Hello Kitty Crochet Book Review

by Mei Li Lee

WHERE to Buy:

Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Barnes & Nobles

Just Adorable

I don't knit or crochet. I don't plan to do either any time soon. I bought this hardcover book for one reason and one reason only...

It is just plain too cute for words!

As a Sanrio collector, this book fits all the requirements to add to my Sanrio book collection. Even if you aren't planning to take up crocheting in the near future, this book will come in handy for future generations who will want to give it a try as a fun hobby. 

For myself, as soon as I saw the adorable little creations-- I just knew that I would never get tired of combing through the colorful pictures of the crochet characters (of Sanrio). If you have guests visiting your home, it's another entertaining way to pass up time. Those who are fans of kawaii will want to steal your book away, just for the pictures alone being so adorably cute.

An added bonus is that the book focuses on more than one Sanrio character, not just Hello Kitty as the title of the book suggests only. I keep wondering why the book isn't called "Sanrio Crochet," but then again it might be because it won't sell as much as it would if it was represented as Sanrio. To me, Sanrio has to start somewhere to make their name as a popular brand as their character, Hello Kitty. Why not start with this book?

After finishing flipping through the book, I found that each character had something little extra that represented their story along with the easy to follow instructions on crocheting each character.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥ 1/2

Below are Pages from the book:

A Keeper!

Review: Hello Kitty's Check Plaid Series

At last, a red series line!

Check Plaid Design

Recently, Sanrio has come out with a new series line-- all in red color. If what memory serves me, it has been a long time since Sanrio has focused on a red series line (excludes kitchen tools). They've been certainly focused on the color pink for both characters: Hello Kitty and My Melody. While there's nothing wrong with focusing on a pink color theme, a change up of colors to a red theme would bring about some diversity to the character, whether it being My Melody or Hello Kitty. Plus, red is a classic color that both characters have started out with-- a red bow for HK and a red hood for My Melody.

Including myself, there are many fans who have missed a red themed Hello Kitty series (plugin: RED hood My Melody fans too!). So, when Check Plaid design series came along and was released, I was very excited and hoping that several items would catch my eye to add to my collection.

Unfortunately, I have to say that none of the items in the red Check Plaid series caught my interest. 

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥ 3/4

In the 90's, Sanrio would release a series line that had more than 22 items. It would also include a matching series of stickers, pens, erasers, stationery, and desktop products. The whole shebang!

Nowadays, it's a limited regular series that we get from time to time. I have a feeling that if this red series had included stickers, a pencil case, classic stamp set box, ceramic coin bank, and pens to purchase, I'd be first in line to order.

Breakdown:
Handbags

I think I am turned off by this design because I know that the handbags are laminated embossed instead of just fabric feeling of the handbags. When you run your hand over the bags, you will feel the plastic laminated embossed that will protect your bags from staining easily. 

Again, what's with the plastic? 

Sure, the designers laminated for the benefit of keeping the stains away, but it's not the same if it has a shiny gloss over the product. Compared to a Gucci hangbag, do you see them putting plastic over their leather bags? Would you like carrying around plastic covered purses? For me, it's a definite BIG fat NO!

For me, it's all about FASHION. No plastic needed, thank you very much.

So what if your handbags are stained after using a few months later? It's why we're called shopaholics for a reason. We have an excuse to go buy another gorgeous handbag out there that has caught our eye. It's a repeated cycle. We get something new, it eventually gets old and retired from use, then replaced.

Another thing that is a turn off, the gold outline of Hello Kitty is a bit hard to see from the busy plaid background. Since it's laminated, I'd make a stab of it and guess that the gold outlining of HK is separate from the red plaid handbag, right? Meaning the gold outline is printed on the laminated embossed material. 

Conclusion: Cheap design

Why does this watch look like cheap plastic or a cheap imitation of a real watch?

What happened to the middle portion of Hello Kitty's upper body? Why is it designed like that?

Junolyn's Mid-Year Top Picks

It's that time of the year again for finding a special gift for a loved one or rather for yourself. Whether it's a back-to-school gift, an early birthday gift, or a special just-because gift-- it's a small reminder that little things can bring about a huge smile.

Have you brighten someone's day yet?

Already ordered for my personal collection

Hello Kitty Calendar Display Stand
Color: Wooden

This wooden display stand is not just any ordinary Calendar stand, but a special Message or Graphic Display Message stand. It being wooden is perfect to blend in any modern style living room or home office. Also, it's a perfect fit for those who want to avoid flashy bright colors theme.  You need an International Shopping Agent (I.S.A.) to order this piece.
Please see FAQ for an Agent.

Sanrio Vinyl Wallets
Retro Vintage

Are you a vintage collector or know someone who collects vintage stuff? If you do, then this gift will surely be a great addition to anyone's vintage collection. You need an I.S.A. to order these wallets: Hello Kitty, Marron Cream, and Keroppi.

Little Twin Stars Jigsaw Puzzle
Alice in Wonderland

If you're looking to add a little "cute" into your everyday activities for your home, this puzzle will do the trick. A simple way to entertain your family or friends while bonding over a good conversation and tasty snacks. You need an I.S.A. to order this piece.

 

Hello Kitty 8" Robot Plush
Tokidoki Collaboration

Tired of the color PINK that you see everywhere? Then, this plush is a perfect addition to your plush collection. It's futuristic and blue. Enough said. 

You can order online here.

Hello Kitty Deluxe Pencil Case: Reunion
Tokidoki Collaboration

Here's a perfect pencil case to bring with you everywhere you travel. One important thing to note is that the style is definitely C-O-O-L. Other designed cases have a style that fits more for the younger kids, especially when it's in neon pink color. You can order online here.

Remember that all these suggestions have a limited stock, so get them while you still can. 

XOXO,

Lyn  :0)

Graph Humor

Where's the nearest Sanrio store in your area?

For the Love of My Melody

My Melody *Dress Up* Series

Gallery Update

It's been a week since I received the latest My Melody series. I have not been able to take my eyes off them, nor been able to put them away until I can properly display them. As you can see below, my Sanrio collection just got even more kawaii. 

Breakdown of the *Dress Up* Series:

First thing, let's start off with the pair of keychain plushies. Each small plush has a different Lolita type kind of outfit. Usually, I do not like collecting tiny size plushes, but I could not pass these two up. Could you?

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥   (out of 5 ♥'s) 

The *Dress Up* series comes with a pretty necklace and a set of earrings.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥ 

*Dress Up* Deluxe Plush

Out of the whole series, this plush is the highlight of the group. It definitely is a *must have* for any My Melody collector. The quality of the plush speaks for itself in the picture below.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥  

*Dress Up* Maid Plush

This plush is another round of pleaser. Dressed in a blue and white checkered dress, it gives off a sweet image.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥  

*Dress Up* Jewelry Case

I bought this leather case to transport jewelry whenever I go outside for an event or special occasion. It fits perfectly in a large handbag or even in a small carry on luggage. Besides being very pretty and pink, the case smells like new leather. >.<

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥  

*Dress Up* Sticker

Lastly, this sticker rounds off the whole series in delighting My Melody fans with images of the plushes.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥ 1/2 

 One sheet is never enough for me

So far, my My Melody collection has been growing larger and larger for the past year and a half. I started off with a small collection a few years back, but now it has accumulated into a growing obsession for this pink bunny. My Melody is no longer the last character in my Favorites ranking list. I've since added Tuxedo Sam to the list and he's at the bottom of the rank.

 

 

 Sweet.

Dependability on a Brand

Lasting Longevity?

Here's a problem that I foresee for our Sanrio Community.  You cannot grow a large community in terms of longevity without dependability on a brand of character(s). With Sanrio constantly taking away our classic characters to make room for newer characters, how long can one Collector stay interested in the brand itself? 

Many of us have a short span of interest and once we lose that spark of intrigue, we eventually move on to different brands that we can depend on growing with our new found collection. Sanrio releases around 10-15 new items of a popular character like Chococat as an example, while Hello Kitty, My Melody, and even Little Twin Stars get a whole large line of regular series. If you're not as lucky and during rare times, Sanrio releases about 5 items per series on classic characters like Keroppi. 

How about Pochacco? Charmmy Kitty? Tuxedo Sam? Well, you might as well put these characters out of your mind because Sanrio has "discontinued" them. You won't be getting a series lineup anytime soon with their current agenda being rolled out. You can only get a TINY sized plush from a chain store like Target or Toys R' US.

Sanrio just released a "few" items of Piano, My Melody's pet sidekick. How long do you think Piano Collectors will get bored of waiting for new merchandise releases? Sanrio cannot be depended for collectors to grow a large amount of collection if the character are not HK, My Melody, LTS, and Pompompurin.

Scenario

Let's say you are a new Collector and want to collect Keroppi, but you can't really do it because Sanrio is not dependable on releasing new merchandise for this character. With the fewer items released, it wouldn't give you much of a collection to brag about to other fellow collectors. 

Has anyone noticed that in all the rare merchandise series releases-- the few products are types of "safe" investment for the branding company? It's always the same type of things like small (5" or always 8 inches) plushes, keychains, and face towels. What is Sanrio afraid of? Lack of sales profit? Well, if Sanrio cannot give dependability and confidence to classic character Collectors, how can Sanrio expect to get sales?  

Below are rare vintage "type" of merchandise that you will never see Sanrio make again (are they not safe in terms of profits?):

 

Profits, profits--- It's all about the Money

While we are on the subject, how can a Collector gain confidence on a character brand if all they sell in their mainstream stores are Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars? Oh, and let's not forget about those non-Sanrio products like a few San-X products here and there. But, then again, you have other Sanrio stores (in America & overseas) that sell mainly just Hello Kitty. If you really wanted My Melody or Little Twin Stars merchandise, you'd have to special order them from International Shopping Agents.

More money = a kitsch brand

WANTED: More Sanrio Bloggers!

The one thing I hope in the far future that the Sanrio Community would be large enough to showcase many Sanrio related blogs out there in the world. It's not just about Hello Kitty-- but, Sanrio!

Vote

If you have a Sanrio blog or based on a Sanrio character(s), please do submit your site. It can be a Sanrio related blog or even a Sanrio photo blog.

Review of Past Pochacco Series Design

Who loves Pochacco?
As my second favorite Sanrio character, Pochacco, is the loveable white chubby dog, who has captured my love and attention for years. 

Aside from the other favorite classic characters, Pochacco has been with me since the very beginning of my childhood years. Through thick and thin, I could always count on Pochacco to be there when I visited a Sanrio store back in the old golden days.

Nowadays, I can live through those precious moments by just looking up at my wall shelf, full of Pochacco items. Items that you can't buy anywhere else except through collectors-- that is if they're willing to sell them.  

19??

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥

I never knew Pochacco had a cute looking skunk sidekick

19??

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥

Classic Pochacco version will always makes us appreciate the good old days.

**Pic provided by Flickr

1992

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

I really do have a thing for polka dots!

The color scheme combo works perfectly together. How can you not love Pochacco in a pink stripe shirt?

**Pic provided by Flickr

19??

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥

Another blend of polka dots and stripe shirt. Change up of colors still works for this playful pup!

1993

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥

I am not sure why I love this particular design. Maybe it's the Outer Space planet on Pochacco's t-shirt or it can be that I love how pink, green, and purple seem to go well together.

1994

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

I'm not much of a sports geek, but I love how playful this design turned out.

Sporty Pochacco shows us his love for basketball with his sidekick mouse at his side

**Pic provided by Flickr

1994

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

The whole black ensemble design is very eye-catching.

The design almost reminds of a painted canvas with white trimmings and a style that fits the 90's to a "T".

1995

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥

It's a simple design with an added touch of more sidekicks to add to the picture. Pochacco will never feel lonely. Lucky dog! ;p






**Pic provided by Flickr

1996

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥ 1/2

The difference here in this design is that Pochacco is wearing a scarf. A minor change that still works well for this design and with a purple background. I see a trend here: dark colors for the pup?

 **Pic provided by Flickr

1997

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥

I see REDs. Yes, lots and lots of red plaid with Pochacco. On items, this design must have been hella cute. Gimme!




**Pic provided by Flickr

1998

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥ 1/2

I see a row of adorable dudes that look like Pochacco! Wait! It is Pochacco in different outfits. Cool-as-smorgasbord!

**Pic provided by Flickr

1999

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

This puppy is flying high... in goggles! Wonder where this pup is racing off to?

**Pic provided by Flickr

1999

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥

One of my very favorite Pochacco designs in 3D. Pochacco + Bubbles = dying of such cuteness

**Pic provided by Flickr

19??

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥

Pretty please with a Pretty P on top?

**Pic provided by Flickr

2000

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥ 3/4

Simple yet effective, isn't it?

**Pic provided by Flickr

2000

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥

I'm definitely in love with 3D Pochacco!

The stars, space & time, 3D Pochacco traveling the universe-- what else can you ask for?


**Pic provided by Flickr

????

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥

I think I'd need to see the full effect on the merchandise before I can love this ski design.



**Pic provided by Flickr

2002

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥

The moped Pochacco driving machine design is unique and a very cool design for those who love it. For me, it isn't one of my favorite designs of Pochacco. I can see guys liking the design.

**Pic provided by Flickr

200?

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥

It's a more recent style and there isn't much to the design that makes me want to love this cute K-9. Too bland?
**Pic provided by Flickr

There have been many more designs, but I have covered the basic ones that have stood out from the rest. If only we had a more better record of past designs for characters like Pochacco and Keroppi. Until then, I have my Pochacco Sticker Album to go through to enjoy and see past designs that have been forgotten through space and time.

There Are Days I Hate Hello Kitty

I think I have a love and hate relationship with Hello Kitty. Even though she's my favorite Sanrio character, I have days where I can't stand the sight of her.

I'm betting that I'm not alone in this feeling.

Hello Kitty can be extremely cute, cool, pretty, and iconic-- all things that I love about the character. Then, there's the ugly side of her that I can't ignore.  No matter where I look, I can't escape the ugliness of Hello Kitty. You know what I am talking about. I don't have to spell it out for you.

Sometimes, I wonder what makes me love this cute white cat and in the next instant, feel such a strong dislike towards the character. I guess the phrase: "on the flip side of love is hate" is true.

Recently, I read an online article stating that Hello Kitty was not on top #1 spot on the Sanrio Character Ranking Contest and my gut reaction? Good.

Yeah, I know, I should be rooting for my favorite character, but let's face it-- the character ranking list is most likely rigged by Sanrio to promote their new characters. Like longtime fans are going to forget those beloved classic characters that have been pushed aside to make room for their "food" characters just so Sanrio can compete with San-X for the #1 title of Best Character Branding company.

Maybe part of my dislike for Hello Kitty has to do with how Sanrio treats their many classic characters for newer characters and how they favor their money maker in America. Yeah, I understand from a business point of view that Hello Kitty is their cash cow, but to lose sight of what makes their company so special seems very unfair. 

Hello Kitty is great-- we all know this. Pochacco can be just as great. Keroppi can be just as special as Hello Kitty with the right amount of attention and promotional activities. Same can be said for Spottie Dottie, Pippo, Tuxedo Sam, Chococat, etc. 

Do you think Sanrio listens to the fans? What do they do? In recent years if you had walked into a Sanrio boutique store, you find the store nearly filled with everything Hello Kitty and not one big section of different characters. In the 90's, I remember going into a Sanrio store and being extremely giddy at seeing the different sections (S-E-C-T-I-O-N-S not tiny ones) of My Melody, Little Twin Stars, Pochacco, Keroppi, Tuxedo Sam, and Spottie Dottie. Going into a store like that was like stepping into a different world. A fantasy world of cuteness.

Now, they sell mainly Hello Kitty and items that are non-Sanrio, instead of bringing back the classic beloved characters. Great marketing job, Sanrio. Well done. And, another home runner-- they take away the many Sanrio boutique stores in favor of putting their character merchandise in chain stores like Target and Wal-Mart. Yeah, way to be classy and unique. 

I have a feeling that I'll be entering Disney stores more often to get back the feeling of being in a dream world full of imagination and love.

At the end of everything, I think the main factor in my hating Hello Kitty has to do with the fact that she's too overexposed. She's too kitsch. It's why I can relate to those who are not fans of kawaii -- hello, world!

But hey, it's just me. Loving or hating Hello Kitty, I'm still here blogging about my favorite hobby.