3

Crazy for Hello Kitty

Disclaimer: This is a post with photo overload. It may take a moment to load all of the photos. Most of the photos were taken with my point-and-shoot Casio Exilim. I left the Nikon SLR at home.

When I read about The Hello Kitty: Three Apples Exhibit on the Hello Kitty Junkie blog , I was ecstatic. And when I found out that it was in my neck of the woods, I was thrilled.

I know I am a gal in my 30s, but I will always have a special place in my heart for Hello Kitty. I was born in Japan and frequently visited the Philippines while growing up. As a result, I had quite a bit of Hello Kitty toys and trinkets. Hello Kitty stationery contributed to my love of paper.

My partner-in-crime Pamela joined me for the opening day of the exhibit. My BFF Cicely was there in spirit via Facebook. {She's a bigger fanatic than me}. The exhibit was divided up into sections.
photo by Pamela Masters
photo by Pamela Masters

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The first part was a Hello Kitty retrospective. There were Hello Kitty merchandise from the last 35 years on display.

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They designed a Hello Kitty apartment. I loved it, but I don't think I'd ever go that far.

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As I was looking at the throwback items, I was giddy recollecting which pieces I once owned and which ones that I still have.
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There was a gift shop that had a line out the door just to view the merchandise. We bypassed that, but I now regret it. There was also a cafe serving Hello Kitty high tea, which also had a very long wait. From other blogs, I've seen cute little Hello Kitty tea sandwiches and cakes.

My favorite part of the exhibit was the art show. Japan L.A. did a spectacular job curating the show. The variety and quality of the pieces on display was phenomenal.
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Click here for an online gallery of the Hello Kitty Artwork

Our day was not complete without a photo op with the Birthday Girl.
photo by Pamela Masters
photo by Pamela Masters

photo by Pamela Masters

After traipsing around the Three Apples Exhibit, it seemed appropriate to head to Little Tokyo for a late lunch. It must have been my lucky day. I finally got to eat at Daikokuya. It sounds crazy, but I have been trying to eat at this place since I moved to L.A. in 2003. There is always a line. On this day, there wasn't.
photo by Pamela Masters
photo by Pamela Masters

Now that I've eaten there, I understand why there's always ungodly line. It's THAT good.

I love the gyozas...
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...but the Ramen is the best. Their broth is perfect.
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Can't you tell how much I'm enjoying my meal?
photo by Pamela Masters
photo by Pamela Masters

We swung by Fugetssu-do where we picked up a few treats.
photo by Pamela Masters
photo by Pamela Masters

Despite my wonky facial expression, I really love what I picked up.
photo by Pamela Masters
photo by Pamela Masters

It was double dessert day and Pamela introduced me to Yogurtland. I'm ruined. I love, love their yogurt. Forget Pinkberry. This is the real deal.
photo by Pamela Masters
photo by Pamela Masters

In keeping with the kawaii theme of the day, they had Tokidoki cups and spoons.
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I was exhausted and I'm glad I didn't pass out from the cute overload.
2

Sew Much Fun

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In high school, I took a home economics type class. I made a lop-sided duffle bag and a deformed chocolate chip cookie pillow. I had a such a terrible time making both projects that I didn't sew again. I've always been envious of my friends who can sew.

All the craft shows that I've been to in the past year have inspired me. I decided that I wanted to learn/relearn is how to sew with a sewing machine. I want to do basic things like make decorative pillows, maybe some pajamas.

I used trusty Yelp.com to find sewing classes. My search led me to Sew L.A. It's this hip sewing studio in Silver Lake. It's definitely not like your grandma's sewing shop. They teach classes and have a small shop. They carry some great specialty and import fabrics.
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I signed up for their Machine Intro Class and Return of the Machine Class.

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Learning to sew was much easier this time around.

After the 1st class, I made this.
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The second class was about different stitches and what they are used for. Here are some of my sample stitches.
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I'm addicted. I plan to take more classes soon, but the break in my design schedule is almost up. My mind is racing with all the different things I can make. For now, I'm really hoping Santa will bring one of these.