Freecia took Kristi and me on a tour of Japan Town over the weekend. She told us ahead of time that she *loves* the Japanese dollar store. I didn't really think much of it except that it was a bit weird. And then she started waxing poetically about plastic. This should have indicated something to me, exactly what I'm not sure. In any case, Kristi and I were excited about visiting the book store and checking out the knitting selection. I got some goodies from the Japanese book store, but those pale in comparison to the rest of the day. It was off to the dollar store, world of plastic goods!
When we walked in, I didn't really think much. Sure, the fake plastic sushi keychains were neat, but a little gross. I grabbed some ramen for the hubby. Some shrimp chips for myself. And THEN we saw something out of the corner of our eyes. What was that? Was that sheep?! Why yes indeed! A little handy thermos carrier:
But I have a better idea for it. What's that inside?
Why yarn, of course! I think it'll make a great yarn bag. The top is perfect for it.
And not only did they have cute little sheep, but hedgehogs too! Hedgehogs make good yarn holders too, right?
I thought that would be it, but then we got to the mega sheep aisle. It was all downhill from there. I mean look at these cute sheep notebooks! For knitting notes!
There were also magazine holders. I went a bit overboard on these and got a dozen or so. I kept saying "I use a LOT of these." I do. They're great for pattern storage.
And what's this? A pencil case? Why no, it's the perfect knitting notion bag!
And what's that inside? Could it be....
Sheep within sheep! This cracks me up to no end. You have no idea.
I wish I could say it stopped there, but of course it didn't. While I was in line, Kristi presented me with these beauties:
I'm totally bringing the sheep mug with me to Sock Camp. Woohoo! So how much did I spend at the "dollar" store? $50. DAMN. Admittedly, $15 of that was food stuff. Should you guys want to hit the Japanese dollar store in search of sheep, we may have left some behind, but I definitely cleared out all the magazine holders. Kristi said my sheep fascination was a little disturbing. You can't have too many sheep, can you?
One of these days, when Freecia actually posts again (no badgering, really!), she will have an awesome picture from outside the dollar store. It's one of those cardboard cutouts with a sumo wrestler vs godzilla with her and Kristi's heads.
[UPDATE: Freecia has posted! The picture of Kristi and Freecia is priceless.]
Oh yeah, and I'm going to make a fool of myself on Knitty Gritty tomorrow, should anyone want to spectate. Yikes, I'm nervous.
I've got "post about Cookie's mad mad sheep buying" on my todo list for today. I mean, from these photos, you'd think that Kristi and I don't ever buy office supplies. Then you see the entire purchase and we sound much more normal.
As for my love of plastic - dude, it holds stash. Yarn stash, paper stash, bag stash, snack stash, pen stash, needle stash, etc. Stash containment for $1 each, very good.
Thanks for reminding me to Tivo Knitty Gritty tomorrow.
Posted by: freecia at April 3, 2007 5:50 PMOk, I admit it! Now I'm regretting not buying a thermos holder. Bah.
Posted by: Kristi at April 3, 2007 5:57 PMWow! That is quite the treasure trove of sheep goodies! I am totally jealous of the sheep thermos carrier.
Yay KG! Have been waiting forever for this season...
Posted by: frecklegirl jess at April 3, 2007 6:12 PMThose are adorable!
And I find it funny that the hedgehog bag says "mouse" on it!
Posted by: karin at April 3, 2007 6:12 PMOh, the notebooks are so cute- tell me you got enough for all of the campers! Yes, I will be one! Yippee!
Posted by: Carla at April 3, 2007 6:13 PMHoly Plastic Sheep Batman! You crack me up. So when's the Knitty Gritty screening party?? Don't make me get Hannah after you. Freecia?!
Posted by: Jeni at April 3, 2007 6:29 PMYou said that you got a lot of sheep, and I even saw a tiny portion of the sheepiness, but goodness!
What fun! :)
Posted by: Anabel at April 3, 2007 6:36 PMholy sheep balls! why am i working? WHY mofos? i should be out shopping with my lovelies - with all this sheep shit. and yes.. it was HELLA cheap! LOL.. i WANT to go.. * crying * your full time busy bee - hannah
Posted by: hannah at April 3, 2007 6:44 PMI love them! I am especially enchanted with the way the sheep-y things all say "sheep" on them in french, although I'm somewhat confused by the "mouse" label on the hedgehogs...
Posted by: not an artist at April 3, 2007 6:45 PMI'm so jealous - I've never seen a Japanese dollar store, and it looks so cool!
Teaandcakes told me just today about another cool Japanese item (available at dollar stores, I can assume) - Socks Glue! For really cool knee socks... ;)
I can't decide whether the hedgehog or the sheep are my favorite, but you got some great stuff!
*waves* I was wondering what you guys were doing in the city - I knew it was too late for a yarn crawl. Looks like you had a blast!
Posted by: seltsame at April 3, 2007 6:51 PMThose are really adorable! I love the little sheepy notion bag. :)
Posted by: shadkitty at April 3, 2007 6:56 PMThanks it, I need to move to some place with a good $1 store. What cute, cute stuff!
Posted by: Beth K at April 3, 2007 7:00 PMOMG, for $1 each, I would have stocked up on tons of sheep containers and things too. Those sheep and hedgehogs are extra cute.
Posted by: Wanda at April 3, 2007 7:09 PMLove, love, love that little hedgehog! Those goods are definitely worth the $$$.
Posted by: kelp! at April 3, 2007 7:37 PMI love these! Too adorable. But, yes, you clearly need a support group.
Posted by: Alyssa
at April 3, 2007 7:43 PM
I lived in Japan for five years and I miss the hyaku yen shops soooo bad.
Posted by: ErickaJo at April 3, 2007 7:58 PMLove the hedgehog mug! Is that Louet Gems Aqua above? I've been thinking about a nice sky blue for the German Stocking...
Posted by: Nora (blogless) at April 3, 2007 9:13 PMWhere is this wonderful Japanese dollar store! I think I need to go there.
(Oh, and I asked my dad to record you on Knitty Gritty tomorrow so I can see! Yay. :)
Posted by: Abigail at April 3, 2007 9:30 PMIf there's a godzilla head cut-out, it must be the SF Ichiban Kan! I didn't know there was sheep stuff there! I may have to make a pilgrimage back there soon to check out what else they've got (I know the bento supplies are calling my name..). I love how you've reinvented the various items! I love using dollar store purses as project holders; each one is big enough to hold a project and a skein or two, and if they're color-coded I can grab the bag with the project I want to work on that day. ;)
Posted by: Lindsay at April 3, 2007 9:32 PMIchiban kan! That store is so fun! I actually go more to get random kitchen things. You should check out Daiso in Daly City. It's supposed to be even BETTER than that store. I still have to check it out.
Posted by: yaiAnn at April 3, 2007 9:52 PMCan you give me specifics as to where this store is? Is it in that indoor mall? My daughters want to drag me to Japantown soon to stock up on Studio Ghibli stuff and I wouldn't mind a dollar store diversion.
Posted by: Sue at April 3, 2007 10:20 PMCan you give me specifics as to where this store is? Is it in that indoor mall? My daughters want to drag me to Japantown soon to stock up on Studio Ghibli stuff and I wouldn't mind a dollar store diversion.
Posted by: Sue at April 3, 2007 10:20 PMHi - I found your de-stash blog and wrote the e-mail address there about one of the offerings still listed - haven't heard back - is it all closed down now? Thanks!
Posted by: Kabira at April 3, 2007 10:45 PMHi - I found your de-stash blog and wrote the e-mail address there about one of the offerings still listed - haven't heard back - is it all closed down now? Thanks!
Posted by: Kabira at April 3, 2007 10:46 PMHi - I found your de-stash blog and wrote the e-mail address there about one of the offerings still listed - haven't heard back - is it all closed down now? Thanks!
Posted by: Kabira at April 3, 2007 10:46 PMHi - I found your de-stash blog and wrote the e-mail address there about one of the offerings still listed - haven't heard back - is it all closed down now? Thanks!
Posted by: Kabira at April 3, 2007 10:46 PMOh man! I *love* that dollar store in Japan Town! I so need to go there. Hmm I'll already be in Daly City on Monday morning...I think I smell the beginning of a trip to Japan Town on Monday afternoon!! (And maybe even Daiso that yaiAnn is talking about!) I so totally love dollar stores though. I get pretty insane in them, especially when there is cute stuff involved!!
And I am totally laughing at that pic on Freecia's site. How hilarious. :)
Posted by: Teenuh at April 3, 2007 11:33 PMI love all the sheep-y goodness. And, I look forward to watching your Knitty Gritty show today! :)
Posted by: Jen at April 4, 2007 4:19 AMOOhhhh! So many sheepy things are country-ish, and these things are not at all. Love them. Covet them.
Posted by: Mandy at April 4, 2007 4:26 AMOK, I am gasping for air right now...WHERE is there a Japanese dollar store? Let me guess: Seattle or L.A.
Killer haul, btw.
Posted by: Heather at April 4, 2007 4:38 AMLOL, this post is cracking me up. Love your haul, and I thought I would only have the Japanese knitting books to be jealous of!
Can't wait to get home tonight and watch Knitty Gritty, it's already recorded religiously.But since YOU are going to be on it I won't be able to wait to see it!
Posted by: Jen at April 4, 2007 7:16 AMI love J-Town! I haven't been there in ages. The plastic sheep stuff is so irresistible! I don't question your sanity at all. In fact, I commend your good taste and your self control for not buying all the hedgehog stuff as well.
Congratulations, Cookie, on being the guest star on Knitty Gritty ! I hope I can see someone's recording of your Knitty Gritty episode! Freecia? Since I don't get DIY, I don't want to wait until HGTV airs it.
Hey! We're recording your DIY spot today! I can't wait to see you... (I would say break a leg, but you already did it --- and we'd hate for you to break one of your legs!)
Also, congrats on getting more of your patterns out in the commerce world. (Especially RiverKnits in our home town! *cheer!*) You've really taken off! Enjoy! You've earned it! -j.
Posted by: julietta at April 4, 2007 7:44 AMI just brought some of that stuff home from my vacation! (Why yes I did go to a 99-cent store on vacation.)
Posted by: JessZ at April 4, 2007 8:13 AMHey Cookie! I'll look for you on Knitty Gritty. Please email me. I had a computer crash and lost your email address.
Posted by: janel at April 4, 2007 11:12 AMI love the stores in SF's Japantown. I cannot control myself either, although I don't think I've ever gone as wild as you did.
Posted by: Gina at April 4, 2007 11:28 AMyou were great! finally some nice knits on knitty gritty!
Posted by: nishanna at April 4, 2007 11:33 AMBravo! I just watched your episode of Knitty Gritty. Well done Cookie! I hope they continue to offer more episodes like this for more advanced knitters.
I really like your method for making smaller yo's. The only time I've done that in the past is when I forget one!
Posted by: Kirsten at April 4, 2007 11:34 AMIchiban Kan is da bomb! I love that store, especially when they've got Aloha canned juice in stock.
As for Knitty Gritty, I'm keeping my fingers crossed I programed the ancient VCR correctly. Otherwise, I hope I can catch it when they do repeats.
Posted by: C. at April 4, 2007 11:47 AMI just saw your Knitty Gritty episode! Very nice. You may have convinced me to do toe up socks. I've been able to resist so far, but now I feel the pull...
Posted by: Rox at April 4, 2007 11:57 AMGreat stuff!
Even better... your knitty gritty episode!
You did a fabulous job!! Super clear, super confident. If I hadn't seen you there the day before and heard you say you were anxious, I never, ever, would have been able to tell.
The socks looked just as great on tv as they looked in person as well.
Congrats on a job well done!
That is an awesome haul you came home with. Everything is SO cute. I am totally inspired....must make trip to Japantown. (That is now my mantra.)
Posted by: chancy at April 4, 2007 2:50 PMLove it!! Spectated you on Knitty today as well and, what else, Loved it. Lots of great tips since I'm trying to tackle your Monkey socks at the present.
Posted by: Phara Thomas at April 4, 2007 3:51 PMCookie!! You looked great on Knitty Gritty!!
Love the sock (of course) and I finally "get" the figure 8 cast on.
Knit on!
such cute stuff!
you look fantastic on knitty gritty -- watching it now (tivo, baby). :) go you!
Posted by: jess at April 4, 2007 7:08 PMYou did not tell me about the hedgehogs! they are really cute, I may need some.
Posted by: jillyb at April 4, 2007 7:45 PMwow, i am so very covetous. that's the best use of fifty bucks i've ever seen!
Posted by: stefanie at April 4, 2007 8:26 PMYou did GREAT on Knitty Gritty, Cookie! I wish they had showed more of you working the heel though.
Posted by: Pensguys at April 4, 2007 10:24 PMThe sheep-y stuff is so adorable. I wish we had a Japanese dollar store. Sigh.
You totally rocked Knitty Gritty! I loved watching you do the figure 8 cast on. That's the best explanation I've ever seen. I think they need to have you back again....:)
Posted by: Tasha at April 5, 2007 3:34 AMCookie,
Really, you were wonderful. And so adorable!!
I have never tried toe up socks but boy I'm interested now. Even my husband sat down to watch with me and said, " Hey, look at that. What a pretty sock!"....he watched the entire show with me.
You're a star!!!
LOVE THE SHEEP MUG!!!! And everything else sheep too!
Where are these stores? California? Tell me so I can hop the next plane!!!!!
I'm totally serious!!!
LOVE THE SHEEP MUG!!!! And everything else sheep too!
Where are these stores? California? Tell me so I can hop the next plane!!!!!
I'm totally serious!!!
LOVE THE SHEEP MUG!!!! And everything else sheep too!
Where are these stores? California? Tell me so I can hop the next plane!!!!!
I'm totally serious!!!
LOVE THE SHEEP MUG!!!! And everything else sheep too!
Where are these stores? California? Tell me so I can hop the next plane!!!!!
I'm totally serious!!!
LOVE the sheep, very cute!
You were awesome on Knitty Gritty! I love the sock pattern (but when haven't I loved one of your sock patterns!?)
I actually live within walking distance of that store, but haven't been there for a while. Looks like I need to go back, pronto!
Posted by: Terri at April 5, 2007 10:16 AMYay for sheep! Too bad manufacturers don't put alpaca, goats and silkworms on stuff too (okay, the silkworms might be a little overboard).
I must, however, grr a little bit over the Knitty Gritty ep. I started the German Stocking, I am now committed to it, and here you are showing this awesome short-row technique on the heels with yet another great pattern! I can't start these right now, all of my needles are in use! Unless I give in and buy those lovely rosewood dpns from my LYS.... hmmm....
Posted by: Scarlet at April 5, 2007 11:12 AMI record Knitty Gritty daily and was very pleased to find you were on the show yesterday. It was excellent! I've been wanting to try toe-up socks but have been intimidated by them. After the show, I sat right down and made a toe. It was very exciting and I would like to thank you for showing me how. My next pair of socks will be those socks from the show!
My only issue was that Vicki Howell interrupted you in the middle of showing the cast-off. I needed to Google "sewn cast off" afterwards to get the rest of the details.
Ok. I got so distracted reading all of the comments that I forgot what I was going to say myself. Argh! Hold on.... Oh yeah! The magazine holders. Dang. I need some of those. I am trying to organize all of my knitting stuff into one area and those would be perfect! Cookie, did you really take them ALL?! Wonder if they'll get another shipment...
Posted by: Cindy at April 5, 2007 12:46 PMMust...find...cute...stuff....
I love the hedgehog stuff - so cute!
Posted by: Kate at April 5, 2007 1:02 PMOkay, I just looked at Freecia's pics and if this place is in San Fran then I've BEEN there! I've stood in front of the tower and, my god, if that crepe store in the back isn't the most amazing thing ever (green tea gelato with red bean paste!)....
Next time I'm there I'm absolutely going to that store! If you haven't already cleaned it out that is :P
Posted by: Natasha at April 5, 2007 11:30 PMOk, ya got me hooked! I usually only go to the bookstore and Nijiya - had some time and thought, "hmm, gotta check out what Cookie is talking about". WOW! Got a few projects holders (flat cases and "tool boxes")- good prices! thanks for the write-up.
Posted by: Terry at April 8, 2007 7:49 AMhi there!
so of course, after you raided the SF ichiban kan, i raided the East Bay ichicban kan in El Cerrito.
:o)if you wanna do a swap, let me know! I got some good 'mouton' goodies too! i put a link in my sidebar. :o)happy easter and happy spring!
What? I have been to Japantown and never realized there was a $ store. I will definitely have to check it out next time I'm in SF. Such cute things you scored!
Posted by: soknitpicky at April 8, 2007 10:11 PMThose are some of the funniest sheep (and hedgehogs) I have ever seen. I positively adore them.
It is kind of funny...the hedgehog bag says "souris" on it, or "mouse" in french!!
Posted by: Mouse at April 9, 2007 1:19 PMThat sheepy stuff is too dang funny, because I'd do the same thing... buy it all up. Except, I might have stopped at 10 magazine holders. I've trained my kids well too because anytime they see any knitting, yarn or sheep, they yell to me right away. Nothing like having my own personal army of knitting accoutrement spies out in the world.
Posted by: mary at April 10, 2007 7:12 PMI raided that store yesterday, but now I know there's also one in El Cerrito! I posted about my loot here: http://auntieannknits.blogspot.com/2007/04/colors.html
Posted by: AuntieAnn at April 13, 2007 10:28 AMJust read your blog on acquiring all those sheepas! When my kids were little i saw lego pieces of a sheep - i am sorry i never bought it! I, too, love sheep. Saw you on knitty gritty. You were great!! I went online looking for your book!!! so next year, huh?
Posted by: Knotty Dot at April 21, 2007 9:23 AMJust read your blog on acquiring all those sheepas! When my kids were little i saw lego pieces of a sheep - i am sorry i never bought it! I, too, love sheep. Saw you on knitty gritty. You were great!! I went online looking for your book!!! so next year, huh?
Posted by: Knotty Dot at April 21, 2007 9:23 AMJust read your blog on acquiring all those sheepas! When my kids were little i saw lego pieces of a sheep - i am sorry i never bought it! I, too, love sheep. Saw you on knitty gritty. You were great!! I went online looking for your book!!! so next year, huh?
Posted by: Knotty Dot at April 21, 2007 9:24 AMI'm so glad I wasn't the only one that went wild for the sheep goodies at the Japanese dollar store! Did you see the binders with the page protectors or the plastic file folders? After reading your blog, I think I need to make a return trip to Ichiban Kan.
Posted by: hapagirl at April 22, 2007 6:55 PM