Gift from Andy

Andy and his wife gave us this truly awesome rude food. It's fried brown sugar and tastes great, even if it looks like it shouldn't be in mixed company.

 

Several ZenPop Boxes

Christmas Zenpop plus stationery boxes from January through May.

 

One Diamond

I finished one of the diamonds and started on another. All accomplished.

 

Birthday Present

Andreas' parents gave me these lovely things for my birthday. The threads are indigo dyed, and I have some ideas for them. The pouch is handmade, and I should have brought it with me because Andreas has signed us up for a game tournament and I need something to put my tokens in.

September Stationery

Stationery from Japan again, this time with a Halloween theme. Going to use quite a bit of this, and already using some.

Japanese Snacks

Japanese snacks as a gift from my in laws. Thank you Betsy and Michael.

More Motifs Done

The one full diamond line is done. That means I'm over halfway done. Go me!

Origami Crane

Andreas' parents gave me a crane for Christmas - a beautiful origami one. It'll go on our "tree" next year, as we will be stuck here in Kosovo next Christmas.

Sashiko Cloth

Andreas' parents gave me this beautiful sashiko sampler from Japan for Christmas.

Parental Birthday Gifts

Andreas' parents gave me these lovely gifts for my birthday!  I am in awe of the tiny temari.  They are so well done, too.  The gift wrap cloth I am going to have to practice with, as I truly like the idea but suck at folding correctly.  Practice!

Parental Anniversary Gifts

Andreas' parents sent us an anniversary gift. His mom made the bowl cozies, and all the rest is food from Japanese grocery stores.  The consular section loves the chestnut KitKats and hopes I bring back more when we eventually visit. We are slowly trying the rest and some of them are good, some are just plain weird.

Stitch Maynia #8 - Kogin Market Bag

This kit was bought in Japan by Betsy and Mike and gifted to me.  The instructions are completely in Japanese!  Nothing in English.  At least the measurements are readable.  I'm about a quarter of the way up the main design.  Kogin is the Japanese version of pattern darning, so it's fairly easy.

Gift From Japan

Andreas' parents saw this at a craft store while they were out and bought it for me.  It's a kogin embroidery kit, and I will start it during my Stitch Maynia week after next.  I hope I can do it justice! Thank you Besty and Mike.

Handmade Teapot

This was the big gift for Christmas from Andreas' parents.  It's a handmade cast iron teapot.  The teapot works beautifully and makes about three cups of tea. Thank you Betsy and Mike!  I am sure we will be visiting you at some point during the tour.