Reusable Bag (Eco Bag)

Size: 38cm (l) x 30cm (w) x 13cm (d)

When you go shopping, what do you use for your shopping items? Recently some stores are starting to charge for the shopping bags. A simple handmade reusable bag (eco bag) can be personalized by choosing interesting fabrics or fabric combinations. Sewing aficionados can show off their talents! Today’s project allows you to combine your favorite fabrics in many different ways. A popular blogger Yuki Inomata, aka neige+　has returned to share her creative ideas!

Design & work： Yuki Inomata （neige+)

Fabric shown for this sample:　Lighthearted HFG-105

Materials:
□ Fabric: (Panels) Two designs 40cm×60cm each
(Gusset) Two designs 30cm×60cm each
(Pocket) 20cm×60cm
(Bias strip) 50cm×50cm

We interviewed Yuki about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
This fabric has a charming illustration and a bold, vivid pink color. I wanted to create something that uses these elements extensively. The fabric combined with these also have cute designs.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
I used the plastic shopping bag that I had at home as a base for the bag’s design. While you can use only two pieces of fabric to make this, I divided the bag into four parts so that you can incorporate more fabric designs. It requires lots of piping. In order to keep it minimal, the handles on the panel use a curve with matching material. This way, it shows the same fabric when turned inside out. I also used 5mm French seams to hide the seam.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
I recommend using a fabric with regular thickness, something not too thin. If you use a thicker material, it will be challenging to finish up the seam.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
It fits in its own pocket when folded and fits flat in your purse. As many places are starting to charge for a shopping bag, it will be convenient to keep in your purse for a variety of purposes.

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

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Huedrawer

Putting on colors from the drawer of hues

Popular series echino is introducing a cotton sateen fabric, perfect for sewing clothing. The name is Huedrawer. It is a coined word consisting of the words hue and drawer. This new collection was created with a theme, “feeling like putting on a ‘color’ from a ‘drawer of hues.’”

“Making you want to go out and feel the nature wrapped in a nice and silky fabric – that was the image I had when I designed this fabric. Different expressions created by various combinations of colors, and the process of selecting bright colors from the “Huedrawer = the drawer of hues” are the elements incorporated in this design. With these elements, Huedrawer is the kind of textile that makes you want to pleasantly contemplate which one to use for your project.” (by Furuya)

Bearing in mind that this fabric should be versatile for clothes making, the composition is simple by not having too many animal motifs or patterns. In every design, silver and gold prints are scattered in spots, creating a subtle yet delightful optical image. While echino normally comes in cotton/linen canvas, this collection is a soft and silky cotton sateen which is perfect for sewing a one-piece dress and tunics.

stag　JG99900-900 60 Sateen

“stag’s design consists of a very echino-like combination of male deer and zigzag pattern. A distinctive stag motif is the accent of this textile. With small patterns, it is a versatile fabric for making anything from small items to clothing. Depending on the combination of the colors, the design could create a unisex image.” (by Furuya)

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kirigami

Stylish succession of motifs like a paper cutout

The name of this fabric, kirigami, stands for the Japanese Kirigami, the art of papercutting. The aligned animal and tree motifs remind you of mobile décor paper cutouts. Doesn’t it look lovely like a Scandinavian wooden toy? With a simple design and limited use of colors, this thicker cotton/linen canvas fabric is perfect for making bags! Since the design idea originated from the mobile, a cut out of each motif will create a chic fabric mobile as a room décor item.

zou　P32000-200 Cotton/Linen Canvas

The zou features an elephant design, the most popular Scandinavian motif. The elephant, which looks like a paper cutout, is adorned with flowers on the body to create a cute look. With unbleached color as a base, simple color combinations of this fabric make it more versatile.

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Inspiration file 57
Super cute! Tiny Bag

Sometimes used for keeping coins, sometimes for carrying accessories…. A palm sized tiny bag tickles girl’s hearts; and no matter how many we have, we want more. Kaori Sawa, handicraft creator aka. Caunes+KaOriRi is among the diehard fans of such cute bags.

Above is a bag made from pink linen decorated with suede flowers. It’s an extremely lovely figure! A pop-arty flower print can also be found the inner lining of the bag.
“This size is suitable for point cards and credit cards. We can also use this as a name card case.” (Kaori Sawa)

This card case is inspired by the aesthetic of presents. Pale pink cotton with a purple velvet ribbon is used, with handles added in the same ribbon. We can create various designs dependent upon season and situation.

Sawa’s creation theme is ‘simple and kawaii (cute)’. Apart from ‘the tiny bag series’, she creates quite a few other sized bags and accessories. Each creation is made from unique fabrics and materials she is fond of collecting.

The bag shown in the photo above is made from mangle cloth; German antique linen creates a gentle atmosphere by adding an old doily. The shape of this bag is the same as the mini purse with a drawstring bag we introduce in the craft and sewing column.

The photo above shows circle shaped brooches which made of gathering fabrics. Brilliant pompom flower like colors would be fashionable accent for a chic and simple dress.

You can see Sawa’s creations at:

blog 　http://ameblo.jp/caunes
Facebook　　https://www.facebook.com/caunes

Pumps Shaped Small Case

Size: 8cm (w) 20.5cm (l)　

What a fashionable zipper case in the shape of pumps! #11 canvas material is solid yet easy to sew with a household sewing machine. A perfect fabric for making small items.
Today’s project is by Yui Tamaki, a creator of popular small handmade items filled with her stylish ideas.

Design & work：Yui Tamaki

Fabric shown for this sample: P30100-100 (A)

Materials:
□ Fabric: (Front outer fabric, back fabric) 25cm×30cm
(Lining fabric) 15cm×30cm
(Toe outer fabric) 15cm×10cm
□ Coiled fastener (zipper): over 16cm in length – one piece
□ Ribbon of your choice

We interviewed Yui about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It feels modern with a crisp look, so I thought of something cool in mind: a pair of pumps.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
I was selective as to which part of the fabric to cut since I wanted to include as many colors as possible. It does not take a long time to make this piece as the edges are finished with a faster process using French seams.

KF: What are some tips for making this case?
Please be careful and sew slowly as most edges are curved. The design is asymmetrical, and please pay attention to sewing the correct sides of the fabric and pattern.

KF: How should we use this case in everyday situations?
It is flat and does not take up a lot of room in your purse. It is perfect as a pen case with a couple of pens inside.

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

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