Monthly Archives: July 2015

Bag with an Aluminum Spring Clasp

Size: 41cm (l) 33cm (w) 20cm (d)

Yui Tamaki has returned to introduce her new creative idea. It is a large size bag using a bear motif fabric from the Nordic forest series. As the name depicts, the concept of this fabric is the Nordic forest. The unique material used for this project is an aluminum spring clasp. The clasp is held together with a pin at the end, and it works by putting it through the top opening fabric. With this clasp, the top opens wide and is used largely for bags and pouches.

Design & work:Yui Tamaki


Fabric shown for this sample: P35300-300 (D)


Materials:
□ Fabric (Outer fabric): 110cm×60cm
(Lining fabric): 60cm×100cm
(Pocket): 20cm×20cm
(Decorative piece): 20cm×20cm
□ Fusible interfacing: 110×60m
□ Quilt batting: 110×120cm
□ Handle: One pair (55cm long 2cm wide)
□ Aluminum spring clasp: One piece (10cm long 30cm wide)

cs104_1cs104_2

We interviewed Yui about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It is a lovely fabric filled with lots of warm looking bears. The overall color tone is subdued and stylish without being childish. This fabric design could look good with your clothing, so I chose to make a large bag.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
With an easy opening and closing feature, it is convenient to see what’s inside and holds a lot of items! It is easy to make, just like making a large drawstring bag. It only uses straight line stitches with minimal hand sewing, so you can finish this rather quickly.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Since you don’t need to worry about the direction of the design for the lining fabric, you can just cut it as one piece of fabric for the front and back portion. When adding the seam allowance, be careful with the fold line. Leaving the clasp open will make it easier to put the pin when securing.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
It will look cute and sporty when paired with metallic color shoes that are in fashion right now. With ample room to carry things, it will be handy for an outing.

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

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echino Jacquard Series

echino with a Touch of Class

Featured today is a beautiful jacquard echino fabric with a touch of class and richness.
“In jacquard weaves, shades of the matched-up weaving yarn and the weaving style create the look. In this material, echino’s popular pattern feels more mature. While the three patterns x three colors style reflects echino’s standard coloring scheme, slightly glossy thread and three dimensional material make the fabric look chic. Normally Jacquard weave reminds you of a solid, stiff and heavy fabric, but echino’s jacquard is meticulously created with stylish design, proper thickness and ease of handling with the fabric in mind. From home and interior décor sewing projects to bags and small items, you can enjoy a variety of creations with this fabric.” (Etsuko Furuya, echino Designer)

samber JG96150-50 Jacquard
kokka-fabric.com JG96150-50_1kokka-fabric.com JG96150-50_2

samber is a fabric that many agree is an icon of the echino series. A slightly fluffy weaving yarn used for dots creates a spiced-up fabric with a three dimensional look. Though the pattern is simple, an upscale feel is expressed through the use of glossy yarns.

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Trefle Sparkle

Sparkly Fabric with Gold and Silver Powders

This is a simple design fabric using abundant gold powder for its print. The “Canvas #8” is a thickest fabric that can be sewn using a household sewing machine. A single layer of this fabric can create a solid looking bag.

Dot  P37700-700 Canvas #8
kokka-fabric.com P37700-700_1kokka-fabric.com P37700-700_2

Slightly patchy looking dots in irregular patterns stand out in Dot. This fabric, printed with gold powder, is different from other dot prints. It will definitely spice up the look of an ordinary tote bag.

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Runlala Rabbit

Pop Design Fabric with Fluorescent Pigment

A Bold design print with fluorescent pigment is here. Neon color is intentionally placed on top of the unbleached cotton/linen canvas to create an unusual color finish. Overlapping motifs result in a unique design. Why not making a roomy, large size bag utilizing the texture of cotton/linen canvas? The more you use it, the texture of the fabric and its print become more attractive.

ポルカドット P37900-900 Cotton/Linen Canvas
kokka-fabric.com P37900-900_1kokka-fabric.com P37900-900_2

Polka Dot is a pop looking print with rabbits on top of random dots in fluorescent pigment. A bag made from this material will have such impact that it will definitely attract attention. It comes in pink, green, purple and orange, typical and standard colors of neon.

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Monochrome 2

Perfect Fabric for Bags and Interior Décor Items

Continued from last column, we are introducing Ellen Baker’s new collection, Monochrome. This time cotton/canvas fabric is featured. A variety of designs like geometric shapes, Scandinavian style small flowers and paper cranes are expressed with chic colors in different shades of monotone. Depending on the item you make, it can look cute or mature.

Shades  JG42300-300 Cotton/Linen Canvas
kokka-fabiric.com JG42300-300_1kokka-fabiric.com JG42300-300_2

“Shades in charcoal, yellow, and blue: This print is versatile and great for bags or home decor items. The shades of color and simple geometric design printed on natural canvas make it ideal for mixing with other items.” (by Ellen Baker)

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