Monthly Archives: August 2018

Drawstring Bag for Yukata

Size: 25cm (l) 9cm (bottom diameter)

Summer festivals, Fireworks display… Yes, we are in the height of summer! This drawstring bag is perfect for a midsummer outing in Yukata (cotton kimono for summer). Featured fabric, K.A.E., is a collaborated series with Kanamorikae, who uses the stencil dyeing method for her textile making.

Design & Work:Anriko


Fabric shown for this sample:EKA-1050-1AEKA-1050-2A


Materials (for one bag):
□ Fabric (Bag panel outer fabric, Bottom, Cord opening): 80cm×30cm
(Bag panel lining fabric): 62cm×27cm
□ Cardboard paper or PP (polypropylene) sheet: 9cm diameter
□ Cord: 1.2m (0.2cm diameter)

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*All Rights Reserved.  Please refrain from the unauthorized use of project photos.

We interviewed Anriko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The color tones give a Japanese flair and look refreshing. I immediately thought it would look stylish with Yukata. So, I came up with a drawstring bag, which is carried often with Yukata.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The fabric itself is an easy to use cotton linen canvas. To add more Japanese taste, I incorporated the construction often used with Kimono accessories. The cord in the loop creates a pleat and it is made well like a Shifuku (tea accessory carrying bag), helping to produce a puffy silhouette.

KF:What are some tips for making this bag?
You may find it a little challenging to put a cord through the thin and narrow loop. It is made this way intentionally since if the cord is loose, it doesn’t create a nice closure. With the loop though, the bag portion is easy to make with just simple stitching.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
The classic patterns and colors are making a comeback for trendy Yukatas. To go with it, a lovely design like this bag will fit nicely. For your travels, you will also find it useful. Whatever it is used for, if you have a drawstring bag, it comes in handy.

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

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Visit Artist 016: Aco Sakamoto (Textile Designer)

Textile that brings happiness to everyone

Here is a special interview with Aco Sakamoto who was the runner-up in the Kokka Print Textile Competition “Inspiration” in 2015. Sakamoto launched her food-themed textile brand named GOCHISOU, upon finishing her master master’s course in textile design. Her latest collection with Kokka, OYATSU, has been available since January 2018. She always intends to create textiles that bring people joy, just like delicious foods make us happy.

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Kokka-fabric.com Kokka-fabric.com (KF): You earned your master’s degree in textile design from Tokyo Zokei University. Had you thought about studying textiles for a long time?

I have liked drawing from my childhood; actually I was really good in elementary and junior high school art classes. My passion for art was enough to let myself participate in sketching competitions, including the one I received an award. In the first few years of elementary school, my dream for the future was becoming a painter. As I was getting older and studying harder, however, I came to think I would not pursue a creative career but just go to a regular college.
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Blouse with Puffy Sleeves

Size: for 110cm height

A charming kid’s blouse with puffy sleeves is featured. It comes in a reversible print fabric that can be enjoyed in two ways – both front and back. The body and cuff use the front side while the reverse side is used for the sleeve, making it a two-tone combination. The double gauze material produces a loose-fitting look. It is a lovely dress with such comfort.

Design & Work:Naomi Nohara (lepolepo)


Fabric shown for this sample:YK-56120-2A


Materials:
□ Fabric: 108cm wide x 1m
□ Elastic tape: 50cm (0.5cm diameter)
□ Button: One piece (1.1cm diameter)

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*All Rights Reserved.  Please refrain from the unauthorized use of project photos.

We interviewed Naomi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The glen check gives a chic and mature look, yet the dot pattern on top makes it suitable for kid’s clothing. Taking advantage of the reversible character, I constructed it with a playful design by changing the colors on the body and sleeve.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Though the sleeves are long, the dress is loose fitting in double gauze material. With the elastic, the cuff can be rolled up, making it perfect as a fall outfit. When the sleeves are scrunched up, it looks puffy and cute.

KF: What are some tips for making this dress?
As an accent, I applied a different color fabric for the cuff. If you use the matching fabric, add 3.5cm (seam) to the sleeve length when cutting the fabric.

KF: How should we incorporate this dress into one’s styling?
If you mix it with a pair of wide-cut pants or a longer skirt, your going out outfit will definitely look in style.

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

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Sacoche with Folded Top

Size: 20cm (l – when folded) 27cm (w-bottom) 2cm (d)

This stylish sacoche is so easy to make – just fold the top. A sacoche is basically a shoulder bag that is slightly bigger than a pochette. Originally a crossbody bag, it was carried by bicycle road racers. Featuring the American designer Ellen Baker’s new design, the black and gold chic pattern is perfectly appropriate for a grown up.

Design & Work:Mioko Sugino


Fabric shown for this sample: Ellen Baker EKXA-5200-2A


Materials:
□ Fabric (Outer fabric) : 70cm wide × 30cm
(Lining fabric): 40cm wide × 70cm
(Bottom fabric): 40cm wide × 20cm
□ Tape: 1.4m (3cm wide)
□ Lobster clasp, Rectangle buckle: 2 pieces each (3cm inner diameter)
□ Adjustable slide buckle: 1 piece (3cm inner diameter)

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*All Rights Reserved.  Please refrain from the unauthorized use of project photos.

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Using this sophisticated fabric with a distinct contrast of black and gold, I wanted to come up with a cool design.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?


It is convenient to take things in and out with a simple folded top. The shape that curves along the body line also makes it easy to carry.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
You may find it a little difficult to sew where the fabric and tape are layered. To do it securely, operate the sewing machine stitch by stitch by manually moving the pulley slowly.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
The bag will stand out in a simple styling, coordinated with a solid color shirt.
Hold the strap short so that the bag sits right in the center of your back. This definitely creates a cool look!

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

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