A houndstooth-check paper bag landed on my desk this morning. Inside was doodle paper and a nothing-short-of-fabulous pen kimono, sewn by May.
![Pen Kimono Pen Kimono](http://www.leighreyes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/maypencase-1.jpg)
The outside is green felt, accented with a dark green ribbon.
![Pen Kimono, inner flap Pen Kimono, inner flap](http://www.leighreyes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/maypencase-2.jpg)
The flap is meant as additional protection for pens.
![Pen Kimono - surprise! Pen Kimono - surprise!](http://www.leighreyes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/maypencase-3.jpg)
May mentioned that she knew I liked hidden details – and this certainly is a zinger of a hidden detail. An oriental floral silk lining contrasts attractively with the felt, and is also gentle on pens.
![Pen Kimono, with pens Pen Kimono, with pens](http://www.leighreyes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/maypencase-4.jpg)
The pen kimono has six pockets, wide enough for six of my Penzillas.
![Pen Kimono-maki Pen Kimono-maki](http://www.leighreyes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/maypencase-5.jpg)
Enough allowance between the pens means there’s no unsightly bunching or straining at the seams. That’s good for the pen kimono, and for the pens.
![Pen Kimono-maki Pen Kimono-maki](http://www.leighreyes.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/maypencase-6.jpg)
All rolled up and tidy, I like thinking of this as the Pen Kimono-maki. Even the ribbon reminds me of nori.
Thanks, May.