Last week I sent off a package to a sweet person I have been getting acquainted with via blogging. It's funny, I have more time for blogging friends then friends I actually get to meet in the flesh. It is easier to grab a few minutes here and there on the computer than setting off several hours to meet up. Well, I don't recall how I first found Mai's blog and Etsy shop but since the happy discovery I visit her shop daily as she is continally adding something new and charming to it.
What pretty colors she uses and such delicate embroidery.
She sews everything entirely by hand.
I couldn't stop taking photos of everything she sent me... there were just so many delightful little details to appreciate!
Even her packing material was unique and wonderful! She is both environmental and thrifty using several layers of pretty newspapers instead of an envelope.
Everything she sent was wrapped individualy in cellophane bags and decorated with her original cut outs... these bunnies holding hands are the sweetest!
You can just imagine my exclaims of delight on finding all of these beautiful Japanese fabrics and lace in one of the cellophane bags.
And more... It was a treat for the senses, to feel the different and unusual fabrics and enjoy the sight of the pretty patterns and designs.
This one has the look of Liberty lawn, with the detailed design and ever so fine fabric, but I think it must be a Japanse fabric and I just love it.
Mai's fingers are most dexterous, these tiny oragami were such joy for my children! There were even more goodies in the package, some Japanese green tea, many more paper decorations and even some gorgeous Japanese silks! Mai how can I begin to thank you for your thoughtfulness? I am already using the bag for a knitting project and the fabric I will look at often until I decide what to make with it. Thank you so very much Mai!
Since Mai said she fancies Scandinavian knitting I made her a pair of mittens.
You can see the other goodies I sent to Mai on her blog.
Emily, Mia's creations and packaging is just soooo lovely and wonderful! Such fun and talented artisan! Thank you soo much for sharing! I adore her blog and shop too! Your goodie package is just as adorable and sweet as hers! LOVE LOVE! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you and yours!
Posted by: Jacqueline | March 17, 2009 at 02:27 PM
What gorgeous gifts - those fabrics are just exquisite Emily! The mittens you sent in return are stunning too! Emma x
Posted by: Emma | March 17, 2009 at 02:32 PM
What a great bundle of goodies! And those mittens you knit are gorgeous!
Posted by: sheree | March 17, 2009 at 03:31 PM
What a lovely friendship beteen the two of you!
It brings such a lot of joy to share passions isn't it?
Posted by: Veerle | March 17, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Both fabrics and gloves are lovely! And it's fantastic to have friends like this, even if you have met them only online.
Posted by: Ann | March 17, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Wow what a fabulous package!
Posted by: ingermaaike | March 17, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Hello Emily,
Thank you very much for taking beautiful pictures of them. The blue lawn fabric is Japanese. I love it very much so I put it!
I'm really happy with your mittens! Thank you (* v *)!!!!!
Posted by: Mai | March 17, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Thanks for sharing your beautiful package from Mai with us! It brought back memories of the friendships I had while living in Japan for 3 years, many years ago. I was always amazed with the generosity and creativity of the Japanese ladies. Ever since that time I've had a soft spot for Japanese culture.
I love your blog! It's a treat.
Posted by: Sariah | March 17, 2009 at 04:27 PM
So many beautiful things, Emily!!!!
Posted by: meri | March 17, 2009 at 05:21 PM
That´s a lot of beautiful stuff! Love the mittens you made, too.
Posted by: strikkelise | March 17, 2009 at 05:40 PM
those mittens are so great. i love them. what a fun swap. those fabrics are so great.
Posted by: katie | March 17, 2009 at 06:00 PM
Gorgeous stuff! And again the way you present it is an art in itself, you have such a way with your camera!
*Hugs*
Posted by: Eva Mari | March 17, 2009 at 07:01 PM
So lucky to have such a lovely friend!!!The fabrics are awesome and I love the mittens you made for her!!
Posted by: Evelyn | March 17, 2009 at 08:05 PM
wow totally fabulous !!!
love those cur out bunnies!!!!
Posted by: matchstickgirl | March 17, 2009 at 08:45 PM
lucky you having such a great new friend found in cyberspace.
wonderful treats you got from mai!
Posted by: malle | March 17, 2009 at 09:34 PM
Those paper bunnies are the cutest, and I love the fabrics too! Lucky girl you are.
Posted by: Samantha | March 17, 2009 at 10:17 PM
What a fun bag! I think that what I love most about blogging is that you meet people from all over the world. It really makes the world feel small.
Posted by: Jewel | March 17, 2009 at 10:49 PM
What patience she must have to do all that hand sewing! I just love the little embroidered touches.
Posted by: Julie (Knitsational) | March 18, 2009 at 02:48 AM
Such a lovely swap, you got such yummy things!
Posted by: Star of the East | March 18, 2009 at 09:09 AM
Would wonderful presents!
Mhhh... I feel the need to go and buy fabrics now :)
Posted by: kreativlink | March 18, 2009 at 09:12 AM
What a delightful package of goodies!
Posted by: Suzie | March 18, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Blogging friends are the best! What beautiful treats you got from Mai! The mittens you made in return are so precious too! :)
Posted by: ArtMind | March 18, 2009 at 05:54 PM
wow .. what an incredibly unique gift!! so many beautiful details .. and completely made by hand, amazing! a very creative artist.
love the mittens you made too .. so pretty!
Posted by: sigmosaics | March 18, 2009 at 06:37 PM
Oh , Raven what a gorgeous gifts, does she really sews everything by hand, oooh, really stunning!
Posted by: fleurfatale | March 18, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Congrats Emily, all these goodies are really an extraordinary beauty.
Posted by: Amanda Yu | March 19, 2009 at 10:57 AM
So sweet of her to do all that hand work and share with you. Nice to know that there are so many wonderful people around the world. And the news would have us believe that there is nothing but terrible people out there! Tisk, tisk!
How is the snow? Has the sun been shining through very much? We are finally starting to get some Spring here... which is good because Spring starts tomorrow! We have bulbs popping up and the birds have come back to build nests...
Gotta go, a friend and I are going walking!
Posted by: Jean C. | March 19, 2009 at 04:51 PM
Mai's work is exquisite! I just added her shop to my favourites. The mittens are you knitted are amazing...I'm in awe!
Posted by: Julia | March 20, 2009 at 09:57 AM
Such a wonderful handmade gift!
Posted by: meltem | March 20, 2009 at 06:49 PM
That parcel has really been pure pleasure. Japanese fabrics are so gorgeous and so are her crafts. I'm sure she is quite as lucky to get your mittens.
Posted by: Merruli | March 20, 2009 at 08:37 PM
What a wonderful parcel to have received. I am sure she is just as thrilled with the things you sent her.
Posted by: Melanie | March 21, 2009 at 01:07 AM
Those mittens are gorgeous!!!!! wow!
Posted by: bethany | March 21, 2009 at 09:36 PM