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Masahiro Tobita (Designer for “spoken words project”)

Pursuing the creations of something original free from established ideas

The Japanese fashion brand “spoken words project” has a reputation for its clothes made uniquely with hand-dyed or hand-printed technique. Masahiro Tobita, who has nurtured the brand, is currently involved in a wide range of activities surpassing the fashion field such as stage costume design, scenography, and textile design as well as creating clothing. Tobita’s “spoken words project” teamed up with Kokka to create a new textile brand named “3min.” which made a cool debut in June, 2016. Here is an extensive interview with Tobita who is pursuing something new. This will show you what is behind his design work.

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Kokka-fabric.com (KF): What type of boy were you when you were young?

 I always wanted to do something different from the others, and I was really competitive. My everyday clothes were made by my mother who had studied at Bunka Fashion College, Japan’s leading fashion school. Indeed, I wore them delightedly.
In my junior high years, I got interested in fashion. I frequented secondhand clothes shops in Harajuku. There had been many thrift stores in Harajuku area until DC (Designer Character) brand boom arose in ‘80s when I was in high school.
I had wished to go to a high school with design department, but it was located outside of my school district. Eventually I entered a regular high school in compliance with my father who was a strictly traditional Japanese male.

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(pic: This woodblock print is Tobita’s art project in his junior high years titled “Portrait of My Friend”)

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Tote Bag with a gusset

Size: about 32cm (l) about 33cm (w) about 20cm (d)

The featured project is a large tote bag with ample gussets made in KESHIKI’s weekend city. The fabric is characterized with the designs of the neon lights looking sharp at night and the lively townscape on the weekend. The bag adds a nice accent to your outfit, especially against a simple combination of white shirt and a pair of blue jeans.

Design & Work: Kokka Fabric


Fabric shown for this sample:
 KESHIKI JG30000-1 (C)


Materials:
□ Outer fabric: 110cm wide×90cm
□ Lining fabric:110cm wide×70cm
□ Fusible interfacing (thick): 110cm wide×90cm
□ Magnetic hook: 15mm diameter×1pair

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Click here for Sewing Instructions (PDF format / A4 size)
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Parallels 2

Animal prints that are perfect for children’s apparel

Continued from last column, Ellen Baker’s new collection Parallels is featured, including two designs of cotton/linen canvas and two designs of brushed cotton flannel fabrics.

Pandas JG42800-800 Cotton Linen Canvas
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In every collection, Ellen always features simple and easy-to-use geometric patterns. In Parallels animal motifs are added as new elements. Looking like stamped images, somewhat mature looking animals make this fabric perfect for bags and small cases for adults as well as for home décor items.

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Parallels

Stylish Double Gauze with Geometric Motifs

Atlanta, USA resident and quilter Ellen Baker’s new fabrics, Parallels, are here. Inspired from the 1980s style, this new collection features a design in double gauze, cotton linen canvas and flannel, each with two different designs for a total of six. This week we are introducing the double gauze selections.

Hashtags JG42700-700 Double Gauze Cotton 100%
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Believe it or not, the motif is a hashtag. Looking almost like a stitched design, these geometric small patterns are all over the fabric, making any part of the fabric suitable for projects. A soft touch double gauze is perfect for apparel as well as for curtains.

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Messenger Bag

Size: 22cm (l) 36 (maximum width) 10cm (maximum depth)

The featured messenger bag is created with echino’s jacquard series. Its useful size can accommodate A4 size documents. The length of shoulder strap can easily be adjusted with a slide adjuster, making it suitable for kids’ school bag. Of course this bag is also perfect for a male grown up.

Design & Work:Anriko


Fabric shown for this sample: echino JG96160-61 (A)


Materials:
□ Fabric (Flap): 80cm×30cm
   (Other (Cotton Twill): 110cm wide×140cm
□ Fusible interfacing (Medium thickness): 90cm×80cm
□ Quilt batting: 4cm×140cm
□ Square ring, Slide adjuster: One each – 4cm inner diameter
□ Velcro: Two pairs – 10.5cm x 5cm 

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We interviewed Anriko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?。
It feels soft to your skin and I first thought of creating some home décor items. On second thought, I decided to make a bag so that I can carry around an item with this vivid color.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
To make it useful, the bag can accommodate A4 size documents with large pockets. The overall design is solid and shapely, making it suitable for men. Since it incorporates ideas normally featured in commercial products, the finished bag does not look like a handmade piece.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
The basic pattern for the main bag and one for the gusset will work for other parts by reducing or extending the length. Utilizing the markings will also help you cleanly finish the curved edges

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
The picture shows the bag with a short shoulder strap. With the slide adjuster, you can carry the bag at the style you like. I think this bag can be enjoyed by the whole family – not just for mom but for dad and kids carrying it for school and after school activities.

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

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