Monthly Archives: May 2015

echino’s oven mitt

Size:18.8cm (l) x 13.6cm (w)

Today’s project is an oven mitt created with samber, echino’s 10th anniversary collection fabric. Out of the collection’s five color combinations, four tones are selected to make four different-colored pieces. Displayed on the wall, they create a fun atmosphere, making your kitchen bright and lively. Anriko, formerly known as Anri, is introducing her creative idea.

Design & work:Anriko


Fabric shown for this sample: echino JG96000-604 (B),(C),(D),(E)


Materials:
□ Fabric (Outer fabric A, B): 40cm×30cm
(Outer fabric C (cotton flannel)): 20cm×30cm
(Lining fabric (velour)) : 50cm×30cm
(Padding (thick terry cloth)): 50cm×30cm
□ Tape: 1cm wide x 10cm

cs92_mitten

We interviewed Anriko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
I personally love these color tones and could not chose just one color, so I ended up making four pieces using different color palettes. The oven mitts come as a pair, and it may be fun to choose the color you like depending on your mood.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
I often thought the oven mitts sold at stores are wastefully large, so I made it as compact as possible. For a male user, you need to make the size slightly larger otherwise his hands won’t fit. (laugh)

KF: What are some tips for making this mitt?
In reality, you would use remnants to make an item like an oven mitt. Like today’s project, it is fun to use a different color for each hand. For the lining, you could recycle an old towel, worn sweat shirt or just about anything. One thing is that you should use a natural material that stands up well to heat.

KF: How should we use this mitt in everyday situations?
It is such a pretty textile. Displaying them in the kitchen as an accent where highly visible, I am sure you will want to do some cooking using these mitts.

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

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törten

A textile that uses a technique called “Chigiri-e” to express its style

It is finally here! We are introducing the textile designed by Natsuki Camino, who is a grand prize winner of the Third Kokka Print Textile Competition. The series is named törten. The theme of this textile is a culturally-oriented lifestyle where people live collectively in harmony with nature, like the Bauhaus’ collective housing, Törten Siedlung.
The characteristic of Camino’s textile is the use of a technique called “Chigiri-e.” In this process, she draws unique non-straight lines with torn pieces of colored paper collaged together to form images – like painting with paper.

North Trip JG49100-1  
JG49100-1_1JG49100-1_2

The theme of this series is “travel,” where Camino wanted to create a design with trains and vehicles. “Rather than making it look like a map, I tried to challenge myself in creating endless scenes like forests and lakes. Added to the scenery are the trains and tracks.” (by Camino) In addition to making kitchen accessories, using the fabric for a wide surface like a curtain can create a piece with impact.
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10th Anniversary / 2015 echino fabric collection 2

color journey 2

Following last week’s introduction, more designs from echino are here. Featured today is a fabric with small motifs. It is a very echino-like design with animals blended in a rhythmical geometric background.
echino’s iconic recurring motifs, “birds” and “deer” continue to fascinate echino fans with even more brilliance after ten years of its history.

arc JG96000-602 Cotton/Linen Canvas
kokka-fabric.com JG96000-602_1kokka-fabric.com JG96000-602_2

The birds are peeking through brilliantly colored arc-shaped plants. This adorable design fabric is versatile in creating small items as well as clothing.

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Etsuko Furuya (textile designer of echino)

Exploring possibilities with stunning ensemble of colors

echino fabric collection marks the 10th Anniversary in 2015.
The textile designer Etsuko Furuya launched the design brand “echino” in the year 2003. Since the echino fabric collection with kokka had an impact on the textile industry in 2006, Furuya has energetically expressed her artistic philosophy through her “fabrics”.

va5_echino1

Kokka-fabric.com (KF): What is the important factor for you to design fabrics?

I used to work in a textile design studio for interior decorating. My experience there still brings me to consider how to create more comfortable living space with textile. Since I started echino fabric collection, I have pursued my ideal of living space with textile incorporated into daily life as a piece of home décor or a simple wall frame. My concept for textile design is as strong as ever, or actually stronger than before.

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echino’s Dress with Pockets

size: 92.5cm (dress length)

Today’s project is a simple one-piece dress created with echino’s zon fabric. Elephant, rhino, deer…
different animals appear depending on the cut of the fabric. This adds fun to how you want to create your design. Large-size pockets on both sides are useful for cooking or gardening. Kaoriko Sawa is sharing her creative idea.

Design & work: Kaoriko Sawa


Fabric shown for this sample: echino JG96000-601 (A)


Materials:
□ Fabric: 110cm×2.5m

cs90a

We interviewed Kaoriko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
I was looking forward to seeing how the dress would look with these large size design motifs.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The design is simple and suitable for every age to wear. You will also find the pockets convenient.

KF: What are some tips for making this dress?
With the designs facing in one direction, you should pay attention to the appearance and direction of the pattern when cutting the fabric. After you cut the main body fabric, make sure where you want the pockets. This will determine where to cut so that the design aligns.

KF: How should we wear this dress in everyday situations?
For summer, layer it with a short sleeve T-shirt, and for winter put on a turtleneck sweater underneath. This way you can enjoy it year-round.

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

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