Monthly Archives: January 2014

Inspiration file 34
Gift-wrap made with fabric scraps

In the picture is a mini pennant garland which was made with a bunch of leftover fabric scraps coordinated with conventional colors of Christmas – red and green. The garland of small triangle pennants, 3 centimeters on a side each, can be a ribbon to embellish the wrapped gift. The garland turns out decoratively by combining distinct textured pennants from cotton prints, linen, and felt. You don’t have to trim the row edge of each piece. But your garland can be lovelier if you cut it out using your pinking shears. Fold and press the base side at 7 millimeter, match up one pennant with another pennant, and then sew sides together with a sewing machine. If you want to make a cord between each pennant, just continue running the machine without sewing fabric. Upper and bobbin threads tangle each other, and it can be like a cord. You can also make a pretty two-toned cord by using different colored thread for each upper and bobbin.

There is another way to tie pennants together without using a sewing machine. Fold down one side of pennant to make a casing, put your favorite cord into the casing, and glue to pennants.

This garland can also become an ornament for your Christmas tree. Or, how about making a larger pennant garland for a wall decoration?

Don’t you visualize various color combination or pattern matching for your new project while looking at your fabric scraps? Such a “happy moment” to think about your sewing projects may be a special gift for yourself.

Dalarna Horse’s Toy Ball

Size: 18cm (diameter)

Today’s project is a playful toy ball, using the design of a Swedish traditional craft, the Dalarna Horse as a main motif. Anri, who previously introduced stylish items like the lampshade using the echino series of fabric and leather combination card holder on this site, has returned to share her new creation.

Design & work ：Anri

Fabric shown for this sample：
　P26500-501（D)

Materials:
□ Fabric (Front/outer fabric A): 90cm×30cm
　　　 (Front/outer fabric B): 40cm×30cm
□ Poly stuffing

We interviewed Anri about her creation:
KF （Kokka Fabric (KF)) What did you think about the fabric you used for this project?
When I picked up and felt this fabric, the first image that came to my mind was a toy. A large print can be cute even in small pieces. I decided to cut a small part to use as an accent color piece.

KF:Can you tell us about any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
While I decided to use it as a small piece, it still has six pieces. The size is relatively large and it makes good use of the horse design with many stylish types of saddles.

KF:What are some tips for making this ball?
Make sure to align the finished lines. If you are not used to making tridimensional items, you may find it a little difficult. I think this one is perhaps easy since the size is relatively big.

KF:How should we use this ball in everyday settings?
Depending on how much stuffing you put in the ball, you can use it for many different purposes. For a kid’s or dog’s toy, it should be stuffed full and tight. A lightly stuffed ball can be used as a casual pillow or an armrest cushion. The size can be as small or as big as you like.

KF:Thank you very much, Anri! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!

Instructions of Dalarna Horse’s Toy Ball

Carefully cut the fabric. For this project, it may be easier to draw the finished lines on the back side of the fabric. A slight change in the final size of a ball is not a significant problem, however a precise cut is critical as even a little discrepancy can become twelve fold since six pieces of fabric are pieced together in this case.

With front/outer sides facing each other, sew together. Leave the top point portion of the seam allowance open. Only sew from one peak point to another. This helps the seam allowance from being pulled to tight.

Piece together the three pieces to create two sets of three pieced-together fabrics. Sew together the two sets of fabric, leaving an opening for turning. By sewing in this order, you can avoid creating a hole on the tip of the ball.

Turn the fabric over through the opening. Stuff it with poly stuffing and sew together the opening to close and complete.

Click here for Sewing Instructions (PDF format / A4 size)

Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty fabric for grown-up women is here!

Besides Japan, Hello Kitty popularity is spreading all over the world. With this trend, grown-up Kitty fans are increasing. This series of fabric is created for female grown-ups to enjoy Kitty. The motifs incorporated European art and the color combination appeals to non-Japanese tastes. The theme of this fabric is “Kitty fabric for female grown-ups”, and it is perfect for making interior décor goods and bags. Of course, the pop and cute element of this fabric are well suited for a new school year items.

Kitty skull design cotton broadcloth 　G50182-1 Cotton broadcloth , GQ50182-1 Double Faced Quilt Fabric

A skull, a popular motif overseas, is used for the design of this fabric. A vivid pink color acts as its accent.

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Neko Funjatta (The Flea Waltz)

A fun collaboration of a kitty and music

“A girl taking a piano lesson” is the theme of this fabric and it is perfect for making items for a new school year. Using the piano tune, “Neko Funjatta (the Flea Waltz)“ as the subject, which many of you may remember playing while growing up, a combination of cats and music is presented as design motifs. Moms and kids can enjoy items in pairs – perfect for kid’s items such as school goods and lesson bags.

Grand Piano 　　P25200-200 Oxford (Ox)

A small grand piano and black cat walking on the keys – it is as if the light sound of Neko Funjatta (the Flea Waltz) can be heard from this fabric. The small size patterns are well-suited for making a cup holder or small cases.

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Dalarna Horse＆Décor du ruban

Perfect for gift wrapping!

This time we are introducing two fabric designs – horse and ribbon. For the horse fabric, the Swedish traditional folk art, the Dalarna Horse is used as a design motif.

Décor du ruban is a series that uses a classic and timeless motif “ribbon” for its design theme with different materials and patterns. Using a girl’s favorite design motif, ribbon, Décor du ruban is perfect for making cute zakka (everyday miscellaneous) items. You can be creative by making a hair accessory with a ribbon design fabric or combining it with lots of frills….. It’s a fabric for your super lovely goods making.

Dalarna Horse　P26500-501 Cotton Broadcloth

The design motif is Dalarna Horse in vibrant and beautiful colors. Intentionally using a large design, it is designed with Northern Europe in mind. The fabric is a thin cotton broadcloth that is easy to sew. As an interior décor accent, you can enjoy making a cushion cover. By utilizing the vivid color horses, a convenient small tote for a quick outing is also a great choice for a project.

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