I collect kimono. There’s an unusual one, called unofficially a ‘Black Ship’ kimono, of which I think there are 12 in existence, created for an odori (dance). Two other kimono enthusiasts in the UK own one, and another is now up for sale in Ichiroya’s shop.

I would very much like this for Christmas. It’s only $400. It’s an investment. Go onnnn. Address supplied on request for philanthropically-minded people with dollars to spare…

(Link to BBC)

News stories like this one always plant a tiny seed of worry in me. It seems like all creative people habitually have a chaotic mess of a space. I would say that I am as creative as the next person (if not ‘arty’), but I abhor mess and cannot concentrate or come up with new ideas in a messy, dirty space. I find it distracting. I think best when everything around me is neatly ordered.

Do you think creativity and order are mutually exclusive?

As good a reason as any to share a smile today :)

Link on BBC News

Sometimes you come across something which makes you stop and think, and gives you a new slant on what you do. I had one of those moments today when I saw this octopus dress.

It reminded me not so be so serious, and to make more playful, frivolous things – because everyone needs a little frivolity, right? Also I l0ve the stripy Alice In Wonderland tights, but that’s a whole other box of inspiration.

Link to storyat BoingBoing

Crafts-as-business story from the Independent.

Link

I had a little thrill today when I saw that moocowhandknits, an illustrious and groovy member of the UK Etsy team, has been picked as the site’s featured seller. Go here to read her cool interview!

I’ve always yearned for an underground hideout, so I had a little pang of envy when I saw this datacentre. We’re in the 21st century, it’s the future, why do I not have a hollowed out laboratory home?

Considering the name of my shop, I felt that I couldn’t let this piece of random news pass me by without a mention.

I would like to present the winner of the Most Beautiful Goat title. Fabulous. I especially like her (?) coquettish pose and long silky hair.

Article with some good basic groundwork type advice for boosting traffic to your blog – stuff you should do before trying anything fancy.