Visit Artist 018: Tess Darrow and Kara Yanagawa (Egg Press)

Making the world a more thoughtful place

Since 1999, Egg Press has been creating original, inspiring, handcrafted letterpress greeting cards and lifestyle products that connect and enrich people’s lives. Last year, their first fabric collection debuted at the international Quilt market in Huston.　Kokka-fabric interviewed founder and co-creative director Tess Darrow and Kara Yanagawa.

Kokka-fabric.com (KF) Last year you celebrated Egg Press’s 20th anniversary. Since 1999, You have been designing so many products. Tell us a little bit about Egg Press?

Tess Darrow（TD） I started Egg Press in 1999 almost by accident. I loved the letterpress process and recognized that by incorporating my textile design background I could bring something new to the medium. Until then, many letterpress greeting cards were designed with a small motif or “dingbat”.

Kara Yanagawa(KTY) What Tess doesn’t mention that by combining these two passions, she was revolutionizing the entire letterpress greeting card industry!

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Easy-to-Make Non-Elastic Band Face Mask – Sewing Instructions

A face mask is an essential item to fend off viruses and pollens. The featured mask is a pattern-free easy-to-make piece that can be hand sewn. The navy color piece uses a lovely clover pattern double gauze fabric from the MUDDY WORKS series designed by Tomotake. The one in white features a different double gauze fabric from the Cool animal series. The cool breeze finish on the fabric helps create an icy feel by absorbing sweat and moisture.

Design & Work:Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:(White Mask)Cool animal　YK-71070-2C
(Navy Mask) MUDDY WORKS EKX18-122-1A

Materials:
□ Fabric: 30cm (l) x 60cm (w)
□ (For strap) Double-fold bias binding tape (ready-made） 12.7mm wide x 120cm
※ If you are using the elastic cord: Elastic cord for the mask-60cm

Size: about 10cm (l) x about 16cm (w)

◎Sewing Instructions

◎Sewing Instructions (PDF format / A4 size)

Square Bag with Gusset – Sewing Instructions

The tucks on the side give this tote bag a softer look. The accent is the vivid color of pink that is subtly noticeable inside the bag. echino’s new design, TENT, consists of a geometric pattern of triangular tents. Inside the simple pattern, the glittering silver pieces and foxes are dancing.

Design & Work:Yoko Kubodera

Fabric shown for this sample:　Fabric (Bag panel outer fabric, Gusset outer fabric): echino TENT EKX-97060-62D
(Top opening outer fabric): echino solid navy JG-95410-10Q
(Pocket, Lining fabric): echino solid pink JG-95410-10A
　Tape: echino Cole braid tape Gray

Materials:
□ Fabric (Bag panel outer fabric, Gusset outer fabric):100cm x 40cm
(Top opening outer fabric):20cm × 10cm
(Pocket, Lining fabric):100cm × 60cm
□ Fusible interfacing (light weight):100cm x 40cm
□ Tape: 3.8cm wide x 1m

Size:27cm (l) 27cn (w) 13cm (d)

We interviewed Yoko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
As the name TENT, depicts, the design reminds you of the items associated with a girl’s camp, tent and flag.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
It is designed to create a soft look by adding the tucks on the sides. Incorporating a solid tone of the same color family makes the piece look sharp. An A4 size clear file can comfortably fits inside.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
By changing the fold of the tucks for the outer side and lining side, the ones inside fit nicely. To help make the corners at the top opening look clean, cut the seam in a triangle. The handles are long enough for you to carry the bag over your shoulder. Adjust the length to your preference.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
While the fabric has a distinctive design, it can be coordinated well with navy color styles.

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

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Zippered Backpack – Sewing Instructions

While this backpack is small, it comes with a 50cm long zipper, making it easy to open and close, even for small kids to store and carry their own items. The heart design fabric in a pastel blue and baby pink combination is from the teiban series. The acrylic tape in the same color makes the bag even lovelier.

Design & Work:Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:teiban YK-69080-5C

Materials:
□ Fabric (Outer Fabric): 110cm wide×70cm
(Lining Fabric): 110cm wide×70cm
□ 50cm Zipper: One piece
□ 2.5cm wide Acrylic Tape: 140cm
□ 2.5cm wide Buckle: Two pairs
□ 11mm wide Bias Binding Tape: 230cm

Size:31cm (l) 26cm (w) 11cm (d) 　

◎Sewing Instructions

◎Sewing Instructions (PDF format / A4 size)

Just fold and sew! Two-Pocket Tissue Case – Sewing Instructions

Masks are necessities these days for allergies and keeping viruses away. With your mask, you would always want to carry a tissue packet. Why not make a convenient tissue case with a pocket? All you need to do is just fold the fabric and sew. The featured fabric is the WILD FLORAL from the egg press series. This cotton 100% thin muslin fabric is perfect for making small items.

Design & Work: Satomi Takei

Fabric shown for this sample:：

egg press EKXA-5500-1A

Materials:
□ Fabric:30cm×45.5cm

Size: 10cm (l) 13cm (w – when folded in half)

We interviewed Satomi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
To take advantage of the classy and clean design, I came up with a small item that can be used everyday.

KF:: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
What I wanted was a tissue case that allows you to carry things like a band aid or sanitary items together. So this case has two pockets. It also helps you to organize the items in your purse.

KF: What are some tips for making this case?
If the fabric’s design does not go in one direction, you will be able to use only one piece of fabric to make the case.

KF: How should we use this case in everyday situations?
A pocket tissue case is a girl’s must-have item. Once you learn how to fold the fabric, you can quickly and easily make it. Why not use your favorite fabric to make a piece? It will make you look even more lovely. If it is made with a gauze fabric, it can be used as a handkerchief in emergency situations. To keep the flaps closed, adding a snap button is a good idea.

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

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Visit Artist 018: Tess Darrow and Kara Yanagawa (Egg Press)

Easy-to-Make Non-Elastic Band Face Mask – Sewing Instructions

Square Bag with Gusset – Sewing Instructions

Zippered Backpack – Sewing Instructions

Just fold and sew! Two-Pocket Tissue Case – Sewing Instructions