Monthly Archives: March 2017

Ribbon Bag

Size: Bag 20cm (l) 30cm (w) Ribbon 18cm (w) about 112cm (l)

The first day of spring has come, yet the weather is still chilly. The featured project, a bag with a bright-colored ribbon, is a perfect way to let you first sense the spring! The ribbon and lining fabric use Odokete Aruku from Koto Thouin, a soft and fluffy light cotton/linen dobby. Koto Thouin’s designer, Kurara Omichi is a grand prize winner of the 4th Kokka Textile Print contest. Reflecting Omichi’s bold and unique sense of design, it is definitely a new brand to watch!

Design & Work: Anriko


Fabric shown for this sample:  (Bag lining fabric, Ribbon) Koto Thouin JG29020-1B


Materials:
□ Fabric (Bag outer fabric, Opening fabric, Handle, Loop): 80cm×40cm
(Bag lining fabric): 110cm wide×90cm
□ Fusible interfacing: 40cmx10cm

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We interviewed Anriko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It is soft and fluffy with sheen. I wanted to use it for something decorative.

It is soft and fluffy with sheen. I wanted to use it for something decorative.
While the weather is still cold, it is starting to feel like spring. By choosing the most vibrant colors of this series, I thought the bag would brighten up your mood. The dark blue on the bag creates a clear contrast, accentuating all the colors.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Both belt and loop serve as an accent of the bag. If you like, you can just attach a soft-looking ribbon without the loop.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
On the sample photo, the ribbon is tied on the side. Placing it in the center can create a girly look. Carry it with your white-accented outer wear to enjoy a spring-like coordination.

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

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Clutch Bag with a Toggle Closure

Size (when opened): 62cm (l) 42cm (w)

The featured project is a super popular item of late, a clutch bag. It is very fashionable with a toggle button and cord closure. Just like the last project, this one is made with echino’s new design, a stylish ray with silver metallic accent.

Design & Work:Yui Tamaki


Fabric shown for this sample: (Outer fabric) echino JG96700-703D


Materials::
□ Fabric (Outer fabric): 90cm×70cm
    (Lining fabric (Fleece)): 90cm×70cm
□ Stitch Leather Cord: 1.5m (0.5cm diameter)
□ Toggle: One piece (6cm long)

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We interviewed Yui about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Since it is a chic fabric with a silver accent, I came up with a simple yet large clutch bag, taking advantage of a large pattern.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
To go well with the texture of cotton linen blend and cool design, the bag is paired with a cord and button closure. I like the fleece lining peeking a little, adding warmth to the look.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
It is easy-to-make with only straight stitching. When attaching the cord, sew it slowly. Also, for a clean finish, pay a special attention to making square corners.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
Depending on how much you put in the bag, you can adjust the size by altering the length of the cord. It looks cute double-folded, or it can be accompanied to your trip as a travel clothing organizer.

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

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Monoeco

Before you know it, a month has passed since we celebrated the New Year.
It is already March.
In April, with the arrival of a new season, another school year will begin.
Kokka is introducing a variety of design fabrics for the season – from animals to dinosaurs.
As featured in the craft & sewing column, these fabrics in single colors are so versatile, and we are introducing three designs that can definitely be used beyond school year items.

First, the Dinosaur.
It is a popular design among boys. The letters placed inside the dinosaur are the accents.
The letter design is a well-liked motif and you see many items featuring the letters offered at the Zakka general merchandise stores.
With this fabric, a clutch bag is created instead of a school item.

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Next is Robot.
Robot is also a popular standard motif for boys.
With this design, a backpack is created.
This bag, made without a lining, is light enough to pop in your bag to be used as a reusable shopping bag.
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Last, but not least is the Cat, another popular motif.
Two of the cat designs were featured among the best three of Kokka’s monthly popular design rankings.
This bag will look cute as a sub bag to accompany your purse.

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Though we had a new school year in mind, the featured projects turned out to be non-school items.
This link also introduces variety of designs and project ideas suitable for school goods. Hope you will enjoy it.
http://www.kokkafabric.com/portfolio/kokka-original-201701/

Square Bag with a Diagonal Handle

Size: 30cm (l) 30cm (w)

This bag features a fabric from echino’s new design. A combination of the colors blue and yellow give the bag a fresh look. With added twist on the handle, the square shaped bag becomes triangle when in use.

Design & Work:Mioko Sugino


Fabric shown for this sample:  echino JG96700-700C


Materials:
□ Fabric (Outer fabric): 70cm×40cm
    (Lining fabric・Handle): 90cm×60cm

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We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It is a stylish fabric with sharply shaped triangles and arched birds. The yellow and blue combination creates a pop look, yet the natural base color makes this fabric more versatile than you think. Taking advantage of the triangular design, I created a square bag that turns into a triangle when carried.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Rather than hiding both ends of the handle in-between the bag panels, one side is revealed and sewn onto the front side. This creates an accent to the handle that is attached diagonally. The width of the handle is wide, allowing you to carry the bag gently without the handle digging into your hands.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
With a longer strap, you can create a shoulder bag that can be carried diagonally. You are welcome to change the size of the bag, so why not making something smaller or even larger, wider and longer.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
It is a perfect accompaniment for a simple and casual styling. This fabric, depending on the color, can generate a completely different look. It will be fun to make many of them in different colors! For example, the black one can go well with a cool looking fashion. Enjoy it by incorporating different length, size and colors.

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

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