Helsinki-based Eri Shimatsuka’s textile, PIKKU SAARI is the material featured for this tote bag. A simple bag is enhanced with scrunched handles. Kanae Nakayama, known for her popular blog, “Hanabana Tanoshii Hi” is here to introduce her creation.

We interviewed Kanae about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
I fell in love with this fabric when I saw it at the collection show. The design is fun and filled with a Scandinavian feel. I thought of making an item to show off as much of this fabric as possible without adding a transition fabric.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The bag itself is simple and I added playfulness to the handles. Deep pink and chartreuse color that peeks out on the back are linked to the color of the main bag fabric. The inside pocket also has a deep pink accent slightly peeking over the main bag fabric.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
The design is simple so it should be easy to make. Your patience may be tested when making the scrunched handle, but it is not difficult.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
With an ample gusset at 14cm, you can carry a lot of things in this bag. The handles are just long enough to hold the bag over the shoulder. You may like to carry this bag as if it were a large accessory.

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

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Monochrome, a simple fabric that can be enjoyed for everyday use, is featured for this lesson bag project. The combination of fabrics, ribbon pattern for the outer bag and flower design for handles, transition and pocket, add a little spice to the look.

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

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The sewing opportunities with echino seem to be broadly expanding with the addition of a knit jacquard to its signature line of cotton linen canvas series. Soft and stretchy knit is not overly casual and can create clothing with a chic and soft feel. Anriko came up with a piece that perfectly fits this description. The design of this dress fully utilizes the fabric’s 75cm width, maximizing its beauty without separating the pattern.

We interviewed Anriko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It has a relative thickness with low tension, making it easier to handle for those who are not used to knit sewing. I designed something suitable for this material, a slim style simple one-piece dress.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The width of the fabric is unconventional at 75cm, and gave me the impression that the design was compactly organized within this dimension. I chose to style it with dolman sleeves so that you can fully incorporate the design from one end to the other, without cutting into parts. To avoid making it look too busy, the sleeve and decorative pocket have matching patterns.

KF: What are some tips for making this dress?
Please use a thread specifically for knit sewing. The edge of the fabric does not fray easily, so you can substitute serging with zigzag stitches.

KF: How should we use this dress in everyday situations?
Thinking to be worn with a pair of leggings, the style is slim with short length. Depending on how you coordinate with accessories, it can also be a stylish dress for an outing with a pair of tights.

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

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Today’s project is a pouch (small bag) centrally featuring a flower design from “Creative Thursday the tinies”, a lovely fabric with a blanket of multicolored bouquets of flowers. Strawberry pink color, taken from the bouquet, is used as an accent to add glamour.
A removable handle with swivel hooks allows you to hook this pouch to the handle of a larger bag as a bag-in-a-bag. Popular handcraft artist of small cute items, Mioko Sugino, aka komihinata is here to introduce her creation.

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Calm gray color combined with a bouquet of bright pink and chartreuse is very lovely, and I thought, “I want to use this fabric,” when if first saw it. With an appropriate thickness, I was able to produce a nice gathering.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Since the base color is chic, one color from the design was selected to make it glamorous. For this, strawberry pink was added. With a chartreuse color, it will also change the look to be stylish. Quilt batting and canvas fabric will keep the shape of the bag even with odd-shaped items inside.

KF: What are some tips for making this pouch?
When attaching swivel hooks to the handle, you may find it difficult to sew with some thickness. When using a sewing machine, it will work by turning a pulley (where it turns on the right side) slowly by hand. If you still find it difficult, you may substitute it with fabric bond to secure.

KF: How should we use this pouch in everyday situations?
The bag’s bright color and pattern will work well as an accent to a monotone outfit. In contrast, lighter colored clothing will work well as gray spices up the look. Either way, this bag will be a good addition. I hope that you will enjoy the bag together with a matching small case and scrunchy.

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

Continue reading →

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