We had a delightful stationery store in Blenheim that I loved visiting as a school girl. I marvelled at the bright colouring pencils, the sleek pens, and the rigid notebooks. The store catered to local offices and businesses with their calendars and accounts books, but to me it was full of creative potential.
After I graduated from university (the bookstore at Western was no match for Blenheim Stationery) I spent some time in France, where my love of La Papeterie grew. Every small town had at least one stationery store, and the offerings were exquisite. Petite notebooks, the covers boasting vintage postcards, or hand-drawn blooms. Fine paper for writing all those letters home. Pens, pencils, and very fashionable cases to hold them in.
It set me up for stationery heaven when I went to work in Tokyo. Ginza Itoya, Seikado, even the little store in my neighbourhood that I just called the pretty pencil place. Like most things in Japan, the writing tools and notepads were beautifully made and completely functional.
It’s no surprise, then, that I am drawn to tools that are pretty to look at, but still help me do the job well. I love using my Seeknit bamboo needles, I enjoy the sleek look of my LDH fabric sheers, and I get endless pleasure from stitching a Kylie and the Machine label on my hand-mades.
It’s such a thrill to be able to offer products from Kinki Amibari, makers of the Seeknit line-up of knitting needles, crochet hooks, and dozens of other products designed to ease your knit/crochet practice. These classic needles are made in Japan from specially selected high-quality Japanese bamboo, and offer superior flexibility and durability.
Take, for example, the Koshitsu Asymmetrical Circular Needle, which features one short needle and one long needle. Put the stitches on the short needle and work through with the long needle. Since the moving needle is longer, it is easier to hold, making these suited for small circular projects such as socks and sleeves.
https://knitsewwell.ca/product/seeknit-koshitsu-asymmetric-circular-fixed-knitting-needle/
I just cast on a hat using the newest Seeknit IC circular needle set that has wee 2”/ 5 cm needle tips. These smaller needle tips make colourwork a breeze, and I’m using a small cable so I can easily knit the hat in the round – at least until the crown decreases.
I saw my first pair of LDH Fabric Shears almost a decade ago. They were classic shears, with a good heft and lovely shine. But the story behind this company made these shears irresistible!
Founded in 1990 in Shenzhen, just outside of Hong Kong, LDH Scissors began with a simple mission: to create better quality sewing scissors. Started by a young couple driven by Love, Dedication, and Happiness, LDH has been serving the sewing community for over three decades. In 2018, their son Roy and his wife Ursula expanded the company to Toronto, continuing the family traditions and values that made LDH possible.
To learn about the LDH journey, visit https://ldhscissors.ca/pages/our-story
It’s fun to be cheeky, and Kylie and the Machine creates products with just the right amount of cheek. We have labels that celebrate childhood – “You are Awesome!” “You are Clever”, or “You are my Sunshine” – and labels that celebrate what goes into making a garment – “Sewing is Sexy” and “Look After Me.” Some of the labels are all about the sparkle, while other labels shout out colour and fun. KATM has also released a pretty keepsake tin for your label stash.
https://knitsewwell.ca/product-category/tools-notions/sewing/kylie-and-the-machine/
Making garments and accessories for myself and loved ones brings me joy. A big part of that joy is using tools that are well-made, with a dash of style and fun.