Monthly Archives: September 2014

numbers

Numbers are a universal motif!

Numbers are a common language wherever you go. This universal motif is enlarged and turned into a simple textile. A solid #10 canvas fabric is perfect for an everyday item like a bag. A hanging charm using a cutout of the same fabric will make the bag original. A café apron with the border design will also look stylish. A bicolor scheme can create a fun color combination.

Calendar　P29500-500 #10 Canvas

What is a collection of numbers that is so universal? – That would be a calendar. This thicker fabric is perfect for a large-sized bag. Of course a simple cutout as a fabric board calendar adds a nice accent to your room as an interior décor item.

Continue reading →

Geometry of the Nordic 2

interesting repeated motifs create a fun element

With a theme, “Putting on a simple Scandinavian design,” this is a second series of the Geometry of the Nordic. While the first series mainly featured such geometric motifs as dots and triangles, this new series pays extra attention to individual motifs. These motifs are expressed in an interesting fashion as repeated elements. Glossy sateen fabric drapes beautifully and is perfect for creating dresses and blouses. Interior décor items and everyday reusable bags in different colors will also look stylish in this fabric.

flower　P30300ー300　　60sateen

Roses and poppies are drawn with a touch of paper cutouts. Any clothing, especially a dress, will look so cute in this fabric! Of course, this is a perfect fabric for creating a simple interior accent item like a throw pillow.

Continue reading →

Nijipp

Colorful animals are all gathered here!

Today’s fabric is by Niji$uke, the artist featured in KOKKA Fabric’s recent Inspiration column. The overall theme is colorful with animals as design motifs.

“The underlying theme is to create something for people of all ages and both sexes without being too childish or cutesy. Rather than repeating small motifs, the design consists of one big motif, spread fully over one meter. You can simply cut the fabric to frame and make a fabric board, or turn it into an oversized pillow. I hope you will challenge yourself to create something bold that you have never tried before.” (by Niji$uke)

Rainbow and Animals（Almost　all　collection）JG46000-1　Oxford (Ox)

Niji$uke says, “The animals are placed in a cheerful atmosphere with a backdrop of a sky at different times, like night and day or sunrise and sunset. The overall tone is colorful. The animals are placed at the top and the bottom in an inverted position with a background of the skies in various colors. It is great that you get two different patterns in one fabric.”
Continue reading →

Inspiration file52
Tsumami-zaiku accessories

At the end of April there was a hobby show in Tokyo, where various handicraft artists exhibited their creations. I bumped into a lovely accessory brand called ‘Tsumami –zaiku’ made by Tsuyutsuki.

‘tsumami-zaiku’ is a kind of Japanese traditional craft. The method of production is to pinch the fabrics with tweezers, and fold the fabrics into shape without using needles or threads. The name Tsumami is derived from this process.
This is the technique used to make Kanzashi, a Japanese hairpin.
Tsuyutsuki makes necklaces, corsages and hair pieces using cotton and linen instead of silk. Her concept is ‘tsumami-saiku suitable for daily wear’.

The above photo is her major masterpiece, a natural corsage.
‘I intend to choose chic colors which mature women can use. This is one of them. I use various shades of pink.’(Tsuyutsuki)
She sent several photos so let’s introduce them one by one.

This is an example how to wear the natural corsage. If we use it with a pearl necklace, even a simple dress could become gorgeous.

A white natural corsage. ‘This is one of my popular series as well as pink one. This is perfect for a children’s entrance ceremony. It works well for any style of dress.’(Tsuyutsuki)

A single-flower corsage. ‘Since it uses a two way pin: hair pin and safety pin, we can use in various situations such as bags, hats, and hair accessories’(Tsuyutsuki)

A flower clip. ‘Originally I made them for kids but they gained popularity among ladies as well. So, I began to make a chic color version.’(Tsuyutsuki)

Daisy necklaces. ‘These are inspired from lily daisies. They could be suitable as a first accessory for girls.’(Tsuyutsuki)

A mustard　colored decorative flower ball half. ‘The height of this round shaped tsunami-zaiku brings a sense of glamour. As it has a two-way pin, you can put behind your ears casually if you have a short cut hair style’(Tsuyutsuki)

You can enjoy her various masterpieces at her HP ‘Tsumami-zaiku Tsuyutsuki’:
http://tsuyutsuki.jimdo.com

Six-patch hat for kids

　Size: 54cm (around the head)

Today’s creation is a six-patch hat made with Cheering Bear fabric from the pokefasu series. On this fun fabric, playful bears with pompons are randomly scattered. The groaning bear motif, with its mouth wide open, is perfect for a kid’s item. The idea filled popular artist, Masumi Saito, aka sinafuku, is here to introduce her work.

Design & work：Masumi Saito（sinafuku)

Fabric shown for this sample:　pokefasu Cheering Bears JG45100-1 （A) (B) (C)

Materials:
□ Fabric: (Outer fabric A, B, C) 40cm×30cm each
(Lining fabric) 100cm×30cm
□ Elastic Tape: 60cm (1cm width)

We interviewed Masumi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?

Since the look of the groaning bears is so realistic, I intentionally wanted to make an item for babies and kids.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
This series comes in a pretty color lineup and I used all three to create a color combination that looks like a circus tent. The brim is long and fluttering. This way it will not hang over your eyes and not be bothersome.

KF: What are some tips for making this hat?
When sewing six pieces of fabrics together, pay extra attention on the top side for a clean finish. Don’t skip on ironing in key process steps.

KF: How should we use this hat in everyday situations?
The hat is reversible. If you change the fabric for each side, you can enjoy a different look depending on your mood for the day!

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

Continue reading →