Year: 2024

...Continuing my Granny Square Cardigan Journey: If you missed the beginning, check out my first post here. I’ve been working on creating a crochet granny square cardigan, and it’s been quite the journey! From adjusting the granny square cardigan pattern to figuring out how to adjust crochet cardigan size, I’ve learned so much along the […]

...As the world of knitting grows, so do the options for formalizing one’s skills and gaining professional recognition. Two leading knitting certification programs stand out in this field: The Japan Handicraft Instructors Association (JHIA) in Japan and The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) in the United States. Both programs have distinct approaches to developing knitting expertise, […]

...If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a constant stream of thoughts, tasks, or ideas, the brain dump technique could be the answer you need. I started exploring the brain dump technique after feeling overwhelmed by the growing list of tasks both at work and home. It turned out to be a simple yet powerful way to […]

...I first looked into the Japan Handicraft Instructors Association (JHIA) Knitting Certification after struggling to teach myself crochet through YouTube. When I started knitting—especially with garments in mind—I wanted a more structured way to build my skills. Many of the patterns I admired were from Japanese designers, so learning their techniques felt like the right […]

...On December 1st, I took the JLPT N1, marking a significant milestone in my Japanese language learning journey. It was both challenging and enlightening, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you. In this post, I’ll discuss what to expect from the JLPT exam based on my personal experience, along with practical tips to […]

...In the first part of this series, we walked through setting up your Notion reading tracker by creating properties like Title, Author, Status, and more. As I started adding more books, I realized that viewing them in different layouts helped me stay motivated and organized. Now, it’s time to take your tracker to the next […]

...I used to jot down books in a notebook or leave half-finished lists in random apps—but it never quite worked. That changed when I built my own Notion reading tracker. It helped me finally stay consistent, see my reading patterns, and actually finish what I started. Whether you’re aiming to read more this year, explore […]

...How do you organize your knitting supplies? Keeping small knitting and crochet tools organized can be a challenge. I used to struggle with this—my stitch markers and blunt needles always ended up scattered or buried in my bag. If you’re like me and searching for a storage solution that’s practical, portable, and affordable, I’ve found […]

...The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is just around the corner—scheduled for Sunday, December 1, 2024 (AATJ). I’m also taking the test, and with only a few weeks left, I’ve learned to stop spreading myself thin and zero in on what actually helps. This guide shares my personal strategies for making the most of the final […]

...I used to feel scattered juggling work and personal tasks—until I started using a To-Do list app consistently. Over time, I’ve built a system that helps me stay clear and focused. In this post, I’ll share how I actually use these apps to manage my day. Whether you’re balancing work commitments or handling personal errands, […]