Inspiration file59
Nijisuke’s animal paintings

Following on from the last column about goldfish I found at the Handmade Japan Festival (HMJ), I’m going to talk about another artist story.

At HMJ, there were various artists exhibiting accessories and illustrations, pottery and more. Amongst them, I found a booth where so many people were queuing and shopping. It was the Nijisuke’ s booth which I will feature here.

Nijisuke mainly creates animal paintings with acrylic. His original series of paintings are so unique that we have to redefine the concept of ‘animal painting’! Although their vivid hues differ from real thing, his animals somehow seem real. If we gazed at them, our hearts start pounding, they have a calm but none the less powerful impact.

In his booth, there were reproductions of paintings in colorful frames.

There were various types of smart phone cases which I couldn’t help but shop in bulk.

One customer left and another one came. Nijisuke was continuously kept busy.

As you see in the photos, Nijisuke also produces various products which duplicate the impact of the original paintings. Did you know, Nigisuke’s fabrics are produced by us: kokka-fabric are in charge of making his fabrics! The chimpanzee model, which many visitors at his booth were impressed by, has been converted into a fabric. You can see all fabrics on our textile story page.

For further information about Nigisuke’s creations, please go to his site:
　http://nijsuke5253.wix.com/0001

Cotton Sateen Kid’s Skirt

Size: 100－130cm Skirt length: 38.5cm

Today’s project is a kid’s skirt made with a lovely fawn design fabric from petit bonheur, a series that is filled with lines of tiny motifs. A circular wrap skirt that creates a cascading beautiful drape is even prettier in this shiny cotton sateen fabric. A regular contributor of children’s clothing in this column, Yuka Yonekura is here again to introduce her new creation.

Design & work creation：Yuka Yonekura （Francesca*amam label）

Fabric shown for this sample: P33500-500 (D)

Materials:
□ Fabric (Main fabric: Skirt) 1.10m x 110cm wide
(Belt) Linen (solid color) 85cm x 14cm

We interviewed Yuka about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It has such a lovely design that I instantly thought of making a skirt for fall.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The fabric is soft, yet has some thickness. To incorporate these characteristics, I came up with a circular wrap skirt. The beautiful drape makes it special. Another feature is that I used a different fabric for the belt. Solid color fabric adds a mature finish to the skirt.

KF: What are some tips for making this skirt?
This fabric is very easy to sew. You can make this skirt easily.

KF: How should we wear this skirt in everyday situations?

Color coordination is easy with this fabric. Wear something in a solid color for the top as an accent and it will make you look very stylish.

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

Continue reading →

Clutch Bag

Size: (when opened) 29cm (l) x 25cm (w)

The border fabric with changing designs in one is perfect for making a bag. We are featuring a stunningly cute clutch bag made from Feminine Border with polka dots and stripe design. Yui Tamaki, who previously introduced a lovely Pumps Shaped Small Case has returned with her new creation.

Design & work creation：Yui Tamaki

Fabric shown for this sample:P33300-300 (C)

Materials:
□ Fabric: 110cm (wide) x 60cm
□ Fusible interfacing (heavy weight) : 30cm x 60cm
□ Zipper: Once piece (24cm)
□ Snap: One set (1.0cm diameter)
□ Button: Two pieces (0.8cm diameter)
□ Decorative belt: One pair

We interviewed Yui about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Creating a design combination from this fabric is easy as three different patterns are already included in one fabric. I came up with a cute accent by using the deepest color diagonal stripe as a decorative piece.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The artificial leather belt generates a cohesive look. With a snap attached to the belt, it is easy to open and close.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
To keep the zipper aligned, I recommend basting it first. It is easy to make as the bag is flat and requires only straight line stitches. You can add your creativity to make an arranged version.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
You may carry it like a clutch bag or use it as a convenient case with large capacity.

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

Continue reading →

petit bonheur

A fabric that brings you a small bit of happiness

The name of this series, petit bonheur, is a French expression, meaning a small bit of happiness.
This time we are featuring a lovely fabric with lined-up small motifs created by a French designer. Cotton sateen material is perfect for making clothes. A “not-too-cute, yet a little twisted” design will be stylish for grown-up’s outfit. A small pattern with an aligned identical motif is suitable for small items. Why not deliver a small bit of happiness through clothing and small cases?

faon　P33500-500 60Sateen

The design motif of faon is polka dots with fawn. Small polka dots are combined with large dots and a fawn design inside. The different color ribbons on the single-color fawn create a design accent. A little girl’s dress will look really cute in this fabric.

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Inspiration file58
Goldfish made by needle felting

Looking back to summer, there were various handicraft events in various places. At one of the events the Handmade Japan Festival aka. HMJ, I found goldfish, a familiar sight in the summer, which were created by Hikaru Yahagi, the would-be goldfish artist. They were so striking among many creations.

In her booth, there were some extremely large goldfish whose entire length were supposedly 1m. I was abashed to use a dainty word like ‘gold fish’ to describe a creature with such an overwhelming presence! It looked like a napoleon fish. Its transparent fish scales and tail fluke were faithfully depicted.

“I have been a goldfish enthusiast since I was in primary school. Now I only create gold fish using by beads and needle felting.” (Yahagi)

Goldfish brings to mind goldfish scooping at summer festival. When I was a child, going to a festival, I begged my parents to let me try goldfish scooping. I was permitted try it once or twice, but it was not easy to catch the fish so eventually a goldfish vendor gave me one or two goldfish for pity’s sake….. Do you have a memory like that?

“I guess that goldfish scooping maybe the very first opportunity for Japanese children to encounter goldfish.” says Yahagi. She reluctantly admits that goldfish scooping at festivals is decreasing, as most parents refuse to bring goldfish back with their children.

“It’s a pity to know that emblematic strength of goldfish in Japanese culture is declining. The goldfish has always played an important role in teaching children both the preciousness of life and Japanese culture. So I created an opportunity for children to meet goldfish in different way from goldfish scooping.” (Yahagi)

Yahagi holds workshops on how to make goldfish crafts. In her booth, with napoleon fish-grade-goldfish, there were many goldfish straps and barrettes which children can ware.