing and set it aside.

3 – Now you can prepare the handles.  For short handles, use the cuff by snipping through the loop once.  For longer handles, you can either use a long strip of fabric from the pants or any other fabric that you think will match.  fold it over lengthwise and sew along one side, making a tube.  Turn it inside out and set aside.

4 – With the main fabric, sew along the bottom as well as a diagonal on both sides. Turn it inside out.  Fold the top edge in and sew all around to give it a more finished look.  If the stitching is a little crooked, don’t worry!  That’s what the ribbon can hide.  * If you would like to add decorative lining, sew a tube from that fabric and attach it to the bag in this step, before sewing along the bottom.  Rememeber to keep the fabric pattern facing outward when sewing it to the bag, so when you turn it inside out, you can still see the pretty pattern.

5 – Now take the fabric for the handles and put one end inside the bag (at least 3cm) and sew it to the side. Repeat the step for the other side.

* Sew the ribbon to the top along the seam……. and you’re done.

One Good Thing A Day – Project Day 6 – Wilkinson’s Ginger Ale

Wilkinson’s Ginger Ale = Yum.

This ginger ale has two type and my favorite is the full ginger flavored one like the photo below.  To purchase this brand in a cafe or bar, it’s at least ¥500 ($6.00 USD) for one small glass. I found it in a shop near home for ¥89 ($1.08 USD)!!!  yay!

One Good Thing A Day – Project Day 5 – Furoshiki Handbag

A surprise in the mail!

I received a beautiful gift in the mail from a couple of friends as a late Christmas gift -we were all supposed to get together around Christmas time, but first my boyfriend got sick, followed by me (-_-;) After that, all of us got busy as usual, so we decided to at least mail eachother’s gifts.

Since my friends know me so well…… the sent me a beautiful furoshiki handbag with removable handles.

I absolutely LOVE IT!

What’s Engirsh? How about Japanglish?

Surely, many of you have heard or seen Engrish first-hand. It’s basically the incorrect or confusing English found in many countries….but mostly in Asia and more specifically Japan….which is also where “Japanglish” comes from. I’m not trying to put the Japanese people down about this, but being an English teacher in Tokyo, it certainly makes me feel like I’m fighting a losing battle here.

Everywhere I go, there are prime examples of English gone wrong…. but no one seems to really mind, as long as there is some kind of English included, it’s “cool” *(>_< )*

I’ve shown examples of some Engrish that I came across in this previous post….. and here are some more!

Mostly Spelling Mistakes:

Sometimes I’m not sure why it was approved…

It’s impossible to go a day in Tokyo without Japanglish!

One Good Thing A Day – Project Day 4 – “Our” Little Birds

Today I have two little unexpected visitors. My current place is about 25 floors up, which has a lovely view of a river and the city, but it is a shame not being able to see animals….. but today, two cute little birds landed on the balcony railing. I managed to snap a couple of quick shots before they flew away. Seems like I’ve been in Tokyo too long since this was unbelievably exciting for me!

One Good Thing A Day – Project Day 3 – CSI Vegas

What made me happy today?

I finally got a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the newest CSI (Vegas). It’s still my favorite show….though I really wish William Petersen’s character would come back into the series -it certainly doesn’t have the same charm as it did.