Tank Top in Camouflage

Size: length 64cm

Handy to own, especially for the upcoming season, a short length tank top is today’s project. The fabric, a 150cm-wide Camouflage from echino 2015 collection, features a group of foxes seen in and out of bright greens. The creator of today’s handiwork is Anriko.

Design & Work:Anriko

Fabric shown for this sample:　echino camouflage JG-95220-20 (A)

Materials:
□ Fabric: 150cm×70cm
□ Double fold bias tape: 2m x 1.25cm wide

We interviewed Anriko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
While it’s echino’s popular cotton linen fabric, it has a double width and the material is broadcloth. This is perfect for someone like me, who loves to make clothing. Using its wide width to the fullest extent, I adjusted the look of the flared hem so that the front body and back body can be laid out and cut side by side on the pattern. The fabric length you need is only the length of the shirt.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
From my everyday wardrobe, I cherry-picked the elements to create the pattern. It has a slimmed-down look from the shoulder to the chest, and flares out to the hem. The back is long enough to partially cover the hip, while the front is short. It looks lovely from the side and covers the shape of the body at the same time.

KF: What are some tips for making this tank top?
I tried to make the sewing process as simple as possible. For the neckline and armhole, commercially available bias tape is used. It will have a softer finish if you make your own bias tape using the same fabric. Having said that, the commercial product is stronger and stays solid even after repeated laundering. For materials like knits and something soft, I prefer to use the readily available bias tape.

KF: How should we wear this tank top in everyday situations?
You will need to wear an inner shirt as the neckline is wide, however it is designed to not look too open. In the midst of summer, you can wear it by itself without a t-shirt inside. Depending on what you wear underneath, this top can be worn for many seasons. I find this type of “add a layer to a t-shirt” clothing very 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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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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