HANAg (Hanagram)

A textile born with a concept, “Designs made with flowers.”

HANAg is a vivid design fabric with a row of beautiful flowers and delicious-looking fruit. Emi, an art director with a history of creating a variety of items related to flowers, and Yoko, a flower artist and photographer, are the designers of this series. “What would it look like if you design a pattern using flowers? Like flowers and a monogram combination…” (by Emi) With such freewheeling thinking, Yoko’s floral arrangements were photographed and then turned into a textile designed by Emi. Delicate color nuances are beautifully recreated by using an inkjet printing technique.

Apple　JG50000-1A Oxford (Ox) Inkjet

“In the beginning, there was the color. Based on this idea, we selected the material. We wanted to design red motifs using apples. And we came up with this fabric!” (by Emi) Red…apples…gerbera daisies. Like a word association game, ‘red’ flowers and fruit are connected together. Round apples look like large polka dots. The dress made with this fabric will make a girl look mighty cute!

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Sheep Shaped Pouch

Size: 13cm (l) x 19cm (w)

The project uses a lovely fabric of aligned small and big sheep, design by Ellen Baker. Kanae Nakayama is introducing her convenient small case, which she says is “Perfect for carrying a bank account book!”

Design & work: Kanae Nakayama

Fabric shown for this sample:　charms JG42200-201（B）

material：
□ Fabric (Main panel lining fabric, Flap outer fabric, lining fabric): 70cm×20cm
(Main panel outer fabric, Card pocket (narrow-wale corduroy)): 50cm×20cm
(Zipper pocket top and bottom (plaid)): 50cm×20cm
□ Fusible quilt batting: 20cm×10cm
□ Zipper: One (18cm long)
□ Leather tape: 50cm (0.2cm wide)
□ Covered button: One (2cm diameter)

We interviewed Kanae about her creation:
KF Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It has a stylish design with aligned sheep, this year’s Chinese zodiac sign. The color combination of soft green and brown is beautiful. You can see tiny sheep here and there in the design, and I find it so cute. I cut the fabric so that this design will become the focus.

KF:Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Pockets with partitions and a zipper pocket are featured. For the button, I created a covered button. Rather than using a variety of fabrics, it looks cohesive if you limit the number of designs.

KF: What are some tips for making this pouch?
It consists of many parts, so you should pay attention to parts that are being sewn together. Partitions for the card pocket use a straight stitch. Be sure to sew a straight line otherwise the cards won’t fit. (Check to see if you can fit the card in the center pocket!)

KF: How should we use this pouch in everyday situations?
You may use it to carry your bank documents. An account book fits in the zipper pocket.

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

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Green Bag in Double Gauze Fabric

Size:25cm (l) x 23cm (w) x 10cm (d)

We are introducing a bag made with a double gauze textile by Ellen Baker called charms. Double gauze’s soft and fluffy texture is stylishly enhanced by metallic gold sparkles. Popular with her natural style clothing and small goods, the fabric artist Kimie Shimizu is sharing her creative work.

Design & work:Kimie Shimizu（style of ile)

Fabric shown for this sample:(Outer bag main fabric) JG42100-102(B)
(Top opening fabric) JG42100-100(C)

Materials:
□ Fabric
(Outer bag main fabric): 30cm×60cm
(Top opening fabric): 50cm×20cm
(Lining bag main fabric (Linen)): 30cm×60cm
(Handles (Linen)): 30cm×30cm

We interviewed Kimie about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It holds the softness of double gauze fabric, yet feels solid as a regular fabric. The areas where sparkling lame print is incorporated feels coarse, and I thought the fabric is suitable for making small goods.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
In addition to incorporating the softness of a double gauze fabric, I layered a solid linen for this bag. To reduce stitching, it is created as if the air is incorporated in between the fabrics. Though this sample only uses one color, blue, for the handle, you can combine another color like yellow.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
For a clean finish, you should iron the fabrics before moving on to the sewing process. It requires less sewing but still creates a gusset.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
It is great for an outing, as a wallet and cell phone fit perfectly. You may also use it to carry indoor slippers or as a bag-in-bag.

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

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Trefle Sparkle

Sparkly Fabric with Gold and Silver Powders

This is a simple design fabric using abundant gold powder for its print. The “Canvas #8” is a thickest fabric that can be sewn using a household sewing machine. A single layer of this fabric can create a solid looking bag.

Dot　P37700-700 Canvas #8

Slightly patchy looking dots in irregular patterns stand out in Dot. This fabric, printed with gold powder, is different from other dot prints. It will definitely spice up the look of an ordinary tote bag.

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Natsuki Camino (illustrator, textile designer of Törten)

The world of “Chigiri-e” shown over textile

In 2013, the Third Kokka Print Textile Competition “Inspiration” was held, and Natsuki Camino splendidly won the grand prize out of 163 entries. Recently Camino’s beautiful textile line named “Törten” made its debut, which prints are from her illustrations including the winning artwork of the competition In addition, she designed a cup and saucer bridal gift set for Barneys New York in 2012. She continues to be active by contributing her work to fashion magazines and advertisements.

Kokka-fabric.com (KF): Could you please tell us how you became an illustrator?

I had always dreamed to become an independent artist painter while engaging in a design-related job. Painting was what I liked to do most at that time. Contemplating how to create a business out of what I liked, I wondered if painters would be in demand for book-cover design, illustration in magazine and so on. After that, I started to visit publishers to promote my works as well as held my personal exhibitions occasionally.

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