Japanese Keepsakes

The other day I was going through my jewelry box. I came across a pin that I've kept for almost 40 years. The pin was given to me by my dad's Japanese friend Masashi...I believe was his name.

My dad befriended Masashi while he was stationed in Japan. He may have even been in the Air Force with dad, I don't really remember.

Anyhow, I came to meet Masashi when he came and visited with our family when I was around 13 or 14. He stayed with us in our home for a few days while he visited the states.

Looking back, I find this a little odd. My family was not the type to welcome overnight guests into our home with open arms. Mom and Dad liked our family privacy and mom wasn't the best housekeeper.

We had a small home that housed my parents, my grandfather and me and my two brothers. Adding another adult to share in our one tiny bathroom was definitely pushing the limits.

Funny thing is,  I hardly remember his visit, so it must have not been that horrible of an experience. I do remember Masashi being very mannerly and polite so I'm sure that helped ease the cramped conditions.

All I can say about this, is dad must have really liked Masashi for them to allow the invasion into our home.

So, when I came across the pin I had kept for all these years, a vision of a crochet project came to mind....

Cute Boho Purse

I've been feeling very creative lately. I dream about crocheting in my sleep and get some of my inspiration while I'm sleeping.

Here are some of things I have been working on lately.

My brother in law and wife are expecting and she requested a Yoda diaper set. Now that I look at it, it reminds me more of Shrek than Yoda....

Yoda Diaper Set

Odd things intrigue me. I liked the uniqueness of this hat....

Chevron Hat

I also like bold colors. Toby said this looks like a 'Where's Waldo' hat...

Striped beanie

I bought a pom pom maker a few weeks ago and wanted to test it out. The pom poms are a little big, but I like them. Possibly a choking hazard for the little bundle of joy, so definitely made for very small infants without good motor skills yet....

Pom Pom booties

This hat was fun and easy to make. I hate I took the pic in bad light and it doesn't reflect how pretty the colors really are.....

Puppy Love Beanie

Hot pads. They are too pretty to use!...

Star Hot Pads

Another sun hot pad. I like hot pads because they are quick to work up and I don't get bored before finishing them up...

Aztec Sun Hot Pad

Another project I wish had been in better light. It's so much prettier than depicted here. This one I am keeping!....

Open Shell Scarf

 These are baby turban hats my cousin asked me to make for her twin grand babies due soon. I never mind crocheting items for her because it's her mother (my Aunt Sara) who taught me to crochet.

It's one of the few constructive activities I remember enjoying as a young teen. Mom would take me and drop me off at Aunt Sara's for a couple of hours and she would teach me different stitches and techniques and how to read patterns. I always liked Aunt Sara. Maybe it's because we both loved to fart and blame it on other people then laugh hysterically about it. We did both have the same warped sense of humor.

I don't ever remember requesting to learn to crochet, and I don't remember what prompted the 'lessons' but I'm grateful to who ever thought of the idea. It's helped me keep my sanity throughout the years....

Infant Turban Hats

A turtle prop my sis in law requested. I used Skye's build a bear to model it....

Turtle Prop

This one is my masterpiece. I just crocheted 2 12x12 inch motifs and affixed them to each side of a canvas bag. They fit perfectly on the bag.

Mandala Motif

And I can't say goodbye without posting a picture of my beautiful Bo....

Such a photogenic creature

Well folks, that's all for now!