Lighthearted 2

Enjoying a variety of color combinations

Continued from last week, today’s column features a retro and bright print fabric, Lighthearted. This series consists of various designs including culinary-themed illustrations, small flowers, polka dots, alphabet letters, biased check and small dots. These designs are then put into three groups based on their colors, and not by their patterns. Following last week’s tangerine orange fabrics, the color groups of mint green and tricolor are featured today!

Mint Green　HFG_105 B Cotton Broadcloth

This group uses mint green as a base color with the opposite color, rose pink as an accent. The idea behind these color selections is to propose that it can be interesting to incorporate contrasting colors. With either mint green or pink featured in each fabric, it looks pleasing when matched even with other fabrics in the same group.

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Lighthearted

Retro and bright print like the designs from 1930s

“Lighthearted” means fun, cheerful and interesting. As the name depicts, this happy and fun print fabric reminds you of the thirties in the US with its retro design and crisp color tones. Based on the tones, the series consists of three color groups – orange, mint green and tricolor. Using fabrics of the same color group creates a consistent look. Border designs with English alphabets and lace motifs are suited for handles and design transitions. The possibilities are endless. Today’s columns features the first group, orange toned fabrics.

　HFG_105 Cotton Broadcloth

Alphabet letter ornaments are created using three groups of the Lighthearted series of fabric.

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Inspiration file56
　Large Pouch with a Hedgehog print

Few month ago We introduced a lunch bag by Mioko Sugino at the craft & sewing page. Soon after that, I found the same pouch in a different color on her blog. It could be thought of as ‘a bag’ rather than ‘a pouch’ due to its size. The lunch bag at the craft & sewing page was pink but this pouch is a balmy blue.　I was eager to introduce this pouch in this column, so I asked Sugino to send me some photos.

As hedgehogs are depicted in etching-like illustrations, it avoids being too cute in spite of the animal motif. That’s why this fabric is so charming. Sugino incorporates an ocean blue polka dot with a blue hedgehog print.

The inside features yellow dot on a solid blue.

The gusset is comfortably wide and the handle is a powder blue tape.

“This pouch is perfect size for travel. The handle comes in useful at the hot spring.”(Sugino)

This hedgehog print is available in natural, mustard yellow, and also comes in pink and blue.

When Sugino introduced this fabric to her blog. She was so pleased to hear her readers commenting, ‘I want this fabric!’. We regret to tell you that our site doesn’t provide a mail order service. But you can find web shops who deal in this fabric. Recommended key words are ‘hedgehog’, ‘hedgehog animal’, ‘cotton-linen canvas’ etc. Have a try….!

Joielinne2 Autumn

Perfect fabric for clothing to small items!

Familiar to the readers of this column, Joielinne is a series created to feature “fabrics that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family.” Continued from our July introduction of the gauze fabric, new lineup is featured today. This includes a brushed cotton flannel perfect for the upcoming season, a corduroy fabric suited for making a shirt or a skirt, and a #11 canvas, popular for making bags and small items.

Owl 　P29800-800　 Brushed Cotton Flannel

This nice and smooth brushed cotton flannel fabric will softly wrap your body in chilly fall weather. With a quilt batting in the back, a vest made with this fabric will have a cute finish. A pair of half pants and pantskirt (culotte) will also look lovely. Why not go on an outing dressed in this fabric covered with mushrooms, nuts and lovely owls, motifs that remind you of the forest in the fall? Of course, this warm material is perfect for household items like pajamas, pillow cases and throw pillow covers.

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Sheep Shaped Throw Pillow

Size (excluding legs and tail): 32cm (l) x 56cm (w)

Today’s project is a cuddly sheep shaped throw pillow. Hiromi Niikura, a designer from the “Ichi Nino San” clothing brand, is sharing her creative idea. These pillows in various colors will add charming accents to your interior decor.

Design & work Hiromi Niikura (Ichi Nino San)

Fabric shown for this sample: P29400-400 (A)

Materials (for red sheep):
□ Fabric : (Body) 65cm×80cm
(Face) 40cm×30cm
(Legs and Tail) 40cm×20cm
□ Button: Two pieces (1.5cm diameter)
□ #25 Embroidery Thread
□ Batting for stuffing

We interviewed Hiromi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
This brushed fabric has a nice texture and softness. The gentle looking pattern with great color combinations gives a cozy and warm feel. Utilizing its soft touch and design, I came up with a uniquely shaped pillow that makes you want to hug it.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
I wanted to make something that is a cross between a stuffed animal and a pillow, yet something not too cute…This sheep shaped pillow will brighten up your room with a warm feel even in a cold and dark season. It may also come in handy for your afternoon nap. On a sleepless night, counting sheep with this pillow may help you get a good night sleep…

KF: What are some tips for making this pillow?
With a curved shape all around, it will help to cut a slit and press down the seam to get a clean finish when you turn over the fabric. You can score the seam easily if you use a piece of cardboard as a face pattern. Cut the backside of the body after the front side is pieced together. This way it will be aligned and easy to sew.

KF: How should we use this pillow in everyday situations?
You should place it in a space where you have your relaxing moment, like on a sofa or in bed. As the size is not too big, it can fit as a pillow on the back of your car seat or on an office chair.

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

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