Following the last column, here are Ellen Baker’s charms again. This week we introduce cotton linen series.
“The sheep are in celebration of the Year of the Sheep, and many of the other motifs are reminiscent of good luck charms.”(Ellen Baker)
Persimmons JG42200-200 Cotton/Linen Canvas
The larger scale and fruit motif make this perfect for kitchen items like place mats, tablecloths, or pot holders.
Here are Ellen Baker’s collection, Charms.
“I wanted to continue to focus on simple geometric designs in this collection while bringing in touches of gold metallic. The double gauze cotton is made of two layers, each of them very lightweight, but the two layers together make the fabric a perfect weight for garment sewing.”(Ellen Baker)
Plus Dots JG42100-100 double gauze
The double gauze prints are perfect for baby items, quilts, or clothing. This print is versatile and can be used in many ways.
Today’s project is made with törten, a textile designed by Natsuki Camino who is a grand prize winner of the Third Kokka Print Textile Competition, “Inspiration.” Based on the ‘travel’ theme, the fabric has a design of continuous tracks. Because of this continuous motif, it adds fun to think where you want to cut. A popular blogger, Mioko Sugino is introducing her stylish creation of a square bag with orange color accent.
(Outer bag main fabric)törten JG49100-1 (C)
We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It is very stylish with a story behind it. It is cute, yet not childish and suitable for an adult. The orange in the gradation of the grey’s calm color tone creates a stylish accent. To maximize these pattern and colors, I chose a square bag that has a big surface. Every part of this textile is lovely that I had difficulty selecting a specific pattern.
KF:KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
You can neatly place books, a schedule book or a long wallet in this square bag. With a quilt batting, a tablet device can be carried safely. As a bag-in-bag in a bigger bag or as a purse for a quick outing, this bag is very convenient.
KF:What are some tips for making this bag?
After attaching the handle, it may be a little difficult to sew as the sides become less flat. As you sew, align the shape and pin it well before you start stitching.
KF:How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
The color tones are dark, but with an orange accent, it can enhance a simple outfit. On first glance, the color and shape have a hip look. When you take a closer look, you can see a lovely design. It may be cool for a child to carry this bag.
KF:Thank you very much, Mioko! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!
Today’s project is an oven mitt created with samber, echino’s 10th anniversary collection fabric. Out of the collection’s five color combinations, four tones are selected to make four different-colored pieces. Displayed on the wall, they create a fun atmosphere, making your kitchen bright and lively. Anriko, formerly known as Anri, is introducing her creative idea.
We interviewed Anriko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
I personally love these color tones and could not chose just one color, so I ended up making four pieces using different color palettes. The oven mitts come as a pair, and it may be fun to choose the color you like depending on your mood.
KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
I often thought the oven mitts sold at stores are wastefully large, so I made it as compact as possible. For a male user, you need to make the size slightly larger otherwise his hands won’t fit. (laugh)
KF: What are some tips for making this mitt?
In reality, you would use remnants to make an item like an oven mitt. Like today’s project, it is fun to use a different color for each hand. For the lining, you could recycle an old towel, worn sweat shirt or just about anything. One thing is that you should use a natural material that stands up well to heat.
KF: How should we use this mitt in everyday situations?
It is such a pretty textile. Displaying them in the kitchen as an accent where highly visible, I am sure you will want to do some cooking using these mitts.
KF: Thank you very much, Anriko! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!
It is finally here! We are introducing the textile designed by Natsuki Camino, who is a grand prize winner of the Third Kokka Print Textile Competition. The series is named törten. The theme of this textile is a culturally-oriented lifestyle where people live collectively in harmony with nature, like the Bauhaus’ collective housing, Törten Siedlung.
The characteristic of Camino’s textile is the use of a technique called “Chigiri-e.” In this process, she draws unique non-straight lines with torn pieces of colored paper collaged together to form images – like painting with paper.
North Trip JG49100-1
The theme of this series is “travel,” where Camino wanted to create a design with trains and vehicles. “Rather than making it look like a map, I tried to challenge myself in creating endless scenes like forests and lakes. Added to the scenery are the trains and tracks.” (by Camino) In addition to making kitchen accessories, using the fabric for a wide surface like a curtain can create a piece with impact.
Continue reading
Framework
charms
FOLK MODERN
Monochrome
Monochrome 2
One Handle Bag for a Quick Outing
Small Shoulder Pouch with a Gathered Accent
Square Bag with a Diagonal Handle
Pot Holder
Caramel Pouch
Tank Top in Camouflage
Törten
Puchi Puri (Petit Print)
Irome 2