Monthly Archives: August 2014

Inspiration file50
A double gauze facial mask

Do you remember one of our previous articles in this column on “cosplay” dresses sewn by Masumi Saito? In the interview about the dresses, Saito recalled that she had been supposed to make a facial mask with the fabric (but then changed her sewing project). But at last, she made the three-dimensional facial masks as her original plan. The masks in the above pictures are amazing, aren’t they?

Nowadays many people in Japan tend to wear facial mask because of public hygiene; it helps to prevent colds and flu from spreading between individuals as well as protect from pollens, dust, and pollutants in the air. “For such an item of daily use, why not put on a lovely one?” That is the reason Saito started to create the three-dimensional facial masks with her favorite double gauze prints. Once she posted the masks on her blog and online store, Saito received numerous positive feedbacks that she had never expected.

Saito says, “As soon as my creations were uploaded on Instagram and Facebook, many inquiries and requests came to me. Listening to them, I conceived an idea to offer for sale with two options to the customers; a finished mask or a custom-made one so each would select print from the in-stock fabrics. As a result, I got numerous orders. Some people bought finished masks. But I actually received way more orders for fabric-selectable ones although I had to check the inventory of available fabrics.”

The cuteness, uniqueness, and practicality – these factors contribute to the high popularity of the facial mask.

“The mask made with four layers of double gauze has firmness and thickness. The three-dimensional shape helps small children breathe more easily.” (by Saito)

Saito always surprises and excites us with her original creations. Everyone wants to know what her next project is.

For more information about Saito’s creative activity, go to http://ameblo.jp/kittenishgirl-sinafuku/

Irome Autumn & Winter

Incorporating Japanese traditional culture

Continued from last week, Irome fabric is here again. This time, the focus is on autumn and winter. A patchwork quilt and bags with four-season Irome fabrics are featured.

This is quilt tapestry. Star motives are expressed by all seasons.

This bag is patched octagon shaped motives, using cotton linen canvas of echino. Blue and purple colors bring out Irome’s print pattern.

Autumn　HFG-101 1c-6c

Fall harvest is the inspiration of this series. Deep colors of falling leaves and changing colors of the leaves on the trees are beautifully represented. The contrast of colors reminds you of a gorgeous old picture scroll and a beautiful layered kimono.

Continue reading →

Irome – Spring and Summer

World of Japanese colors express four seasons

A new small print fabric that is perfect for patchwork quilts has been added to Kokka Fabric! Irome was inspired by the nature and colors of plants during each of Japan’s distinct four seasons. A very unique “world of Japanese color” that was cultivated since olden days is expressed on the fabric. The Japanese traditional patterns, and designs from the 1960s and 1970s, combined with a modern design twist, together create this distinct and nostalgic print.

Irome 　HFG-101

This is a patchwork quilt using Irome fabric for all four seasons – winter, spring, summer and fall.

Continue reading →

Inspiration 49
A shirred scarf

To turn a common item into a striking article with a bit of ingenuity is one of the real pleasures in making crafts. Shuhunomisin, who is a very popular blogger in handmade category in Japan, frequently presents her sewing projects with original ideas via her blog. Today’s feature is a frilly scarf which is one of her unique creations. The scarf is perfect for spring season in both appearance and usability. Here are pictures of it taken from various angles as Shuhunomisin posted on her blog.

This is made with a 58x190cm scarf sold for only 315 yen that is approximate US$3. The secret of the shirring on the scarf is a clear elastic tape, shown in the picture on the bottom-right.

“I always had trouble wearing a scarf. Even though I put it on as a fashion book’s instruction, the scarf slipped off after a while. I had wondered if there was anything to solve it. When I found a clear elastic tape, the idea leaped in my mind to sew it on the scarf. The result was excellent! The tape gave the scarf shirred so beautifully. I was excited for myself!” Shuhunomisin says.

It is pretty easy to make it.Set the tape laterally on the center with 16cm margin left on both sides, and sew it on while keeping it stretched. In the same way, the 2nd and 3rd tapes should be sewn parallel to the 1st tape.

Just 3 shirring lines make your scarf fluffy.

A collar can be instantly made.

“I had unsuccessfully worn scarves until I created this shirred and ruffled one. Now I have a fashionable scarf that is easy to put on. This is my favorite!” (by Shuhunomisin)

She recently gave a shirred scarf to her mother who is in her 70s. Shuhunomisin continues, “My mom is so happy with it which makes her look more elegant. No need to look in the mirror when putting it on. I am sure that this scarf must be great for anyone regardless of age.”

With shirring, a regular scarf can be turned into a lovely fashion item. “When you feel like something is missing around your neck, please try this scarf. It will make you more stylish than you are just wearing jewelry. It will help you a lot. I guarantee!” (by Shuhunomisin)

Cover your shoulders when it’s cold.

Wear it at a party.

Shirring creates beautiful back view.

Her blog will surely inspire you a lot. Please go to http://d.hatena.ne.jp/syuhunomisin/ for more detail about this scarf and her other creations.

Bags, small cases and drawstring bags made with ready-to-sew fabric

Size: Bag 30cm (L) x 50cm (W) 　

In today’s column, we are introducing easy instructions for bags, small cases and drawstring bags made with ready-to-sew fabric. If you prepare 120cm of 110cm-wide cloth, it will allow you to have a set of bag with the same motif. A small zipper case in camera and glasses design, drawstrings bags in headset, shoes and watch design, and a bag in denim motif are the featured projects.

Design & workKokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:
　Making Cloth (ready-to-sew fabric) P28200-200 (A)

Materials:
□ Fabric (Outer fabric) over 110cm width x 120cm
（Lining fabric） over 110cm width x 80cm
□ Interfacing: over 100cm width x 50cm
□ Flat knit zipper: Three 20cm zippers
□ Twilled tape: 2cm (width) x 15cm
□ Acrylic tape: 7mm (width) ×160cm