Japanese TV wants to interview ME?

ZOMG, readers -- you won't believe how I spent yesterday!

About a month ago I'd received an email from a producer at Japan's Nippon TV network, saying they were interested in doing a short (2 1/2 minute) segment about vintage sewing machines.  They'd discovered my blog and were wondering if they could do an interview.

With my friend Johanna.

And would I kindly contact her for them?

OK, originally it sounded like they were interested in both of us, but after a few email exchanges it became clear that they wanted to tape the segment at Johanna's apartment, focus on Johanna's machines, and -- tragically -- interview just Johanna.

Friends, I was totally OK with this.  I've had my fifteen minutes of fame (or at least Cathy has); now it was Johanna's turn.  Not to mention that Johanna's collection of roughly twenty vintage machines dwarfs my own.  And her colorful, artsy-craftsy apartment is much more telegenic.  Plus she doesn't live with two yapping chihuahuas.

The interview was scheduled for yesterday afternoon.  Johanna made me promise I'd be there -- it's not like I pulled a Lucy Ricardo, hoping to break into show business by squeezing myself into the frame.  Also too, Johanna didn't want to be alone while her home was invaded by strangers, and who can blame her?

Johanna had spent a few days prepping her machines, straightening up the apartment, that sort of thing.  I got there early and was immediately reminded how many beautiful machines she owns.  There are sewing machines in almost every nook and cranny!

A few highlights:















When the TV crew of four arrived (two of whom spoke no English), they already had a precise idea of what they wanted to cover.  A lot of time was spent moving furniture, setting up lights, plugging in cords, and making sure the machines (and Johanna) were ready for their close-ups.









They wanted to tape Johanna sewing more than just a fabric scrap, so Johanna actually ripped open the seams of an old muslin so she could sew it back together.   That was my idea!









It was a very long day, readers -- they filmed for roughly four and a half hours!  Fortunately after the adventure was finished, Johanna treated me to dinner at a marvelous Greek restaurant that specializes in fish. 

Greek coffee is half grounds.

I am very proud of Johanna, who (so far) hasn't let her sewing machine celebrity go to her head.  The segment is due to air in early December and I think it is going to be big, very big.  At least in Japan.  I only hope Johanna still remembers me when she's starring in her own Japanese reality show.

You can view more photos of Johanna's large (and growing) vintage sewing machine collection, as well as highlights of our day under the glare of portable klieg lights here.

Don't you think it's time for Johanna to formally open her sewing machine museum already?

Have a great day, everybody!