I still remember sitting my final secondary school exams with my knitting in my bag. Whenever we had a break between papers, I’d quietly knit a few more rows. Looking back, I can’t help but smile. Where did those days go?

Perhaps that’s one of the reasons I’ve always felt drawn to Japanese craftsmanship. There is such a deep respect for taking your time, for mastering a skill, and for creating objects that are meant to be cherished rather than replaced. In a world that celebrates speed and convenience, there is something wonderfully rebellious about choosing to make something by hand.

We’ve had the pleasure of working with Tomoko from Cocomahalo Fabric Garden for many years, and every piece she creates reflects that philosophy. Nothing is rushed. Every stitch is careful. Every offcut of fabric is given a second life.

This season, Tomoko has transformed carefully saved fabric remnants into the most beautiful placemats and coasters. What others might see as scraps become elegant pieces that bring warmth and character to a table. It is a quiet reminder that beauty often begins with care, patience and imagination.

Each piece is lovingly hand sewn, one by one, so only a small number are available. You’ll find them exclusively at our Kasturi store. I hope you’ll take a moment to look closely, because in every stitch you’ll find the kind of craftsmanship that deserves to be celebrated and preserved.

It’s always a joy collaborating with Tomoko, and I hope we’ll continue creating together for many years to come.