Monthly Archives: August 2015

Small Bag in Parakeet Fabric

Size: About 12cm (l) 11cm (w) 4cm (d)

Today’s project is a small bag with a spring clasp made with a popular parakeet motif fabric. Aligned parakeets in different colors look lovely inside a small ribbon frame. This convenient cosmetic case can also be used as a bag-in-a-bag. A popular blogger by the name of Kanae Nakayama, aka Kana Kana, is here to introduce her creative idea.

Design & Work:Kanae Nakayama

Fabric shown for this sample:P36100-100 (C)

Materials:
□ Fabric (Outer panel): 40cm×20cm
(Bottom fabric (solid color)): 20cm×20cm
(Lining fabric (Gingham check)): 20cm×30cm
(Tab(Polka dot print)): 10cm×10cm
□ Fusible quilt batting 20cm×30cm
□ Handle with a metal clasp: 1 piece (23cm long)
□ Spring clasp with a pin: One piece (12cm (l) x 1cm (w)

We interviewed Kanae about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The expression of each parakeet is so adorable!
What makes it cuter is that each of them is drawn inside the ribbon.
With this fancy design, I thought small items for children would be nice to make.

Kokka KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The overall color tone is soft with an impressive use of red and dark pink here and there.
So I combined it with a similar color fabric.
The color of the tag was matched with the chartreuse color ribbon.
The opening with a spring clasp makes it easy to get things in and out.
With the handle, you can also carry it as a small purse.

KF: What are some tips for making this case?
When sewing the sides, make sure to match the fabrics where they transition so that you can achieve a clean finish.
Where it transitions, sew it first for about 2cm, then sew all the way from the top to bottom to keep it aligned.

KF: How should we use this case in everyday situations?
The handle is detachable and can be hooked on the bag’s handle.
I first made this case when my daughter was in the sixth grade so that she could take it as a wallet for her school trip. She was also carrying it on her outing to a festival as an accessory to her yukata (cotton kimono) and it looked lovely.

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

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Round Tote Bag

　Size: about 23cm (l) (up to the opening) x 30.5cm (w) x 9cm (d)　

A round and plump shaped tote bag is today’s project. It is made with a double gauze fabric called pastel trefle. The darts on the bottom help create a soft and fluffy look. A tape is attached at the end of the handles as a cute ribbon-like embellishment.

Design & work：Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:
　P35500-503 (D)

Materials:
□ Outer fabric (double gauze):106cm wide×70cm
□ Lining fabric: 110cm wide×70cm
□ Fusible cotton interfacing: 100cm wide×70cm
□ Fusible interfacing: 2.5cm square x 2
□ Magnet button: One pair

Click here for Sewing Instructions (PDF format / A4 size)

Bag and Pouch Set Made with only 1.2m of Fabric

Size: Bag about 22cm (l) x 32cm (w) x 12cm (d)
Pouch about 16cm (l) x 20cm (w)

Today’s project is an easy-sewing item using a Ready-to-Sew Fabric. This fabric features a bag design which can just be cut and sewn to make a tote bag. The leftover from the side gusset with English letter print is just enough as outer and lining fabrics for a matching pouch. In this way you can make another item without wasting any fabric. The Ready-to-Sew Fabric is economical, allowing you to make two items with only 1.2m of fabric and is perfect for sewing beginners.

Design & Work:Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:
　P36500-500（C)

Materials:
□ Outer Fabric 110cm wide × 120cm
□ Lining Fabric 110cm wide x 60cm
□ Fusible Quilt Batting 100cm wide × 80cm
□ Flat Knit Zipper 20cm long x 1

Click here for Sewing Instructions (PDF format / A4 size)

Denim-Like Double Gauze and Trefle-D

All eyes are on this year’s trend – denim!

Originally considered work wear, nowadays denim is a fashion must-have item. Did you know that denim is one of the hottest mod trends this year? Setting denim as a theme we are featuring a series of fabrics in different materials with which you can create various items. In particular, the double gauze fabric comes in a simple design, making it a “wearable denim.”

Denim Dot　H10000-100 Double Gauze Sericite Finish

A denim-like woven pattern of simple dots design makes this fabric more wearable. Hollow ring dots in a hand drawn finish look cute, don’t they? This double gauze fabric is processed with sericite, creating an uneven dye finish like stone washed material.

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Scandinavian Diary

Wondrous Stories Born from One’s Imagination

Scandinavian Diary is a textile by Danish designer Lisa Grue, who is active in illustration and graphic work for fashion magazines and fashion brands. Grue says, “Since I was a child I have always been captured by getting magic into my everyday life. To make my life full of colors, joy, music, flowers, laugh etc. I love making dinner parties with themes, to set the table with flowers from my city garden, old Scandinavian porcelain, beautiful tablecloths etc. Making movie nights with my girlfriends seeing romantic films and eating luxury chocolate and cupcakes and drinking tea in English teacups. Picking eatable thing in the forest and making jam, fruit juices and mushroom risotto. Like really trying to make my days enchanting and worth remembering. The “Scandinavian Diary” are different motifs that pops up in my head, and reminds me of getting the magic in my life. “

Fox　JG50300-300 Cotton Linen Canvas

“This is a motif that came to me once I walked in the Scandinavian forest. Actually in Sweden. The forests in Sweden can be full of mystery I think. Like a fairytale with animals that speaks. Animals that are friendly and wants to help you. This is how it popped up in my head.” (by Lisa Grue)

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