Update and Looking at Yellow Waistcoats

Yeah, I appreciate this is a complex issue. It’s so much easier here than in America. I was lucky enough to see and hear George Takei speak at length about his experience a few years ago when he was in Tokyo. Japanese immigrants (as well as Italian and German ) were also interred in Australia during the war. But it certainly wasn’t on the scale and hatred seen in America from what I’ve read about it and heard from first hand experiences. I may be wrong, but I also kind of feel that is an American issue not a Japanese discrimination/marginalization issue. I am in no way saying their experiences weren’t wrong and horrific but it was wartime. It was a messed up knee-jerk reaction to an act of aggression, by Japan. They did not deserve the treatment they got, but neither did any civilian in the war. I also know I’m not qualified to speak for Japanese. It was more a somewhat distorted perspective. I, however would find it strange to be in another country and have to give up this part of my “identity” but I also don’t want to be seen as appropriating. I used to also wear sari but would find that dubious now. So many beautiful textiles and national dress etc, I just want to wear them all because I love them.

Hi 👋🏼 so I just rewatched this and remembered something I wanted to say. I’m not Japanese. I have however lived here for 15 years and my husband is Japanese. I asked him what he thought about cultural appropriation. He had no idea what I was talking about. I said like if a non-Japanese person wears Japanese prints on a dress or a kimono. His reply was “that’s wonderful” and honestly that echoes so many comments I’ve received over the years by random Japanese people if I’ve been wearing something made with a Japanese print or if I’ve been wearing kimono/yukata. “You are Japanese at heart.” “Wonderful!” “So cool!” “It makes my heart glad to see you wear this.” That kind of stuff ( but in Japanese ) and on further investigation I found out the phrase cultural appropriation doesn’t exist in Japanese! I know a couple of years ago there was some outcry about an exhibition in Boston I think, where people could try on kimono. Not the super fancy ones they had in the exhibition of course but regardless there were complaints. It caused a bit of a stir here because no one could understand what the problem was. I love the prints here and I use them and I respect them. I’ve made my own Yukata (informal summer kimono) and it’s quite a lot of work. I think as long as you don’t go around with some “slutty Geisha” costume with chopsticks stuck in your hair, it’s appreciation not appropriation. And that is my two yen’s worth on the subject.

I would just like individual toilets. You know one door, one room, one toilet. I have some issues using public toilets, I won’t get into it. If we had separate toilets anyone could use anyone they wanted and there could never be complaints

I feel like I got permission to do silly/fun/scrap things for linings - it's fabulous and a great reminder. THANKS!!!

I just had to jump on and say if you ever hand paint a fan, or wish to sell that Art Nouveau one I’m raising my hand to say please put me in that line as close to the front as possible!!!!!!!

Excellent design on the waistcoat. I very much like the ideal of the back being shorter than the front and the lining is dreamy. I would do that on purpose. Also, I'm in love with the brooch you are wearing in this video. Did you make it? It's unfortunate that J.K. Rowling (A.KA. Joanne Rowling - a name not used because she wanted the benefits of being thought to be a male or "gender neutral" to make money) would responded to disenfranchised people asking for equal treatment "by selfishly asking "how would that impact my rights?" The answer is usually “It won’t.” Treating any other person equally and kindly costs you nothing. Other persons experiences as transgender women do not change, deny or nullify the experiences of any one else. But denying the rights of others does hurt, certainly children born with ambiguous genitalia/ intersex biologically. Never-the -less, often humans are needlessly harsh in judging others who they "think" are different from selves. You keep being you. As for negative comments, I've been black for more than twice your lifespan. You can only survive by not letting them take you to a negative place. Even if someone tries using a Bible to convince you that you are wrong to be you, read what they are pointing out. Your will find it's their interpretation they are using and rather than God's love. Continue to remember you are wonderfully made and perfect just as you are.

Beautifully done, including the clutch decision to bind with cotton tape :) I wish you could see the value you provide to your Patreons... you're worth every last penny

Fabulous waistcoat. The lining fabric is gorgeous. Adore all the look Books. x

I LOVE Mucha! I was fortunate enough to see Mucha stained class in Czechia last summer. It was such a neat feeling to see in person.

Helloooo! I wonder, could you talk a little about you develop your stories? I keep dreaming (literally while I, asleep) ideas for stories but I struggle to flesh them out and write them into anything.. Also, I'm going to continue recommending Star Trek, just the ladies of Star Trek are bomb! I would follow Captain Kathryn Janeway into hell

Thanks Bianca, I really enjoyed this. Love your waistcoats. Stay safe and look after yourself. Warm regards from Down Under <3