For our second interview series, we invited a handicraft artist, Mioko Sugino.
Not only has she continuously presented us with wonderful works and recipes on our craft & sewing site, she, as komihinata, keeps herself busy. We asked her about the charm and appeal of the echino fabrics.
Kokka Fabric (KF)： You have created many works with the echino fabrics. Which fabric was the most memorable to you?
Mioko Sugino (MS)： All of them left such an impression on me. Honestly, it is difficult to choose just one… well, if I have to pick one, then it would be “sprout.” I fell in love with this pattern at first sight when I saw it at the store. I loved the color, the pattern, the size, and everything else about it, so I bought two colors without hesitation. I still have some left, and am carefully using it little by little.
▲Works using the 2018 echino collection, sprout
KF： We are thrilled to learn that you are still using the rest of them…little by little.
You have created various works with echino fabrics. When making items using this fabric, what did you find the nicest things about them or anything challenging that you encountered?
MS：Thanks to the striking colors and patterns that are unique to echino, any creations turn out to look stylish with a strong impact even when they are made simply. It is a delightful aspect of this fabric. While I don’t find it difficult to use per se, sometimes it takes time to find fabrics that complement the unique colors of echino.
KF： The colors of echino are very special. That’s why echino’s line of solids with a variety of colors is very useful, isn’t it?
▲echino Solid Series
KF： To sum up, what do you think makes the echino so special?
MS：The first time I saw echino was at a large handicraft store. They had an area setup with echino fabrics. I felt the love of the store staff as they had even prepared a signboard. I clearly remember being drawn to the fabrics as they had such different feel unlike all the rest. The patterns and colors are clearly “echino”, and I think that presence, which was quite memorable, is what makes them so attractive.
▲Square Bag With a Diagonal Handle (2017)。
KF： What kind of fabrics would you like to see for echino’s upcoming release?
MS： Large patterns are attractive, but I would be happy to see more small patterns like “sprout” that look lovely even if only a small portion is used! Also, I hope for an introduction of stripes and dots in echino colors.
KF：The echino standard series also include a small dot designs.
MS：So you do have dots! I would love to use them.
KF：In the coming years, what items would you like to make with echino fabrics?
MS：What I have in mind is a teddy bear made with a mishmash of remnants. For example, this part uses the piece from that pouch, and this section uses a leftover from that bag, and so on. Well, to be honest I am not very good at making stuffed animals, so I don’t expect the outcome to be amazing (laughs).
I think it would be fun to create a space coordinated in echino colors, by using the fabric for seat upholstery, curtains and throw pillows.
KF：We are excited to see your teddy bear. We cannot wait to introduce your echino-colored room on Kokka Fabric website.