KID’S Apron

Size: 60cm (w) x 40cm (l) (up to the chest)

Today’s project is a kid’s apron made with Floral Stripes that feature flower motifs in retro color tones as its main focus. Utilizing the floral borders in narrow and wide widths, the finished apron is lovely and looks like a patchworked fabric of floral designs. Masumi Saito, aka sinafuku, who is popular with her cute style of children’s clothing, is introducing her creative idea.

Design & work:Masumi Saito (sinafuku)

Fabric shown for this sample: 　Cascade Stripes P35200-200（B）

Materials:
□ Fabric: 50cm×60cm
□ Gathered lace: 90cm (2cm wide)
□ Double-folded bias binding tape: 80cm (1.8cm wide)
□ Rope: 2m (0.8cm wide)

We interviewed Masumi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
I wanted to feature the cuteness of the large motifs, so I came up with an apron that can be created with a single piece of fabric.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The design is simple and easy to make with very little sewing required. With this design, you can wear it by only tying the ropes around the waist.

KF: What are some tips for making this apron?
You can accommodate a larger size apron by adding more length to the hem.

KF: How should we use this apron in everyday situations?
You may use a satin ribbon in lieu of the rope. Also, by making the frills on the hem wider, you can make the apron look more girly. Please enjoy making this apron!

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

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Nordic forest

Animals and Plants of the Nordic Forest

The concept of this series is the “Nordic Forest.” Creating bags for zakka (knickknacks) loving ladies in their 30s and 40s is the theme for this fabric. The series proposes a simple everyday-use bag that you don’t get tired of, like a small bag for a quick outing during a lunch break or a sub bag for carrying extra items that don’t fit in your purse. The material is a cotton linen canvas with a natural feel. The simple yet bold color print is perfect for making bags and small items.

mountain bear　P35300-300 Linen Canvas

A little realistic looking bear is the motif for this design. The bear’s slightly annoyed expression is cute, isn’t it? The color contrast between the triangles and background is stylish. It is a perfect fabric for making a small pouch or a lunch box case.

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Anna Berger

Colorful fabrics that make your heart filled with blitheness

Scandinavian designer Anna Berger’s fabric is here. Featuring animals and flowers as motifs, Anna expresses her unique interpretations of a colorful and soothing world through her designs. Also working successfully as a designer of kids products for Färg&Form Sweden, she incorporates her past experiences of designing costumes for children’s theater on TV into fun designs.

Houses　JG48500-4 Oxford (Ox)

The inspiration for this motif came from the small 1940s houses in her neighborhood. Anna says, “The houses built in that era are painted in different colors like blue, red and green. Every time I see them, I am fascinated by their charms.”
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JUBILEE

Different materials for different designs

JUBILEE is a brand by designer Yasunobu Shimizudani. The brand concept is “Creating an item that is derived from a print design.” Different from the last collection which featured a #60 cotton lawn that is suited for making garments, the latest series has a refreshing new look. Depending on the design, different materials are used to print over an unbleached background. It is a versatile fabric that you can use for making clothing, bags, stole and re-making a T-shirt.

triangles　JG44100-1A　Cotton Linen Canvas

The motif for this fabric is a triangle ruler. Despite its geometric design, pale color tones and dots accent create a softer feel.

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Azuma Bukuro (Japanese Traditional Cloth Bag)

Size (when opened): about 51cm (l) about 51cm (w)

Today’s project is an Azuma Bukuro, a Japanese traditional cloth bag. It is made using a sheen natural linen fabric with a color pearl print treatment. A popular blogger and handcraft artist, Yuki Inomata is the creator.

Design & work: Yuki Inomata

Fabric shown for this sample:　：TSUMIKI PG101-1（A）（D）

Materials:
□ Fabric
(Outer fabric A): 80cm×40cm
(Outer fabric B): 80cm×40cm
□ Leather (Embellishment): 10cm×10cm
□ Double sided rivets: One pair (0.7cm diameter)

We interviewed Yuki about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
When I first saw the fabric, I immediately thought of making an item with a sharp form, utilizing the fabric’s design. However, the moment I touched the fabric, my direction changed. An Azuma Bukuro came to my mind so that I can make full use of the relaxed feel of this 100% linen fabric. The texture of linen gets better and better as it goes through washing. The longer you use it, and the more you wash it, you will start to love the feel of it. So this bag is perfect.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
An Azuma Bukuro has a simple design. It can be created from a single Tenugui (a rectangular Japanese washcloth) using hand stitches and is ecological and reusable. I arranged it to combine two monotone pieces so that I can maximize the fabric’s design. You could make it reversible with two layers. For this, I use a single layer to take advantage of the linen’s characteristics. When folded, it becomes compact and fits in your purse. It is both convenient and stylish.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
I am introducing the combination of black and white fabrics this time, and of course you can use a single color. The method to cleanly finish the seam is also featured. Whatever the fabric, you can make this bag with a length and width ratio of 1:3. You can arrange the shape by reducing or widening the bottom width. I hope you will try the project as it takes only about an hour to make.

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

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