Monthly Archives: July 2014

Caramel Pouch

Size: 12.5cm (w), 10cm (h), 10cm (d)

Today’s project is a caramel pouch (caramel wrapper shaped small case) made with a folded gusset. It is something that you would like to try making at least once. You can create original and cute versions by adding embellishments such as ribbon, pompoms or lace on the gusset and that is why this pouch is very popular. Always cute Candy Party fabric’s new collection is featured and today’s artist is Naomi Kakei.

Design & work:Naomi Kakei


Fabric shown for this sample: Candy Party H3049-3(A)


Materials:
□ Fabric (Outer fabric): 30cm x 40cm
(Lining fabric, Bias fabric):50×40cm
□ Zipper: One 20cm piece
□ Pompom embellishment: 50cm (with 0.5cm diameter pom poms)
□ Ribbon: 30cm (2cm width)
□ #25 Embroidery thread

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We interviewed Naomi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Naomi Kakei (NK): It is absolutely colorful and pop. It has such a cheerful image. With its nice texture, I wanted to make an everyday item. Since it is a colorful fabric, the shape is kept simple.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
NK: I matched the color of the zipper with one of the colors in the fabric. Repeating the same color emphasizes its cuteness. In order to keep it simple, the color of the ribbon is subdued. A color from the outer side is matched with the lining fabric to create a uniform feel. The cuteness of the fabric is emphasized without putting too many embellishments on the fabric. Using a subdued color for embellishments can keep it simple without making it look too busy.

KF: What are some tips for making this case?
NK: It only requires straight stitches and is easy for the beginners. You will have a clean finish as long as you work carefully on each process. You may use only hand stitches since the featured fabric is easy to sew.

KF: How should we use this case in everyday situations?
NK: A pastel tone embellishment can create a soft look and will also be suitable for small children. This type of case can hold many things inside, like makeup items. A square shape allows you to store things inside and you may use it as small storage containers at home.

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

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Headdress

Size: 13.5cm (largest width), 50〜59cm (around the head)

Today’s project is a headdress made with mosaic from the JUBILEE collection. Stained glass-like translucent color tones of this fabric are so pretty. Familiar to this craft & sewing column, Anri has returned with her creation.

Design and work:Anri


Fabric shown for this sample:JUBILEE JG44000-3 (C)


Materials:
□ Fabric: 60cm×70cm
□ Elastic tape: 10cm (2cm width)

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We interviewed Anri about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Anri: It is a thin #60 lawn fabric that has many beautiful colors! It instantly reminded me of a scarf, and I wanted to create something to wear over your head. Though it is a thin fabric, with slight tension, it is manageable. Even for a project with complicated details, it is an easy to sew fabric.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Anri: Rather than folding, a gathering technique is used to determine the width. A natural pleated detail accentuates the top. Its style is not edgy nor cutesy. I tried to make it versatile so that you can wear it every day.

KF: What are some tips for making this headdress?
Anri: The size is free, though you can change it by adjusting the length of the elastic tape for about ±0.5〜1cm.

KF: How should we use this headdress in everyday situations?
Anri: In the photo, loosely braided hair is incorporated into the headdress. You may just tie your hair with it, or you can wear it with your updo. You may casually wear it with your bob or short style hair and transform to a stylish look. A perfect hair accessory for busy housewives in the morning.

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

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Rose corsage in a double gauze fabric

Size: about 7cm (diameter of the rolled rose)

We are introducing a rolled rose corsage created by titocetera, who runs handmade*titocetera*, a web store featuring handmade everyday goods. random dot from the Joielinne series of fabric is selected for this project. Incorporating the softness of this chambray double gauze, a gentle look corsage was created. The well thought out process makes it possible for you to make this by hand. Romantic styling photos featured in this column are also the works of titocetera.

Design & work:titocetera


Fabric shown for this sample:(Rose)Joielinne P27000-700 (A)
(Leaf, Base fabric)Joielinne P27010-10 (C)


Materials:
□ Fabric(Rose): 70cm×10cm
(Leaf, Base fabric): 20cm×20cm
□ Interfacing: 10cm×10cm
□ Suede Tape: 50cm (0.5cm width)
□ Broach pin: One piece (3.5cm length)

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We interviewed titocetera about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
titocetera (tc): When I saw this soft touch fabric in gentle color tones, I thought of something with a tender nuance. So I came up with a corsage incorporating the fluffy texture of double gauze fabric.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
tc: Gauze is a fabric that is smooth to sew, and that is why I chose a corsage that only requires a simple set of sewing notions and hand stitching to make. There is no complicated process and it is a piece that is fun to make for anybody. Using a thicker interfacing for the base allows hand stitching to go smoothly.

KF: What are some tips for making this corsage?
tc: For assembling some pieces, adhesive is used. You can take time to make it by using craft adhesive or use a glue gun to make the process go faster with shorter drying time. Since the body and the base are pieced together at the end, allow some spaces around the edge when gluing pieces together so that it will be easier to sew them together. Instead of using a suede tape, a lace or a ribbon can create a cute look. You may substitute layering thinner pieces of interfacing or use a cardboard paper in lieu of thicker interfacing.

KF: How should we use this corsage in everyday situations?
tc: You can wear it on your clothing or put it on a bag. It can also work as tassels for curtains. Though I chose to make a corsage with a broach pin, you may attach a chain or a piece of hair elastic to make a hair accessory. It is very versatile and the possibilities are endless.

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

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Miniature Basket-Style Bag

Size: 5cm (w), 4cm (d), 5cm (h) (largest size bag)

A tiny basket-style bag was created using various fabric pieces cut from a patchwork design fabric with small geometric motifs. Five bags are introduced in slightly different sizes and patterns for each size. Mioko Sugino, aka komihinata and the author of “Small Handmade by komihinata-san” is today’s creator.

Design & work :Mioko Sugino(komihinata)


Fabric shown for this sample::P27200-201 (B)


Materials::
□ Fabric(Outer Fabric・Handle〔B only〕):55cm×60cm
(Lining Fabric):40cm×30cm
□ Synthetic Leather Tape: 40cm (1cm width)
□ Button (A): One each – 1.2cm diameter and 0.8cm diameter
(C): Two – 0.7cm diameter

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We interviewed Mioko about her creation:

Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?

Mioko Sugino (MS): It is very bright and striking! Every part of the fabric is so cute that I wanted to make multiple pieces so that I could line them up. Incorporating the motifs in different proportions, I came up with a basket-style bag in a variety of sizes.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
MS: To complement the bright colors of the fabric, I chose a pure white canvas lining fabric. This will make the bags visually appealing and pleasant. Adding a handle makes it convenient to carry around.

KF:What are some tips for making these bags?
MS: Don’t be too concerned about the sizes and choose the motif you like from the fabric. You only need to prepare the matching size lining fabric and it is very easy to make. For handles, synthetic leather tapes are convenient as you can sew through the material without having to make a hole. If you can’t get the synthetic leather tape, you may substitute it by using your favorite fabrics which can create a different and fun look.

KF: How should we use these bags in everyday situations?
MS: You may put your keys or accessories in them. These bags are made for storing items yet they can be displayed decoratively.

KF: Thank you very much, Mioko! Step by step instructions and photos are coming soon. Enjoy crafting!

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Clutch Bag

size:27cm (l) x 38cm (w)

Strapless and handleless clutch bags are increasingly gaining popularity in the world of handcrafts. Responding to this move, a popular blogger, Yuki Inomata came up with an attractive bag for today’s project using “Alice in Wonderland” themed fabric from nunokara x Etsuko Furuya collaboration series.

Design & work: Yuki Inomata(neige+)


Fabric shown for this sample:: :
(Outer Fabric A)nunokara× Etsuko Furuya HFG100-1 (A)
(Outer Fabric B)nunokara× Etsuko Furuya HFG100-2 (A)
(Lining Fabric)nunokara× Etsuko Furuya HFG100-2 (B)


Materials:
□Fabric(Outer Fabric A):40cm×30cm
(Outer Fabric B):40cm×30cm
(Lining Fabric, Pocket):70cm×60cm
(Edge Fabric):10cm×10cm
(Tag):10cm×10cm
□Interfacing:40cm×60cm
□Zipper:One zipper (length 35cm)

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We interviewed Yuki about her creation:
Kokka Fabric(KF) : What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Yuki Inomata (YI): The overall fabric is so cute that I did not even know which portion to use. I made a point of choosing the design where Alice and the rabbit appear together. A large pattern comes alive when you use it like a big illustration rather than using it for small items.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
YI: The clutch bag was selected since the canvas fabric has tension and is suitable for a well-tailored item like a bag. You expect this type of bag, which is carried under your arm to securely hold the items inside, to be somewhat solid yet not too soft. An interfacing is adhered to the fabric to give it more body.

KF:What are some tips for making this bag?
YI: What seems most difficult in the making process is attaching the zipper, which is an important element. How do you handle this? Your sewing machine most likely came with a zipper foot attachment. If you have it, please use it as it will ease the process and will lead to a clean finish. If you don’t have it, you might as well purchase it this time.

KF:How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
YI: A4 (210mm × 297mm) size documents and items fit perfectly in this bag. It is convenient to use as a case when carrying important documents in a tote bag. You can also use it as a secondary purse in addition to a main bag. Clutch bag is a modern interpretation of what we used to call a second bag. While the only difference is how you call it, the clutch bag gives such a classy impression. I wonder why?

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

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